Aquarium Lights Guide

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New options in high intensity bulbs mean that finding the right aquarium lights for your saltwater tank has never been easier. Most saltwater aquariums contain a mixture of fish, live rock, coral and crustaceans. Many of these species require very high intensity lighting that standard issue bulbs cannot provide. Reef owners should choose aquarium lighting that is specifically designed to simulate both day and nighttime reef conditions. There are a number of options available through most pet stores and online retailers. Does some research before purchasing to find the right aquarium light for your saltwater tank.

Saltwater tanks that will include live rock and fish, but no coral, have the lowest light intensity requirements. Most species will require a watt per gallon ratio of around 5 watts. Though this is on the lower end of the scale in terms of reefs, this is still more than freshwater tanks require. T5 aquarium lighting is perfect for lighting a tank such as this. It will provide equal light distribution, enough penetration to reach the bottom of a shallow saltwater tank, and poses little danger of overheating the water. T5 lights will require a 48" aquarium light fixture, and may be purchased in spectrums that replicate both sunlight and moonlight.

If, in addition to fish and live rock, your tank will house coral and crustaceans, 8-12 watts per gallon will be necessary. Metal halide aquarium lighting is the best way to get light levels within the recommended range without cluttering a tank with too many bulbs. A metal halide aquarium light will be costly to run, but it is the best way to artificially recreate the reef conditions your tank needs to thrive.

It is not advisable to use metal halide lights overnight, as they are too intense for nocturnal activity. Lunar LED aquarium lights are perfect for nighttime reef illumination. They are adept at recreating the soft light of the moon, and will help even diurnal fish maintain their natural lifecycle. Lunar LED lights are designed to be easy to install alongside primary light sources and may be added to the same timer.

Always keep in mind that the inhabitants of saltwater aquariums require more high intensity aquarium lights than fish and plants in freshwater tanks. Even if all other conditions in an aquarium are perfect, the wrong lights will make it impossible for a delicate aquatic ecosystem to thrive. Please visit Fish Tank Now for more information. There you can also find information on different types of fish tanks and more.