Part 3 of 11: The Importance of Proper Lighting in Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums
Understanding the Role of Lighting and Its Impact on Aquatic Health
Welcome back to part 3 of 11! Today, we're diving into the luminous world of aquarium lighting. Whether your tank is freshwater or saltwater, proper lighting is the difference between a drab fish bowl and an underwater paradise. So, let's “shed some light” on the subject (pun absolutely intended) and explore the ins and outs of aquarium illumination!
Lighting in an aquarium isn't just for showing off your fish's good side. It creates a natural day-night cycle, which is essential for the well-being of all your aquatic buddies. For photosynthetic organisms like plants in freshwater tanks and corals in saltwater tanks, a quality light is basically their version of a gourmet meal. They need it to produce energy through photosynthesis, which supports their growth and health. So, if you want to keep more than just fish the light does more than just help make them visible. If you want to keep plants in Freshwater or coral in Saltwater, think of your aquarium light as a fancy restaurant for your plants and corals. Its more than a bulb, it needs to provide the right spectrum for their pallet.
Impact on Freshwater Aquariums
In freshwater aquariums, proper lighting is key to the growth and health of aquatic plants. These green beauties require light for photosynthesis, which helps them produce oxygen (your fish will thank you) and absorb nutrients. Yes, plants are both eye candy and functional! Without enough light, you might end up with a plant graveyard and an algae apocalypse. Nobody wants that. Good lighting also makes the colors of both plants and fish pop, turning your tank into a living work of art.
Impact on Saltwater Aquariums
Saltwater aquariums are where the lighting game really steps up. Unfortunately, so does the cost. It’s the difference in cost between a sit down restaurant and one that has a dress code and requires reservations. Corals and other photosynthetic invertebrates rely on light to make energy. Without it, their health can deteriorate faster than you can say "reef." Proper lighting also brings out the vibrant colors of corals, making your tank look like a scene straight out of "Finding Nemo." Plus, the right lighting supports the symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae, the photosynthetic algae that live within coral tissues. Light starts photosynthesis in the zooxanthellae and it makes carbohydrates for the coral, yet another functional symbiotic relationship. It's basically the marine version of a power couple.
Types of Aquarium Lighting
Now that we've established the importance of lighting, let's take a look at the different types available. Each option has its pros and cons, so understanding them will help you make an informed decision for your setup.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting is like the trusty old friend of the aquarium world. It's common, affordable, and gets the job done. Here are the two main types:
· Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs): These are energy-efficient and provide a broad spectrum of light that’s great for just lighting the tank and ok for plant growth. They're good for small to medium-sized tanks. However, the industry has really turned to LED, so it may be harder and harder to find a fixture for CFL’s.
· T5 and T8 Fluorescent Tubes: These tubes offer higher light output and are suitable for larger tanks and are far more common. T5 tubes, in particular, are the overachievers of the fluorescent world, known for their brightness and efficiency. These are ideal for planted freshwater tanks and offer great supplementation to LED options in saltwater reef tanks.
LED Lighting
LED lighting is the rising star, loved for its energy efficiency, longevity, versatility and low heat generation. You can customize LEDs to emit specific wavelengths of light, catering to the needs of different aquatic organisms. They come in various forms like strips, panels, and spotlights. Here's the scoop:
· Freshwater LEDs: Designed to promote plant growth and enhance the natural colors of fish. Many come with adjustable settings to mimic natural daylight cycles (white light with full spectrum), perfect for keeping your tank’s inhabitants happy.
· Reef LEDs: These high-output LEDs are designed specifically for saltwater tanks with corals. They provide the intense light needed for coral growth and can create stunning lighting effects. Think of it as the disco ball for your underwater dance party. Coral prefers blue light in the 450-550 nanometer (nm) range. This is why you see pictures with neon accents from the blue light.
Metal Halide Lighting
Metal halide lighting is the heavyweight champ, known for its high intensity. It's commonly used in large saltwater tanks with demanding light requirements for coral like Acropora. These lights produce a spectrum that closely mimics natural sunlight, making them ideal for coral reefs and deep tanks. However, they do generate quite a bit of heat, so you might need additional cooling measures, like fans or chillers. These used to be very popular for the intensity of light you can get out of them. Now for most aquariums the high cost and high heat they produce they really are not worth it these days unless your building an enormous tank with significant depth that you need to punch through to provide the light the coral down there needs. Think Shedd Aquarium scale.
Incandescent Lighting
Incandescent lighting is the grandparent of aquarium lighting options—old but not quite up to the modern tasks. While it’s inexpensive, it’s not energy-efficient and produces a lot of heat. It generally doesn’t provide the necessary spectrum for plant or coral growth, so it’s best left in the past, like rotary phones and dial-up internet. Just don’t do it, it may be cheap but you will be buying something different in the future even if all you want is to illuminate fish. These are typically found in ultra budget bundles with “everything you need” to get started. Setups like that are typically insufficient and lead to nothing but wasted money and frustration.
Selecting the Right Lighting for Your Aquarium
Choosing the right lighting for your aquarium depends on several factors, including the type of tank, the inhabitants, and your budget. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Measuring Light Intensity
Light intensity in an aquarium is measured in PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation). It is essential for ensuring the health and growth of your aquatic plants and corals. It can be done with a meter and measured in different locations in your aquarium. For example, locations high up on the aquascape will be higher than down at the bottom or in the shadow of the aquascape. Quality light manufacturers will provide charts and graphs on the PAR intensity at different measurements that the light is rated for. If you buy a good light its usually not worth the cost or effort of measuring your specific tank. While different organisms require certain light intensities they do live in a range. Therefore, its not imperative If to be spot on accurate.
Do keep in mind there are things within your control that will affect the intensity of your light. If you have a glass lid that is a significant filter for the light. If its smudged with fish food and mineral buildup its like driving in our lovely Midwest winters with no wiper fluid. Screen tops offer a better alternative from a PAR perspective. Additionally dirty water has a yellow hue to it that will cut down on PAR ratings. Keeping up with regular maintenance (carbon replacement and water changes) or better yet, hiring Aquatic Utopia to keep up with regular maintenance will aid in crystal clear water and optimal light penetration for your plants and invertebrates.
Tank Size and Depth
The size and depth of your tank will influence the type and intensity of lighting you need. Larger and deeper tanks require more intense lighting to ensure that light penetrates to the bottom. For example, metal halide or high-output LED lights are suitable for deep tanks, while fluorescent or standard LED lights are sufficient for tanks that the average hobbyist enjoys. The deeper the tank the more LED and supplemental fluorescent lighting you will need if growing freshwater plants or saltwater corals.
Type of Inhabitants
Consider the specific lighting needs of the plants, fish, and corals in your tank. Fish only tanks don’t require much. You just need to see them. Standard light bars both florescent or LED work fine. Freshwater plants typically require moderate to high light, while fish do not have specific lighting needs but benefit from a natural day-night cycle. In saltwater tanks, corals and other photosynthetic invertebrates need intense, full-spectrum lighting to thrive. Below are some common PAR levels for a range of plants and corals. You need to purchase a lighting system that can produce the high range of what you want to grow. As mentioned before the light levels are different depending on where in the aquarium you place things so it the maximum you need to be concerned with based on the manufacturer recommendations.
PAR Levels for Aquarium Plants:
Plant Species
PAR Range (µmol/m²/s)
Anubias
40 - 200
Bacopa
100 - 250
Cabomba
100 - 250
Cryptocoryne
50 - 200
Echinodorus
40 - 250
Hygrophila
150 - 250
Ludwigia
100 - 250
Rotala
100 - 250
Vallisneria
50 - 200
PAR Levels for Corals:
Coral Type
PAR Range (µmol/m²/s)
Soft Corals
50 - 200
LPS Corals
100 - 200
SPS Corals
200 - 400
Acropora Corals
300 - 500+
Tips for Using PAR Levels:
Low Light: Less than 100 µmol/m²/s
Moderate Light: 100 - 200 µmol/m²/s
High Light: 200 - 300 µmol/m²/s
Intense Light: 300 - 400 µmol/m²/s
Extreme Light: Over 400 µmol/m²/s
Light Spectrum
The light spectrum, or the range of wavelengths emitted by the light source, is crucial for photosynthesis and overall tank health. Full-spectrum lights that mimic natural sunlight are ideal, as they provide the necessary wavelengths for plant and coral growth. Many LED lights allow you to adjust the spectrum to suit the specific needs of your tank. Many manufacturers sell different models specific to freshwater or saltwater that targets the specific spectrum range you need.
Budget
Your budget will also play a role in selecting the right lighting. While LED lights may have a higher upfront cost, they are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, potentially saving you money in the long run. Fluorescent lights are more affordable initially but may require more frequent replacements. The range from low to high is fish only, freshwater plant lighting, saltwater reef lighting. There are “name brands” on the market that are more expensive than less widely recognized brands in the market. Often times you are paying for marketing though, the name brands offer good build quality. With that in mind you can go with cheap brands that may not last as long as name brands but know you will likely need to replace more often. Aquatic Utopia is familiar with many brands and can help consult to make what can seem to be confusing decisions.
Conclusion
Proper lighting is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving aquarium. It supports the growth and health of plants and corals, enhances the natural beauty of your tank, and provides a natural day-night cycle for your aquatic inhabitants. By understanding the role of lighting and choosing the right type for your specific setup, you can create a vibrant and sustainable aquatic environment.
Stay tuned for part 4 of 11 in our aquarium build series, where we will explore more tips and tricks to help you build and maintain your dream tank. Questions or comments please feel free to call Aquatic Utopia today: 630-492-0179! Happy fishkeeping! 🐟🌊