How Do You Choose A Light For An Aquarium?
Lighting serves many purposes and is necessary for healthy fish and plants. Make sure you have enough light for your fish and plants. Ask for advice if you’re not sure. Hoods already have the light built in, while canopies – two strips of glass connected with a plastic hinge – are separate from the lights. Consider a canopy over a hood, because it is easier to upgrade the lights. Use fluorescent bulbs, which are cooler and use less electricity. Avoid grow-lights, which will not only make your fish look oddly colored, but will also cause algae blooms. Give your fish at least 12 hours of light a day. Choose bulbs that equal 2 1/2 watts per gallon of tank water. Watch the plants in the tank to determine whether your lighting is adequate. If the plants are growing, there’s enough light; if the algae is growing out of control, there’s too much light.
