![]() Metal halide bulbs come in a variety of spectra from 5000k on up to 20,000k and allow for a variety of light-hungry corals to survive under them. ![]() These high output lights closely recreate the shimmering effect of bright tropical sun over a patch of coral reef. T5 High Output fluorescent bulbs which are thinner than traditional T8 bulbs and provide a much brighter, more powerful light are commonly used as are the older VHO ( Very High Output) fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lighting.Īnother light source in reef aquariums is metal halide lighting. Many corals require a deep blue or actinic spectrum of light to thrive. Lamp colour plays an important role in reef aquarium lighting for both aesthetic preference and to optimally sustain the photosynthetic life within the aquarium. More advanced setups can include several lamp types and can also include lamps of different colours. Simple lighting setups use a single lamp or multiple lamps of a single type. Typical light sources types include LED, fluorescent, metal halide, and sometimes plasma lamps. The lighting used for reef aquariums is the highest intensity of all aquarium types. The lighting is generally of much lower intensity than is used in reef aquariums to limit algae growth. Lighting is chosen primarily with aesthetic considerations for optimal viewing of the fish. In fish-only marine aquariums, lighting is intended only for illumination. Brackish aquariums may also include infrared or UVB bulbs (or both types) for basking animals such as turtles. Brackish īrackish aquarium lighting is similar to freshwater and planted tank lighting, depending on the species included. The LED aquarium light fixtures generally are the most efficient, although the T2, T5, and in particular the SHO, have their positive planted aquarium applications as well. Other newer sources for planted aquariums that use less electricity and produce less heat include the T2, T5, SHO, and LED. However, this metal halide lighting often uses more electricity and can produce excessive heat. In addition to providing a much stronger light source, these light sources also offer a better spectrum for plant and algae growth than standard lighting. High-intensity compact fluorescent bulbs, high output fluorescent bulbs or metal halide lamps are often used over such aquariums to encourage plant growth. ![]() įreshwater planted aquariums require more specialized light sources. Compact fluorescent lighting with a compatible screw-in base is frequently used as a direct replacement for incandescent bulbs. Incandescent lighting is becoming less popular because it uses much more energy and produces more heat than the other lighting types. Freshwater aquarium lighting is commonly provided by screw-in incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes and LED lamps. ![]()
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