Lighting Marine aquarium

1 lighting

1.1 natural sunlight
1.2 incandescent
1.3 standard fluorescent
1.4 higher-output fluorescent
1.5 metal halide
1.6 led
1.7 overall lighting considerations

lighting

a diy metal halide pendant lamp

regular cyclical lighting used in aquariums simulate day , night. beneficial fish , invertebrates since establishes routine, enables them rest, , makes them feel more secure. aside establishing routine, high output lighting required many invertebrates such corals , anemones survive. lighting in marine tanks contain fish , live rock not important issue. in aquariums containing invertebrates, however, algal growth (of both free-living , symbiotic algae) desired, more intense lighting required. various light sources include not limited to: natural sunlight, fluorescent, vho fluorescent (very high output), t-5 fluorescent, compact fluorescent, led , metal halide. each type of lighting has own advantages , disadvantages. vary in initial cost, maintenance cost, spectrum obtainable, longevity, efficiency, , power.

natural sunlight

the primitive lighting source natural sunlight. effective in areas near equator because intensity of sunlight greatest there. efficiently utilizing natural sunlight requires complex planning and, such, method applied on largest reef systems. many times in hobby natural sunlight avoided due low spectrum of lighting has. yellow tint undesirable , believed encourage problem algae, though studies show not.

incandescent

incandescent lamps have been phased out on years. wasteful of energy, producing between 15 , 30 lumens per watt of power (out of possible 683 lumens per watt ideal light source). can found many times in older aquarium light hoods. burn out frequently, put off lot of heat, , not have appropriate spectrum associated them. incandescent lamps can replaced commonly available , efficient screw in power compact bulbs.

standard fluorescent

standard fluorescent tubes common light bars find in commercial ceilings. fluorescent lighting has more color temperatures available more suited aquariums of incandescent bulbs. more efficient incandescent lighting, averaging between 90 , 95 lumens per watt. downside regular fluorescent lights not have intensity penetrate deeper aquariums.

higher-output fluorescent

there several improved variations of fluorescent technology. main ones high output (vho), power compact fluorescent (pc), , t-5 high output (ho).

vho fluorescent lamps run @ higher power levels, 3 times standard wattage given bulb length. have advantage of high light output, larger diameter bulbs limit efficiency of reflectors , number of bulbs can fit in aquarium hood.

pc lighting high-power fluorescent lighting, tubes thinner , folded on 1 reduce size. spiral-shaped energy-efficient light bulbs commercially available house lighting power compact fluorescent bulbs. pc bulbs recommended replaced every 6 months year keep desired light spectrum.

t-5 ho lights newest variation on fluorescent lights. run @ higher power levels standard fluorescent lamps, made thinner standard fluorescent bulbs, allows more efficient reflector designs more light aquarium. higher quality t-5 systems match or exceed output of equivalent power compact fluorescent or vho lighting fixtures. on downside, t-5 lighting expensive type fluorescent lighting available. many times cheaper per watt, in long run multiple t-5 bulbs being replaced, use equivalent metal halide light setup on t-5 setup if such high light output required.

all types of fluorescent lighting offer same efficiency in lumens per watt; shape of bulb , reflectors makes overall outputs different.

metal halide

metal halide lights highest output lighting commercially available. produce 90-100 lumens per watt of power. same fluorescent. improvement metal halides concentrate light output small space, whereas fluorescent lights evenly illuminate entire aquarium. referred point source lighting, , causes rippling visual effect on many advanced aquarium setups. concentration of light output increases intensity, allowing metal halide lamps penetrate light bottom levels of aquariums. metal halides available in many color temperatures, 6500 k 20,000 k, though bulbs high 50,000 k found. downsides of metal halide lighting initial cost , heat produced.

most metal halide fixtures more expensive fluorescent systems, required reef setups. halide lamps concentrate heat light output. surface of operating lamp becomes hot enough cause second or third degree burns instantly, lighting technology must used caution. heat produced can warm aquarium unacceptable levels, possibly necessitating use of chiller aquarium setups.

led

the recent addition list of aquarium lighting technologies led lighting. these have potential more efficient other technology, not developed. leds have advantage of point source lighting, adjustable power levels. allows more advanced lighting schedules, simulation of cloud cover, or lightning storms. far, leds have found use lunar lighting in commercial products.

reef-keeping enthusiasts have begun build own led light fixtures well. debate on effectiveness towards coral still inconclusive, particularly respect ability give off uv radiation, critical obtaining vibrant array of colors people interested in led lighting looking for.

led lighting can considered 1 of energy efficient , low impact options lighting reef tank well, projected life expectancy of 7 years. led lighting helps replicate natural of sunlight because led lights produce shimmer lines ones found on natural reefs.

the amount of emitters or led fixtures can vary based on these , other factors; photosynthetic specimens being kept, input energy lost heat, par of light @ depth of aquarium water, , light spectrum (pur) used. light spectrums closely duplicate nature going efficient. includes blue light in spectrums approximately 410nm 485nm along white (daylight) spectrums 6500k 14000k. warm white emitters more yellow , green spectrums should avoided. results can anywhere .8 watt per gallon 1.5 watt per gallon of average depth aquarium.

overall lighting considerations

when considering lighting aquarium, there 2 factors consider: wattage , color temperature. depending on type of lighting (i.e. fluorescents, metal halide, etc.) wattage of light emitted may vary considerably, tens of watts several hundred watts in lighting system. wattage, while not indicative of color, equivalent power , determines how brightly light shine. due scattering of light in water, deeper 1 s tank is, more powerful lighting required. color temperature, measured in kelvins (albeit unrepresentively) refers color of light being emitted lamp , based on concept of blackbody radiation. light sun has color temperature of approximately 5900 k , lighting systems color temperatures >5000 k tend best growing plants in both marine , freshwater setting. 10,000 k light appears bluish-white , emphasizes coloration in fishes , corals. higher on spectrum there 14,000 k , 20,000 k bulbs produce deep blue tint mimic lighting conditions underseas, creating optimal ambience invertebrates , livestock present.