Basic Lighting
The are several factors that can influence the type and quantity of light
needed. These are:
1. size of aquarium (depth, length and width)
2. fish species and other aquatic inhabitants
3. plant life
4. aesthetics
Generally speaking, a range of 1 to 3 watts per gallon will provide most
fresh water aquariums with values that will provide optimal plant growth.
Marine reef aquariums will sometimes require greater quantities of light to
support the growth of certain coral species. That will be determined by what
corals are being kept. You should deduct 10 to 15% of volume when using the watts per gallon rule to account for water displacement
from the aquarium contents.
Lighting Tips
1. Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent
fixture.
2. Sudden changes in light may stress fish. Try not to turn the lights
on immediately if they have been in full darkness. Possibly provide a small
room light that can be turned on shortly before turning the tank lights on.
3. Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before
and after feeding.
4. Use timers when possible. Plants and fish will do better with consistent
lighting periods.
5. A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate
ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat. This is especially important in
ballast types that generate more heat.
6. Always use a drip loop for e lectrical wiring leading to the ballast.
7. Consider a GFI (Ground Fault
Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances
surrounding any potential electrical mishaps. I highly recommend this! Getting
shocked is rather unpleasant.
8. Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day. As in nature, fish and plants
require dark periods as well.
How to Maximize Efficiency of Fluorescent Lighting
1. Keep any glass between bulb and water surface clean.
2. Clean the bulb surface weekly (with damp soft sponge) if directly exposed
to water surface.
3. Avoid turning lights
on and off unnecessarily
4. If you use higher light intensities,
you should line fluorescent fixtures with a reflector.
5. Replace fluorescent tubes annually, for maximum efficiency.
6. Make note of installation date of fluorescent bulbs. (Keep a log for
all aquarium maintenance!)
7. Combine different tubes for certain specialty applications to maximize
spectral representation. e.g. in a double fluorescent, use a daylight
and a blue spectrum possibly.
8. Use electronic ballast(s) when possible, for the following reasons:
a. higher frequency operation, resulting in superior bulb performance and
visual presentation
b. higher power factor, greater or equal to 0.96
c. longer ballast life
d. increases bulb life
e. greater flexibility, triggers all bulb diameters (T-8, T-10 & T-12)
f. greater energy efficiency
g. less heat production
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Aquascaping
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