Lighting is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy tank. Your choices will change depending on species of fish, type of tank, and of course, some good old fashioned pizzazz. Here’s a quick list of tips so you know how to keep your fish healthy and look good doing it!
Don’t
- Put your tank in direct sunlight. It can overheat the tank or make algae overgrow. Remember, you are trying to mimic the fish’s environment!
- Go far outside your budget. You can make sure your lighting pops while keeping costs down. Gadgets don’t keep fish healthy – you do!
- Skip the details – you will want to know the energy efficiency, heat, and color spectrum
Do
- Light your fish for at least 8 hours in a fish-only tank, and aim for 10 to 12 if you have reef or coral
- Pay attention to Kelvin ratings for lighting to avoid overheating your tank
- Use LED lights if your tank is saltwater
Many of these are trial and error (for example, cut back on light usage if algae is growing too quickly), but with a little diligence, you can keep your marine life lit and safe!
