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Marine Aquarium Lighting
Marine aquarium lighting is considered as one necessary component for any kind of aquarium. If your invertebrates and coral reef don’t get enough light for photosynthesis from aquarium lights, then their survival can become risky. Aquarium lighting is the primary feature of saltwater and freshwater aquariums. For better aquarium lighting, you should follow a basic rule of providing 1 to 2 watts of lighting every gallon for fish aquariums, and 4 to 8 watts per gallon for reef aquariums. For fresh water, planted aquariums, aquarium lighting which comes with 24-hour lighting system is advised for high light output fixture. There are different types of aquarium lighting which are available in the market. Select the one which you think suits your marine aquarium. Aquarium lighting plays an important part in the marine aquarium, for the simple reason that the world's coral reefs are all subject to strong sunlight all the year round, and many of the reef's inhabitants need that sunlight to survive. Also, many of the more colorful show fish, angels and tang sin particularly, need algae as an essential part of their diet, and the only way to grow algae is to have sufficient light in the aquarium. Therefore, your tank should incorporate quite strong artificial lighting. There are a number of ways to achieve this. Most simple tanks are supplied with metal or plastic hood designed to hold a number of fluorescent tubes. Make sure that the hood is easily removable for access, and remember to ensure that the cover glasses are watertight. If the hood is metal, coat it with three layers of polyurethane varnish to ward off corrosion. You will find variety of fluorescent tubes available, many of them especially formulated for the aquarium fish market. This form of lighting is ideal because fluorescent tubes are not too expensive to buy, are economical to run, last a long time and do not run hot. They are sufficient for most marine tanks, but you may need something more penetrative for deeper tanks and for situations where lush growths of algae are required. Do remember that fluorescent tubes only have limited useful life, even if they continue to give off light. Replace the lights in rotation, so that there are always one or two tubes that are less than six months old. Because of the bulkiness of marine lighting arrangements, manicurists choose tanks without hoods. You can then either situate the tank in the open and use decorative lighting, or enclose the tank behind wall or partition and make use of standard, perhaps unattractive, but also less expensive lighting simply suspended over the tank. Ordinary domestic spotlights can be positioned over an aquarium, with the light directed into the water to create some striking effects in moving water. Mercury va pour lamps are increasingly popular lighting for aquariums. These look like decorative household lights, and are either suspended over the tank or are wall mounted. They are quite expensive but they are a very efficient light source, and can be recommended in those situations where they can be fitted. Metal halide lamps would be the specialists' choice. Anybody who has seen a large marine tank lit by metal halide lamps would be hard put to go back to 'ordinary' lighting without feeling dissatisfied. These lighting units, suitably protected for use near the aquarium, are expensive and bulky, however, and may not be suitable for beginners to marine fish keeping. One final word on lighting and tank location. Although it is not a good idea to locate a freshwater tank in direct sunlight, marine tanks can prosper in sunlight, and a warm conservatory or similar situation makes an ideal location.
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