Choosing Aquarium Lights For Plants

Choosing the right aquarium light for your planted tank can make the difference between thriving plants and algae-ridden tank. There are many lights on the market and they all come with a variety of features. The first step is to decide what kind of plant tank you want and then pick a light that will support those plants. Then, the rest is a matter of adjusting the lighting to the needs of your specific tank.

LEDs are the best choice for planted tanks because they provide an even light with a broad spectrum that supports most kinds of plants. The light also emits very little heat which makes them more comfortable for the plants and fish in the tank. The lights also last much longer than fluorescent bulbs.

The intensity or brightness of the light is very important in an aquarium because too low an intensity will result in slow growth and may not allow your plants to photosynthesize at all. On the other hand, an overly intense light can scorch your plants and give rise to algae. Most LEDs have a programmable dimming feature to allow you to adjust the light to meet your plants’ and animals’ needs.

It is also important to consider the water depth of your tank because certain wavelengths, such as blue, penetrate deeper into the water than others. This can be especially important with freshwater tanks that have a lot of rock and substrate.

Many lights also list a recommended tank size. The reason for this is that the size of the tank affects how much light the lamp can cover and how far down it will reach. For example, a tall tank will require a stronger fixture than a short one because the light needs to be able to reach down to the plants in the deepest part of the tank.

Fluorescent and metal halide fixtures can have reflectors which help to focus the light and reduce shadowing in the tank. The best reflectors curve around the bulbs to maximize light penetration in the tank. A good reflector can double or triple the amount of light that reaches your plants.

The most important thing to remember with any lighting is that it must be turned on and off at the same time every day. A light left on all night will scorch your plants and will also prevent them from being able to photosynthesize at night. A simple timer can be set up to ensure your plants are getting the correct amount of light every day.