Let There Be Light . . . In Your Aquarium!
Choosing the best lighting for a saltwater aquarium can be very confusing. What different types of lighting are there? What will it cost me? What are wattages and Kelvin ratings? Since lighting is one of the more expensive components of most fish tanks, it’s important to do some research before spending loads of money on fancy light kits.
The primary types of lighting are: regular fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent, high output (HO) fluorescent, very high output (VHO) fluorescent, metal halide, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Regular Fluorescent Lighting
This type of lighting comes with most starter tanks and is very affordable. The tubes usually range from 15 to 40 watts and have Kelvin ratings from 3,000 to 10,000 degrees. (Kelvin is the scale used to measure the color temperature.) Fish-only saltwater tanks will work fine with this type of lighting.
Compact Fluorescent Lighting
These are a step up from regular fluorescent lights. They range from 10 to 100 watts and have Kelvin ratings from 5,000 to 10,000 degrees. They offer very bright, intense light but do give off some heat that may raise the tank water temperature. Running these lights will require special hoods that are sometimes equipped with fans to counteract the heat emission.
High Output (HO) Fluorescent Lighting
HO fluorescent lights range from 20 to 60 watts and have Kelvin ratings of 6,000 to 11,000 degrees. They are more expensive than regular fluorescent lights but usually last longer. These lights require a T5 light fixture.
Very High Output (VHO) Fluorescent Lighting
VHO lights typically range from 75 to 160 watts and have Kelvin ratings from 10,000 to 20,000 degrees. These lights can be very expensive and produce quite a bit of heat. They require a special fixture made for VHO lights. Fans in the lighting unit help keep the aquarium cool but it still may be necessary to equip the tank with a chiller to prevent the tank water from overheating.
Metal Halide Lighting
Metal Halide lights typically range from 175 to 1,000 watts and have Kelvin ratings from 5,000 to 20,000 degrees. This type of light is closest to the sun in terms of luminosity but the bulbs are expensive to buy, operate, and replace. They produce a great deal of heat and usually must be fan-cooled. This is usually the preferred method for lighting a reef tank containing anemones and corals that require higher intensity lighting. They are generally not recommended for beginners.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LEDs offer many advantages over the other lighting systems but are cost-prohibitive for many hobbyists. LED lights consume less energy than other lights, run much cooler, have a longer life span, are more durable, and can be configured in many ways due to their small size.
Experimenting with different types of lighting will help to uncover the rainbow of different effects you can achieve in your tank. Remember to always practice good electrical safety, and be sure to use drip loops and GFCI outlets!
