Aquarium and Pond Care with EcoBio-Block

When it comes to selecting a lighting system for your saltwater tank, you cannot simply go to your local pet store and purchase the first lighting system that fits your tank. There are a number of factors to consider when buying a lighting system for your tank and if you don’t choose wisely your tank inhabitants may fail to thrive. It is important to choose a lighting system of the right size, wattage and type – before you buy, take the time to learn the basics about lighting a saltwater tank so you can make an informed decision regarding which is best for you.

Requirements by Tank Type

If you have ever kept a freshwater aquarium, you probably already know that certain tank inhabitants like live plants require more lighting than do aquarium fish. The same is true for saltwater tanks – certain organisms have greater needs for light than others. In the saltwater tank, fish generally do not have specific requirements for lighting, though some tend to prefer more dim lighting than others. If you plan to keep photosynthetic organisms like corals in your tank, however, you will need to install the proper lighting system to support those organisms. Light provides energy for photosynthetic organisms like corals and marine algae – without adequate light, these organisms may fail to thrive and it could impact your whole tank environment.

Not only do you need to consider whether or not you will be keeping corals in your tank when selecting a lighting system, but you also need to think about what kind of corals you plan to keep. Reef tanks supporting low-light corals may only require 4 to 6 watts of light per gallon whereas tanks with corals that require more light may need between 10 and 12 watts per gallon. Do not look for “watts per gallon” on the package when comparing lighting systems and light bulbs at the pet store because you won’t find it. In order to determine the watts per gallon given by any light you must divide the total wattage by your tank capacity. For example, a bulb that produces 200 watts would provide a 50-gallon tank with 4 watts per gallon.

Other Considerations

When shopping for a lighting system for your saltwater aquarium you have to think about more than just watts per gallon – you also need to consider what type of system you want. Some of the most popular lighting systems for saltwater tanks are LED, fluorescent and metal halide. LED lighting systems consist of numerous small bulbs that put out high-intensity light. These systems are very energy efficient and can also be adapted to provide dim lighting at night for nocturnal tank inhabitants. Fluorescent lighting systems come in a variety of forms including normal output, power compact and very high output (VHO). Power compact bulbs produce as much light, or more, than traditional fluorescent bulbs without taking as much space. VHO lighting systems produce high-intensity light that can be three times as bright as normal output bulbs. Metal halide lighting systems are also very powerful and they provide light that is intense enough to penetrate deep water in large tanks.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for tank lighting is that high-powered lighting systems may produce a great deal of heat. Metal halide systems, for example, can produce so much heat that they may end up overheating your tank. To prevent this from happening you may need to install an auxiliary fan or aquarium chiller to maintain the water temperature in your tank. You should also be aware that tank lighting comes in different colors. Full-spectrum lighting is ideal for fish-only aquariums but tanks housing corals and other photosynthetic organisms do best with actinic and 50/50 bulbs.

In addition to equipping your saltwater tank with a high-quality lighting system, you may also want to think about installing an EcoBio-Stone or using some EcoBio-Pebbles in your tank filter. These products are designed to boost the biological filtration in your tank by adding live beneficial bacteria. After introducing one of these products into your tank, the beneficial bacteria will rapidly multiply, working to remove toxins and to maintain the nitrogen cycle. Clean water is just as important as quality lighting in a saltwater tank and installing an EcoBio-Stone is a simple way to achieve it.

When it comes to aquarium lighting you have a wide variety of options to choose from. You may be tempted to think that one light bulb is the same as any other, but the truth is that selecting a lighting system for your aquarium is not a decision that should be taken lightly. The type of lighting you use in your tank and the size of the bulb could make a difference not only in how your aquarium looks but how it functions as well.

Purpose of Aquarium Lighting

The difference between your aquarium looking dull and lifeless or vibrant and colorful can sometimes be achieved through a simple change like installing a high quality lighting system. Aquarium lighting serves to illuminate your tank as well as your tank inhabitants, making them stand out and enhancing their natural colors. While the aesthetic function of aquarium lighting is not to be overlooked, aquarium lighting serves a practical purpose as well. Photosynthetic organisms like plants require light as an energy source in order to grow and function. Without proper lighting, your tank could not only look dull but your plants and other tank inhabitants could be negatively affected.

Types of Lighting

The most basic type of aquarium lighting is the standard fluorescent bulb. These lights are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes suitable for virtually any tank. One step up from the standard fluorescent bulb is the compact fluorescent. These bulbs are smaller and more powerful than standard fluorescent bulbs but they are still energy efficient and affordable. If compact fluorescent lights are not powerful enough, consider a T-5 HO or VHO lighting system. Both of these systems utilize fluorescent bulbs and both produce light of a much higher intensity than standard fluorescent bulbs.

T-5 HO, or T-5 High Output, bulbs are typically about 5/8” in diameter and are highly recommended for planted tanks. VHO, or Very High Output, lighting produces light up to three times more intense than standard fluorescent bulbs and they are available in a wide range of sizes. The main difference between these bulbs is that VHO bulbs run very hot and may require a chiller or auxiliary fan while T-5 HO lights do not. The most advanced type of aquarium lighting available is metal halide lighting. These bulbs produce wide-spectrum light and come in sizes up to 1000 watts. One more type of lighting that is still a fairly recent addition to the aquarium hobby is LED, or Light Emitting Diode, lighting. This type of lighting utilizes miniature bulbs that put out light from the blue and white end of the spectrum which creates a shimmering effect in the aquarium. Many LED lighting systems also incorporate lunar lighting, a type of lighting designed to mimic natural moonlight ideal for nocturnal species of fish and invertebrates.

Tips for Aquarium Lighting

When selecting an aquarium lighting system for your tank you need to choose not only the right type of lighting but the right wattage as well. Tanks housing fish only require no more than 1 or 2 watts of light per gallon while planted tanks need between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. To find out how many watts per gallon any given bulb will provide, simply divide the total wattage by the tank volume. You should also keep in mind that some lighting systems are better for planted tanks than others. Most fluorescent bulbs – including compact fluorescents, T-5 HO and VHO bulbs – are sufficient for planted tanks. If you have a very large or deep tank, however, or a densely planted tank, a metal halide lighting system may be the best choice for you.

While aquarium lighting is very important, it is only one aspect of maintaining a healthy aquarium. Keeping the water quality in your tank high and performing regular water changes are also necessary to keep your tank running smoothly. In order to make your job easier, consider installing an EcoBio-Stone in your aquarium. EcoBio-Stones are made from porous volcanic cement that has been infused with beneficial bacteria. Once released in your tank, these bacteria will work to maintain the nitrogen cycle, helping to keep your tank water clean and clear. These bacteria will also help to keep the phosphate levels in your tank stable by breaking down accumulated waste. If the phosphate levels in your tank spike and you are using a high-intensity lighting system, you could experience a sudden increase in algae growth which could affect your water quality.