Aquarium Lighting Quiz

Artificial lighting is used to illuminate an aquarium; reef and planted aquariums require specialized high intensity lighting to support photosynthetic life within the tank. Freshwater aquarium lighting is commonly provided by screw-in incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and LED lamps. Freshwater planted aquariums require more specialized light sources such as high-intensity compact fluorescent bulbs, high output fluorescent bulbs, metal halide lamps, and LED aquarium light fixtures. Brackish aquarium lighting is similar to freshwater and planted tank lighting, depending on the species included. Fish-only marine aquariums use lighting primarily for illumination, while lighting in reef aquariums is the highest intensity of all aquarium types. Lamp colour plays an important role in reef aquarium lighting for both aesthetic preference and to optimally sustain the photosynthetic life within the aquarium. Many corals require a deep blue or actinic spectrum of light to thrive. T5 High Output fluorescent bulbs, VHO fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lighting, and metal halide lighting are commonly used for reef aquariums. LED lamps of 3/4 to 2 watts can be implemented to come on at night, simulating the glow of the moon over the tank. All in one fixtures require large fans to cool the bulbs and achieve maximum light efficiency. LEDs have a higher initial cost than other lighting sources but utilize much less energy and are dimmable. LEDs produce a very narrow color spectrum that is limited to a narrow band of wavelengths.