Marine life is regarded as the most beautiful of all life forms in the universe. An aquarium helps us to display marine life to capture a portion of this amazing splendid state. A reef aquarium or planted aquarium decorated with fish, invertebrates and plants is a glimpse of the astonishing beauty of a world thousands of miles away from our sight and imaginations. Having the proper lighting is one of the major key components to bringing it all together.
Our goal in providing sufficient aquarium lighting includes replicating the natural lighting conditions, to provide an innate habitat. Several notable factors determine the lighting scheme for a given aquarium. We will discuss some of the basic terminology regarding aquarium lighting, including Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), LUX, and Kelvin Temperature (K). This will help to give you a better understanding of how to measure the light you are providing for your own aquarium.
When hobbyists refer to light "intensity" in an aquarium, PAR is what they are actually referring to, as PAR is literally the amount of light energy usable by chloroplasts per given area. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is considered by many the best way to measure light energy and quantity for the aquarist, and is much simpler to define and measure than any other form of light measurement. For the home aquarist's purpose, PAR is the number of photons per meter squared per second of light that falls between ~400 nanometers (nm) and ~700nm in wavelength. Photosynthetic efficiency peaks at around 430 nanometers, which is approximately the major spectral output of a standard blue (actinic) bulb, and 680 nanometers, which is approximately the major spectral output of a (white) daylight bulb. Both bulb types and wavelengths are useful in providing PAR to photosynthetic invertebrates, therefore it is recommended to use both types of lamps.
LUX is a unit of measurement of lumens per square meter, sometimes (and incorrectly) used synonymously with light intensity. Instead, LUX is the measurement of apparent intensity, as viewed by the human eye, per square meter. Because the human eye weights certain parts of the spectrum (certain wavelengths) as brighter than others, two light sources can have the same intensity but a different LUX. LUX was somewhat useful to the aquarist before PAR meters became relatively affordable, and can still be useful if a PAR meter is unavailable. Hobbyists that use LUX as a unit of measurement would typically keep their reef aquarium or freshwater planted aquarium light intensity between (3000-14,000 LUX), depending on how heavily stocked it is with soft corals, hard corals or plants.
The Kelvin temperature (K) is the scientific unit for temperature, and is often used to measure the color temperature of light, or more accurately, the measurement of the temperature of an object emitting black body radiation (also known as thermal radiation, or radiant heat) as visible light (to be useful to aquarists). Kelvin temperature is a very useful way to measure the color spectrum of a bulb. Kelvin temperature has become the common color-rating index among bulbs produced for the hobby. A combination of fluorescent actinics, 6,500-degree K, and 20,000-degree K metal halides are what many aquarium hobbyists consider the most pleasing, not only for the tank inhabitants, but also for viewing pleasures.
Aquarium lamp types, include metal halide, fluorescent, compact fluorescents also called power compacts, incandescent and LED. LED lighting sources are one of the latest options in aquarium lighting. Some hobbyist would say they are the best, as they consume less electricity and produce less heat. Moreover, Led's can be used in different colors in different areas of an aquarium. The LED lighting source is generally assembled using a Plexiglas board with fitted Led's. In addition to lamp types, other lighting accessories include fixtures, hoods, canopies and light timers.
In essence various lighting schemes will be needed to facilitate the needs for different aquariums, including fish-only aquariums, fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR), freshwater planted tanks, and reef tanks. To save yourself some frustration, we recommend continuing researching about the lighting requirements for your particular fish and aquarium, before making your first purchase. An important reminder! Don't forget to check online aquarium supply stores, as they typically have a more diverse selection with better pricing than a neighborhood fish store. In conclusion, once you are familiar with the lighting requirements, it will be easy for you to obtain the specific lighting you need. With dedication you will be rewarded with a beautiful thriving piece of the ocean that you can be proud of.
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