Many hobbyists often overlook the importance of lights in the aquarium. Though for normal aquariums, light is not a mandatory option, for planted tank it is. The success of a planted tank depends on what type of lighting system are you providing.
That’s why, choosing the right lighting system is extremely important for the success of a planted tank. As there are thousands of companies selling hundreds of lighting systems, choosing the right light can be quite confusing and tricky. This article will guide you through the best lighting systems available in the market. After reading the article, you will be able to determine what lighting system you need for your aquarium.
That’s why, choosing the right lighting system is extremely important for the success of a planted tank. As there are thousands of companies selling hundreds of lighting systems, choosing the right light can be quite confusing and tricky. This article will guide you through the best lighting systems available in the market. After reading the article, you will be able to determine what lighting system you need for your aquarium.
Why Aquatic Plants need light?
- We all have heard about the photosynthesis process. This is a process that every plant use to make food for themselves. For this process to work, the presence of light is a must. So, without adequate light, the aquatic plants won’t thrive, in the worst case they may even die.
- Some plants, especially red plants need high light for showing their colors. Without the absence of enough light, the red chlorophyll won’t get exposed.
How much light do plants need?
Lighting is extremely important for a balanced planted tank, but that saying, too much of everything is not good. It is recommended to turn on the lights of aquarium 8 to 10 hours per day. Keeping the light on for a long period of time may cause various kinds of problems such as
=>It will disrupt the balance of the aquarium water
=>Algae bloom may occur
=>The additional algae will compete for nutrients with your plants. As a result, the plants will stop thriving.
=>It is best to use an automatic timer and live tension free.
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Best lighting systems in the market:
Compact Fluorescent Light: in the recent days, compact fluorescent lights have gained more popularity than standard fluorescent lights. They offer more intensity and wattages comparing to the standard fluorescent lights. These lights also have a longer lifetime warranty than the standard ones. These lighting systems are ideal for most of the planted tanks. Though, if you live in a hot or tropical area, you may need to use a chiller as these produce a lot of heat.
Wattage: Between 10 to 130.
Click here to get the best deals on Compact Fluorescent Lights.
T5 Lighting: it is simply another type of fluorescent lighting system. They are also known as T5 HO Lighting. They offer more intense light than the compact fluorescent lights. They are even more compact. A T5 light can last for a couple of years. This lighting system is ideal for planted tanks that have below 2 feet height.
Wattage: Between 24 to 54.
Click here to get the best deals on T5 Lights.
VHO (LED) Lighting: Also known as Very High Output Lighting system, they come with more wattage than T5 lighting and last longer. These lighting systems are ideal for larger aquariums.
Wattage: Between 75 to 165.
Click here to get the best deals on VHO Lights.
Metal Halide Lighting: This one of the most powerful lighting system for planted tank now available in the market. They offer the highest wattage compared to any other lighting systems. The bulbs offer a wide spectrum of light with high intensity. This lighting system is needed for large aquariums and aquariums that has a heigh more than 2 feet. An auxiliary fan or chiller is a must for this lighting system.
Wattage: Up to 1000 watts.
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