

Most fish tanks typically range between 5,000 to 20,000 Kelvin.Īt sea level, we measure sunlight at around 5,500K. Bulbs with a higher K-rating gives a cooler, blue light.ĭaylight around noon would equal about 5,500K. Lower K-rated bulbs give off a warmer, reddish hue. This K-rating tells us the color temperature of the bulb. When describing the spectrum of aquarium light, bulbs are scaled by a Kelvin, or K, rating. You have more flexibility with fish than plants when doing so.
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When choosing how to light, the main goal for your freshwater or saltwater reef fish tank is to make your aquatic pets feel like they’re in their natural environment. Spectrum and intensity depend on varying factors such as:

The most important factors to lighting are light spectrum and light intensity. Freshwater and saltwater fish and plants have different needs, so use our saltwater and freshwater guide below to know what to look for. When shopping for lighting, pay close attention to the color spectrum and needs of your specific aquatic life. Even for a beautiful fish tank, if the tank lighting isn’t right, the plants and fish won’t develop as they would in their natural environment. Final Thoughts Why Is Aquarium Lighting So Important?Īquarium lighting is an investment nobody should neglect.VHO (Very High Output) Fluorescent Bulbs.Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (Versions of Standard Fluorescents with Higher Light Output).
