Oceanic Aquariums Lighting: Tube Lights And Hoods

The shark glides through the water, eerily lit from the light above., and looks as though it could swim right out of that tank. Everyone wants to re-create the dramatic effect seen in most aquariums. The best way to do this is with the proper aquarium lighting. The right lighting can make the fish and other living creatures in the tank feel like they're right at home in the ocean. In fact, oceanic systems for aquarium lighting have become very popular for this very reason.

Aquarium lighting is a very intricate part to any fish owner's life. The wrong lighting could cause an algae problem within the tank or possibly kill the fish. When first deciding on aquarium lighting many people get confused and frustrated because there are so many different options.

First, regular light bulbs shouldn't be used for aquarium lighting. Although relatively inexpensive, these light bulbs need to be changed frequently, and the owner cannot regulate the amount of heat getting into the tank. Added heat could cause problems for the tank itself and the fish. Therefore, the most common bulbs for aquarium lighting are fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are more expensive but they don't need to be changed as much and last longer than regular bulbs.

Fluorescent bulbs can be broken down into three categories: normal output (NO), very high output (VHO), and power compact. Normal output is the most common and most fish will not be harmed by the normal output bulb. These kinds of bulbs are available in a variety of different watts and are also available in tube lights. The size of the tank will determine the bulb wattage needed.

Very high output fluorescent bulbs are best for people who are maintaining tanks that are heavily planted, very tall, or contain lots of reef. These kind of tanks are also known as oceanic systems. These tube lights are more expensive to maintain because they require a special ballast to work properly. A ballast is a device that regulates the amount of electrical current that circulates out into oceanic systems. This is needed to prevent too much light from entering the oceanic systems. Although it's expensive, VHO tube lights last three times longer than NO bulbs.

Power compact tube lights are quickly becoming the most popular choice among oceanic systems owners. This is mainly because power compact tube lights don't require the added expense that VHO bulbs do. They also provide the same length of use as VHO bulbs do for oceanic systems. Another added bonus is that power compact fixtures can hold a variety of different bulb watts.

Another necessary purchase are hoods. Aquarium hoods come in a variety of colors and materials. Their main purpose is to regulate the water within the tank and hold the aquarium lighting in place. The most popular aquarium hoods are the eclipse hoods. These hoods only open half way, keeping the other side of the hood stable, and allow less natural light inside the aquarium. The general rule for hoods is to purchase one that matches the size of the tank. Other than that there are no specific requirements.

Aquarium lighting and hoods can be purchased online and in retail stores. Places like Petsmart, Uncle Bill's Pet Store, and Aquarium Guys sell aquarium lighting for normal and oceanic systems as well as hoods. Aquarium lighting ranges in price from $8 for a NO bulb to $40 for power compact bulbs. Hoods run in price from $30-$122.

Whether its oceanic systems or a normal tank, aquarium lighting is necessary.However, the wrong lighting can harm the fish and the tank. Therefore, it's best to know what the appropriate aquarium lighting is and to not exceed the recommended wattage.


Sources:
Aquarium Lighting. Keith Seyffarth. 2007. 5 April 2007. http://www.firsttankguide.net/lights.php
Aquarium Lighting. Aquarium Guys. 2006. 5 April 2007. http://www.aquariumguys.com/aquarium-lighting.html
Aquarium Hoods. Aquarium Guys. 2006. 5 April 2007. http://www.aquariumguys.com/aquariumhoods.html