Lighting:
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| Power compacts |
Many might ask what kind of lighting do I need? Well that simply depends on what kind of livestock you are going to have in your saltwater aquarium. Lets start with fish only aquarium. Fish only aquariums can simply run any lighting of your choice, as there wont be any corals or livestock that require good amount of lighting in the aquarium. Although for the simplest, cheapest route, the least I would do are power compacts for a fish only aquarium. Fluorescent tubes will not bring out the color on the fish compared to a set of power compacts, which are more intense and better colored to bring out the colors of fish, and just give the tank a nice ocean feel of a saltwater tank. Also most hobbyist start off with fish only aquarium and then eventually start with some corals slowly, until eventually they evolve their fish only tank to a full blown reef tank. Power compacts will not only do great for fish only aquarium, but will also leave some room for some less light demanding corals you might want to try.
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| T5 |
Reef aquariums ask for way more light compared to a fish only tank. As reef aquariums do ask for more intense lighting, there are a huge variety of lighting setups you can run, and of course based on what kind of livestock you want in your reef aquarium. Lets start with
T5 lighting. T5 lighting has a higher lumen output than power compacts, are more energy efficient, and generate less heat. Although, bulbs don't last forever and should be replaced anywhere from once every 8-12 months. Depending and how many T5 bulbs your are running and how many watts, you can have any where from the most light demanding corals to the least light demanding corals with T5 lighting. Now off to
metal halide lighting, this kind of lighting is strictly for the most light demanding corals, generate the most heat of all the lighting choices, and prepare for a higher electricity bill. Although, it does have it cons, it is considered to be one of the most intense lighting. This kind of lighting produces more lumens per watt than any other reef aquarium lighting out there. Many say this kind of lighting will give the best growth and coloration to your corals. Just like any other fixture with bulbs, metal halide bulbs should be replaced every 12 months. Finally, to the most favored lighting for reef aquariums,
LED lighting. LED lighting is most favored for many reasons. First off, leds produce the least heat compared to any other type of lighting for our aquariums. Secondly, get ready to see your electricity bill price drop when switching over to leds. Leds are the most energy efficient and low voltage lighting avaiable. Get ready to save on bulb replacement, leds also don't require bulb replacement, some hobbyist have used their same led fixture for years and still performing like day one. Lastly leds offer the glowing colors that all hobbyist look for. All the corals in your reef tank will just glow with colors, giving it an amazing appearance.
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| Metal Halide |
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| LED |
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