Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies by Gregory Skomal

Author:Gregory Skomal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wiley

Recommendation: Not for the saltwater aquarium.

Fluorescent

Considered by many to provide the optimum lighting for the aquarium, fluorescent lighting is popular for saltwater aquariums. If you think that you’re unfamiliar with fluorescent lighting, think again. It’s very common in commercial office buildings, and we’ve all seen it and used it in our everyday lives. There was a time when the same type of lighting was used in the aquarium, but times and technologies have changed.

Now, fluorescent lights are made specifically for saltwater aquariums. If you choose this type of lighting, make sure to buy it from your fish dealer. These fixtures usually come as full hood aquarium lights or may be purchased separately as a strip lights for glass canopies. (See Chapter 6 for more on hoods and canopies.)

Quality of light: Fluorescent fixtures produce cool, bright light that spreads evenly from the light into the aquarium. This doesn’t allow for natural surface ripple effects, but it does distribute light evenly in the tank. Fluorescent bulbs or tubes come in a wide variety of choices and power outputs. Full-spectrum lighting is available and ideal for reef tanks (discussed in Chapter 1). Multi-bulb fixtures are available so that light of different spectral qualities can be mixed. Fluorescent lighting is also pleasing to the eye.

Bulb longevity: Fluorescent tubes generally retain their spectral qualities until they fail. They are known to last from several months to two years, depending on the bulb.

Expense: Initial cost is less expensive than other aquarium lighting, they operate very efficiently, and they consume relatively low amounts of electricity.

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