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The WaterZoo

439 Lincoln Road

Millfield

Peterborough

PE1 2PE

U.K.

Tel. (01733) 312142

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The WaterZoo. All rights reserved

Lighting is almost as controversial as the ‘best’ filtration system, many have their own ideas on what is right. We have divided this section into two parts as the lighting for fresh water and marine environments can be quite different. It is based on what we found works well in our shop and our own aquariums at home. Only plants, algae & many invertebrates require light to thrive, fish do not require intense lighting. However the right spectrum enhances fishes colours

If you have just fish present in your fresh water aquarium one light is sufficient, unless the aquarium is over 60 centimetres deep. You may use either Triplus for intensity or the Arcadia Original Lamp for really bringing out the colours. As there are no plants present the light may only need to be on for a few hours a day. For example when you return from work until you go to bed. This will reduce the any algae growth.

If you wish to grow plants* in your aquarium you must have a light on it for around 12 hours every day. The amount of light required is governed by two factors. The depth of the aquarium and species of plant(s) you wish to keep. As a rough guide planted aquariums less than 38cm deep will require only one high output tube. Aquariums up to 45cm deep will require two and those 60cm deep will require three. In all cases a reflector is recommended. If you wish to keep any difficult species of plant those with Red leaves for example, you may need to add an additional light in each case.

*Good lighting is very important to good plant growth, but is not the only factor.

For more about growing plants. Click here.

As in the case of fresh water aquariums if you are keeping a fish only aquarium you may only require one light to provide illumination. We would recommend either a Marine White or a Triplus for this purpose. This should be on all day as the colours of marine fish fade rapidly if they are kept without any light.

Most sessile marine invertebrates need powerful lighting. Many contain algae called Zooxanthellae that provide nutrition for the animal, if this algae is lost, then invertebrate(s) will slowly die. There are two main types of lighting, fluorescent tubes or the more expensive suspended metal halides. Flourescents fall into two groups, T8's which are conventional 25mm diameter lamps, or the new T5's which are 13mm diameter high output lamps. 

While the T8's are OK for a fish only aquarium, virtually all reef type aquariums are using fluorescents, now use T5's. We have found the T5's excellent for all light loving species including SPS corals & Clams. We use T5's for illumination on our invert sales aquariums. To some degree the T5 has replaced the nessceity for metal halides, but halides are still acknowledged as they best you can buy. They are excellent for deeper aquariums, and are the only way you can get that rippling effect in your aquarium.

For more about T5's click here.

By far the most popular type is fluorescent tubes. These have the advantage that are relatively low cost and give out little heat. All fluorescent lights need control gear of a matching wattage of the tube to operate. A control gear & fluorescent tube will cost around £25.00-£35.00 for T8 units, and around between £100 and £180 for a twin T5 unit.

Walk into almost any aquatic shop a there is a bewildering range of lighting to choose from. To help you make the right decision here is a brief description of the range we stock at The WaterZoo.

Arcadia Freshwater Lamp (T8) Excellent for plant growth, accentuates the green in leaves as well as bringing out the colours in tropical fish.

Arcadia Marine Actinic (T5 & T8) For use in conjunction with the Marine White. Gives out an intense Blue light & some UV, a must for marine invertebrates.

Arcadia Marine White (T5 & T8) This light is rated at 9500 Kelvin and gives a clean crisp White light.

Arcadia Original Lamp (T8) A budget fluorescent tube, it is quite dim in comparison with many other lights. It is good for showing off the Red & Blues in many fish. It does not promote plant growth well due to its low light output.

Arcadia Long Life UV lamp

Suitable for use in aquarium and pond ultraviolet devices, effective life of 12 months. Not for illumination of aquariums under any circumstance.

Interpet Blue Moon (T8) Similar output to the Arcadia Marine Actinic, but not so intense. Can be used on it’s own for simulating very dim conditions.

Interpet Triplus (T8) A very good all rounder. It promotes plant growth & fish colours and is suitable for fresh water or marine use. We use this tube extensively in our freshwater aquariums

Dennerle Trocal 3085 (T8)

The Trocal is designed using the latest research on the lighting of aquariums. It is aimed specifically at aquariums where plant growth is desirable, whilst minimising algae problems. It produces most light in the Yellow & Red part of the spectrum.

Powerchrome Midday 6000 (T5) 6000 Kelvin suitable for tropical and marine aquariums, developed to recreate the spectrum of sunlight.

Powerchrome Aquablue Plus (T5) A blended tube emitting 60% white & 40% Blue light. Developed primarily for reef aquariums, but suitable for all marines and unplanted freshwater aquariums. This tube is used on all out marine aquariums in the shop.

Powerchrome Actinic Plus (T5) emits 40% Actinic & 60% Blue excellent for making the colours of corals stand out

Powerchrome Actinic Pure (T5) Pure Actinic light ideal for combining with metal halide lighting.

 T5 lighting is a higher output tube that is 12mm in diameter and requires a different control unit; it is not compatible with 25mm diameter T8 lamps. If using T8 lamps it is recommended that the FSU be replaced along with your lamp.

These lights recreate the intensity of the sun in the tropics. They need to be suspended around 20-30cm above the aquarium, so a hood is almost out of the question. They are available in 150, 250,400 & 1000 watt versions. Prices start around £180.00 per unit.

These lights are similar in appearance to metal halides. However they lack the intensity so are normally used on freshwater aquarium where good plant growth is desired they are either 80 or 125 watts. Prices start around £195.00.