With the upheaval of LED technology, LED lighting has become one of the most prevailing options for aquarium hobbyists. However, it would be overwhelmingly confusing especially when it comes to the question: How to choose the right aquarium lighting for my tank? Today this article will probe into this question and proffer a few key points to bear in mind.
Fish and Plant Needs
Different fish and plants have different light requirements. Some fish prefer bright environments, such as open water in rivers, streams and lakes, while others prefer dimmer environments, such as shaded areas under overhanging vegetation or fallen logs. Plants are also the same, while some grow in deeper waters or in the shade of taller plants or trees, others grow in open water with a bright light. It’s essential to choose a light that is suitable for the types of fish and plants in your tank.
Light Intensity
Intensity refers to its brightness, while the spectrum is a way of describing the combination of colors or wavelengths that the light emits. For live plants, the appropriate intensity is crucial to their growth. If the light is too intense, it may promote algae growth, especially in tanks without live plants. In order to give your aquarium the proper amount of light, be sure to pick a lighting system with adjustable settings. It’s advisable to seek advice from experts before purchasing lights since you might buy the wrong ones that can trigger algae bloom, which do tremendous harm to your tank.
Right Spectrum
You should also take the spectrum into account. The light spectrum is usually expressed as a Kelvin rating, with a lower rating indicating warm, yellowish light and a higher rating indicating cool, bluish-white light. For freshwater aquarium lights, the typical Kelvin rating falls between 5,500k and 8,000k. Additionally, water depth is a significant factor to consider since certain wavelengths, particularly blue, can penetrate deeper into the water and affect the growth of live plants. The spectrum of light that LED lights produce can influence the well-being of your aquatic life. For instance, red light can promote root growth whereas blue light is favorable for photosynthesis. Make sure to opt for LED lights with the right spectrum to meet your exact needs.
Right Size and Power
When it comes to opting for LED aquarium lighting, you need to choose the size and power that are suitable for your tank. Lights that are too large or too high in power require too much initial investment; too small or not enough in power, the irradiation area will be too small, leading to too many dark areas, and not enough brightness, so they cannot be utilized for aquariums in the long term. Besides, the viewing effect will be poor.
Lens
The light intensity of LED lights is very low in aquariums with a water depth of over 40cm, and the penetrating power is also greatly reduced. Since the LED chips emit light at 180 degrees, even if viewed parallel to the eye, there will be a dazzling feeling. By using reflectors or lenses, the side light can be focused below. Different brands differ in their design methods of lenses. Some use reflectors, some use convex lenses, and some use flat lenses. A high-efficiency lens for aquarium applications should be soft light with a large angle so that the light can be concentrated to improve utilization and make the color mixing more desirable.
Light Balance
Due to the different design methods of each brand, the overall light effect of LEDs in the aquarium is much less uniform than that of traditional lights. Bear in mind that human eye observation will lower the brightness. So the products that do not seem to be bright by visual inspection will turn out to be overwhelmingly bright under the test of the instrument. This too-strong brightness triggers biological burns and discoloration. Hence, it is very advisable to choose LED aquarium light products with balanced light.
Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
A high-quality LED aquarium light must feature automatic sunrise and sunset simulation, which allows setting the brightness of multiple time points in 24 hours. In this way, it will contribute drastically to the growth of your aquatic life.
Constant Current Power Supply and Constant Voltage Power Supply
Constant current power supply and constant voltage power supply are also crucial indicators of aquarium LED light quality. When the high-power LED chips are powered by constant current, the power supply adapts to the voltage, which can maintain the same brightness. Timely replacement of the single extinguished LED chip can prolong the service life of the entire lighting. The lights with sunrise and sunset simulation on the market are basically powered by constant currents. Constant voltage power supply is suitable for low-power LED chips, generally 12V.
Ease of Maintenance
Due to the particularity of the environment in which the aquarium lights are used, the lights themselves must be easy to maintain. Harsh moisture and salt will cause lighting failures, and these faults are not covered by the factory warranty. It is also of importance to choose a product with a waterproof surface, modular design, and easy replacement of LED chips.
Ease of Upgrading
Since LED technology for aquarium lighting keeps improving, it’s vital to have the flexibility to upgrade your LED lighting system if necessary. This can include adding more lights, trying out different colors, accommodating a larger tank, or acquiring new fish and corals that require specific lighting. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider whether your LED lighting system allows for future changes and upgrades, such as upgrade kits or additional equipment.
Longevity and Build Quality
To ensure that your investment in an LED lighting system pays off in the long run, it is crucial to opt for a high-quality, durable product that is designed to last. This means selecting LED aquarium lights that do not deteriorate over time in terms of performance, color spectrum or output. When choosing LED aquarium lighting, take account of the materials in the product as this will impact its overall durability.
While it may cost more initially to invest in better-quality LED lights, this will ultimately save you money over time by eliminating the need for frequent replacement of bulbs and components. By selecting a reliable, long-lasting LED lighting system, you can enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency and superior lighting performance for years to come.
MokoLight – Your Best Option for LED Aquarium Lighting
The LED aquarium lights from MokoLight not only offer the right brightness and temperature for fish growth and photosynthesis, but we also strive to give you the best option for both aquatic entertainment and ecological well-being. With over 16 years of professional experience in the LED industry, we are well-equipped to offer a wide range of high-quality LED aquarium lighting, such as the spot light, clip-on light and light panel so as to create a safe and sustainable ecosystem for your aquatic life. If you are looking for LED aquarium lighting for your tank, look no further and reach out to us now.
