The types of lighting used in a reef aquarium
A Reef Keeping Basics Mini Lesson
===== Mini Lesson =====
The Types of lighting used in a reef aquarium
=====
Here is a Reef Keeping Basics mini-lesson that may be of benefit to you! :o)
As a follow-up to the previous mini-lesson, I believe reviewing the types of lighting within the aquarium would fit in well at this point.
If you've just recently signed up to my informative eZine/blog, you can read my previous articles and mini-lessons here:
http://blog.reefkeepingbasics.com
There are basically two types of lighting:
1. Natural light.
2. Artificial light.
Let's start off with natural light. It is of course the sun and has a variety of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage: It provides perfect light intensity because of its spectral output. This results in a wide range of different wavelengths that's ultimately essential for life on earth as we know it (and of course the reefs)!
Disadvantage: The sun cannot be regulated as much as we'd like it to be - so it's therefore unpredictable and uncontrollable - literally!
There are a variety of different artificial lights and their main advantage would have to be that they are controllable, a main concern when maintaining a closed environment such as a reef aquarium. Their disadvantages vary on the types used.
TUNGSTEN LIGHTING
Advantage: it's inexpensive and easy to install.
Disadvantage: it's a poor substitute as an artificial light - it doesn't provide proper spectral output, it's unbalanced and has a short lifespan.
FLUORESCENT LIGHTING
Advantage: this is probably the least expensive of the types of light, it runs cool and has a long-lasting lifespan. It's also available in colors that come close to producing the same characteristics of natural light in regards to spectral output.
Disadvantage: they can be expensive. Also, careful replacement schedule/maintenance is necessary as its lifespan can deteriorate unnoticeably.
--------- Sidebar ---------
If you'd like to learn more about the lighting needs of your tank now, you can - and so much more! Get your own personal copy of Reef Keeping Basics, a resource that contains relevant information that is immensely important for the success of your tank. Why not learn from 14 hobbyists with a combined 110 years experience in keeping and maintaining reef systems - successfully!?
http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com/main.htm
--------- End Sidebar ---------
Metal-halide and mercury vapor lights are becoming increasingly more popular in the reef field.
Advantage: it has an extremely high output of light which results in dramatic growth of a variety of tank inhabitants. The light intensity is also good for deep tanks that need the light to penetrate deeper depths.
Disadvantage: the replacing of bulbs regularly can become very expensive. Another drawback is that supplemental lighting is needed to replace the lack of spectral output of the blue/green region.
The expense of running these lights is not limited to replacing them - but actually operating them as well. You'll see noticeable effects on your electric bill!
Also, because they operate at high temperatures, the running of cooling fans is encouraged to prevent them from overheating.
However, by far, Metal halide lamps produce the best results! :o)
I could go into much more detail describing the types of lighting and their advantages and disadvantages, but this would no longer be a mini-lesson!
You can learn a lot more by doing your own research and seeking the advice of others. As a matter of fact, lighting is a topic covered extensively within my book from the point of view of 14 other hobbyists who have proven without a doubt that maintaining reef tanks successfully is certainly possible for anyone.
Well, that's it for now! Hopefully you've been able to take away a few 'morsels' of information that'll help you in your endeavors to be successful within this wonderful hobby!
In my next mini-lesson I'll talk about Nitrates & how its build-up can be deadly to your tank inhabitants!
Until then, do research properly, continually ask the advice of other hobbyists by asking questions and be sure to listen carefully to experienced 'reefers' and learn from their mistakes. Ultimately - you must learn to be patient!
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this installment in my series of mini-lessons.
To your reef keeping success.
Humbly,
Eric
------------------------------------------------------
Eric V. Van Der Hope
Publisher - Editor - Author
http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com
------------------------------------------------------
===== Mini Lesson =====
The Types of lighting used in a reef aquarium
=====
Here is a Reef Keeping Basics mini-lesson that may be of benefit to you! :o)
As a follow-up to the previous mini-lesson, I believe reviewing the types of lighting within the aquarium would fit in well at this point.
If you've just recently signed up to my informative eZine/blog, you can read my previous articles and mini-lessons here:
http://blog.reefkeepingbasics.com
There are basically two types of lighting:
1. Natural light.
2. Artificial light.
Let's start off with natural light. It is of course the sun and has a variety of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage: It provides perfect light intensity because of its spectral output. This results in a wide range of different wavelengths that's ultimately essential for life on earth as we know it (and of course the reefs)!
Disadvantage: The sun cannot be regulated as much as we'd like it to be - so it's therefore unpredictable and uncontrollable - literally!
There are a variety of different artificial lights and their main advantage would have to be that they are controllable, a main concern when maintaining a closed environment such as a reef aquarium. Their disadvantages vary on the types used.
TUNGSTEN LIGHTING
Advantage: it's inexpensive and easy to install.
Disadvantage: it's a poor substitute as an artificial light - it doesn't provide proper spectral output, it's unbalanced and has a short lifespan.
FLUORESCENT LIGHTING
Advantage: this is probably the least expensive of the types of light, it runs cool and has a long-lasting lifespan. It's also available in colors that come close to producing the same characteristics of natural light in regards to spectral output.
Disadvantage: they can be expensive. Also, careful replacement schedule/maintenance is necessary as its lifespan can deteriorate unnoticeably.
--------- Sidebar ---------
If you'd like to learn more about the lighting needs of your tank now, you can - and so much more! Get your own personal copy of Reef Keeping Basics, a resource that contains relevant information that is immensely important for the success of your tank. Why not learn from 14 hobbyists with a combined 110 years experience in keeping and maintaining reef systems - successfully!?
http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com/main.htm
--------- End Sidebar ---------
Metal-halide and mercury vapor lights are becoming increasingly more popular in the reef field.
Advantage: it has an extremely high output of light which results in dramatic growth of a variety of tank inhabitants. The light intensity is also good for deep tanks that need the light to penetrate deeper depths.
Disadvantage: the replacing of bulbs regularly can become very expensive. Another drawback is that supplemental lighting is needed to replace the lack of spectral output of the blue/green region.
The expense of running these lights is not limited to replacing them - but actually operating them as well. You'll see noticeable effects on your electric bill!
Also, because they operate at high temperatures, the running of cooling fans is encouraged to prevent them from overheating.
However, by far, Metal halide lamps produce the best results! :o)
I could go into much more detail describing the types of lighting and their advantages and disadvantages, but this would no longer be a mini-lesson!
You can learn a lot more by doing your own research and seeking the advice of others. As a matter of fact, lighting is a topic covered extensively within my book from the point of view of 14 other hobbyists who have proven without a doubt that maintaining reef tanks successfully is certainly possible for anyone.
Well, that's it for now! Hopefully you've been able to take away a few 'morsels' of information that'll help you in your endeavors to be successful within this wonderful hobby!
In my next mini-lesson I'll talk about Nitrates & how its build-up can be deadly to your tank inhabitants!
Until then, do research properly, continually ask the advice of other hobbyists by asking questions and be sure to listen carefully to experienced 'reefers' and learn from their mistakes. Ultimately - you must learn to be patient!
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this installment in my series of mini-lessons.
To your reef keeping success.
Humbly,
Eric
------------------------------------------------------
Eric V. Van Der Hope
Publisher - Editor - Author
http://www.reefkeepingbasics.com
------------------------------------------------------
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