SALTWATER AQUARIUM LIGHTING AND HEATING

Saltwater Aquarium Lighting and Heating
Kind of lights you need. Type of heating equipment to use.
There are various kinds of tank lights available, but the type you need depends on what tank system you are running. For instance, fish only tanks can use a basic fluorescent light. When choosing a lamp make note of the "spectrum" of the lamp, which is the range of distribution of light. The rule of thumb for lighting is around 0.14W (1 Watt per gal) is a sufficient level to use.


Incandescent bulbs may provide many of the desired aspects of lighting needed by live plants. The least expensive fixtures are incandescent and take regular screw-in type light bulbs. The bulbs are also relatively inexpensive however, they need to be replaced much more often than other types of bulbs. Unfortunately, these bulbs put out a lot of heat, making it more difficult to regulate the temperature in your tank. Also these lights use more power for the light they give off than most other lighting, so you will have a higher power bill using this type of fixture.


While some types of metal halide bulbs produce desirable qualities of light at a low enough cost, they also drawbacks, namely that they are expensive to buy and generate too much ultraviolet radiation. If you do choose one of these units, make sure that it is designed for marine aquariums, and use an ultraviolet filter. Also be aware that these units get very hot and care needs to be taken to avoid getting burned.


Both metal halide and mercury vapor types of lighting share other drawbacks. They probably will require motorized fans, and need reflective mechanisms to direct and shield the light rays and are limited to high wattage's, most coming in a few to several hundred watt sizes, up.


Power Compact lighting is becoming very popular with live plant and reef enthusiasts. The power compact bulbs provide slightly more than three times the light of a N.O. bulb of similar length. Power compact fluorescent bulbs are available in two pin configurations, linear or square, so if you have purchased a power compact fixture, make sure that you purchase replacement bulbs with the same pin configuration. One advantage of power compact lights is that several varieties of bulbs are available as thread-in bulb, which fit most incandescent light fixtures. However, remember not to exceed the wattage recommendation for your light fixture, or you could risk starting a fire!


Full-Spectrum Fluorescent lighting has been and still is the best available lighting. It provides the best quality and quantity light at the lowest up front, operational and replacement costs. In addition, fixtures can be made or bought at reasonable cost. These lamps have functional life spans of about two years. The spectral shift and lumen depreciation is tractable and easy to adjust. V.H.O., or very high output fluorescent lighting, is a popular option for people keeping densely planted aquariums, very tall aquariums, or reef aquariums. These bulbs require special expensive ballasts to work properly. However, these lights provide nearly three times the light of a similar length N.O. bulb. Because of the extra expense of V.H.O. lighting, it is quickly giving way to power compact lighting, which can achieve similar results in less space and with less initial cost. For all fluorescent lighting, the amount of light put out is a function of the length of the bulb and the type of bulb, so if two bulbs are the same length and for the same fixture, they put out the same amount of light.


What Type of Heating Equipment Do I Use?

Heaters

Heating systems are a very important element in any tank system. Because they rely on external resources to help regulate their body temperature, ectothermic or cold-blooded animals, such as fish and invertebrates need an adequate source of heat to help maintain water temperature at sufficient levels. Even slight variations in temperature can adversely affect some of the more fragile tank inhabitants.


Typically, a heater and thermostat are used for fish tanks to ensure that the water temperature remains safe for the fish. The heater itself helps to maintain the fish's metabolism, keeping them healthy and happy.


The best rule of thumb when choosing a heater is this: you need about five watts of power per every gallon of water. For instance, if you have a 10-gallon tank, then you would need a 50-watt heater. Ideally it is best if you choose under the recommended wattage but never over or you will kill the fish. Keep in mind that different fish maintain different body temperatures so it wouldn't hurt to have someone at your local pet store help you determine the best heater to buy based on the fish you plan to keep.


Chillers

While not really a filtration system, saltwater aquarists occasionally have the need to lower the temperature of their aquarium water. The high light levels needed in reef systems cause a build up of excess heat. Use of a hood fan and removal of the ballast from the vicinity of the tank can help regulate water temperatures. However, additional cooling is often required, especially in warm climates. This can be achieved through the use of "freon" style cooler units (chillers) similar to home refrigerators. Maintaining an optimal tank temperature in the summer months can be a challenge. An aquarium chiller (also referred to as a cooler) is necessary for maintaining the temperature of the water in the tank. Although aquarium chillers can be quite expensive, they are quite economical for a couple of reasons:


1. Running an aquarium chiller can be cheaper than running your air conditioning in summer when you're not home or on vacation. This is especially true for situations where no one is home during the day and the air conditioning is being kept on to keep the house cool.


2. Aquarium chillers are low maintenance and high longevity products. The beauty of chillers is that they don't need to be cleaned and parts do not have to be replaced on a regular basis.


Thermometers

You can purchase an inexpensive thermostat from your local pet store. The easiest to use is one that attaches to the side of the fish tank with suction cups.A tank thermometer is something you will not want to be without. This is the only way you will know what temperature the water is. As stated before, some organisms are extremely sensitive to even slight variations in water temperature so being aware of water temperature is crucial. There are a number of models to choose from and they range from digital to floating thermometers. There are also multifunction remote digital sensor thermometers available that will allow you the ease of operation and convenience that other types of thermometers don't offer. For instance, with these types of thermometers the plastic probe is suspended in the water with the display located away from the water surface for easy reading.


Water Temperature


There are no set standards for tank temperature however, some aquarium owners say that a temperature range of 75-77 F works well whereas others feel that a range of 75-80F is better. Some even favor tank temperatures of around 80-85 F. Ideally, you need to know of what type of climate your tank inhabitants originated from because different types of fish enjoy different temperatures. For instance, sea temperature typically varies between 72-92 F. so that may be the range to set your sights on. But it is better to have a pet store employee help you determine the right temperature based on the type of fish who will inhabit your aquarium.


Alternately if you plan to have a reef system and add corals to it, they come from a variety of ocean environments where the temperature ranges from the low seventies to the low nineties. Since most reef aquariums have a variety of corals from different marine environments, sticking to the 75-82 degree range is a somewhat safe choice. In other words, knowing what kind of organisms you have and "where" they come from is an important factor when determining a tank temperature for your system. Rather than trying to run your temperatures high, you should reach a happy medium at about 79 degrees, because this temperature provides the largest margin of safety for the hobbyist, as corals have been shown to thrive in water several degrees on either side of this temperature.

comments powered by Disqus
Tips for Using Rockwork in Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
Tips for Using Rockwork in Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
Building a beautiful saltwater tank landscape out of rock is a challenge but with some helpful tips you can make it work.
Tips for Lighting a Reef Tank
Tips for Lighting a Reef Tank
When it comes to maintaining a thriving reef tank the type of lighting system you choose is incredibly important.

MOST RECENT ARTICLES

Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR AQUARIUM AGAINST HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES
During the summer months, it may become more of a challenge to keep your aquarium temperature stable.
The Best Barbs for a Large Home Aquarium
THE BEST BARBS FOR A LARGE HOME AQUARIUM
There are many different species of barbs but some of them are better than others for the larger home aquarium.
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
HOW TO SOLVE COMMON SALTWATER TANK PROBLEMS
Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank can be a challenge but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Rate This Tank:

SALTWATER AQUARIUM ARTICLES

AQUARIUM LIGHTING

The aquarium lighting system you choose for your tank will not only affect your tanks appearance but its performance as well. The articles in this category will help you choose the right system for your tank and will provide you with the information you need to make the most of your aquarium lighting.

UV Sterilizers for Reef Aquariums
UV Sterilizers for Reef Aquariums
A UV sterilizer is a valuable piece of equipment to add to your reef tank or fish-only saltwater aquarium.
Tips for Lighting a Reef Tank
Tips for Lighting a Reef Tank
When it comes to maintaining a thriving reef tank the type of lighting system you choose is incredibly important.
Aquarium Setup (11)
Types of Saltwater Tanks: Fish-Only, FOWLR and Reef Tanks
Types of Saltwater Tanks: Fish-Only, FOWLR and Reef Tanks
There are several different types of saltwater aquariums to choose from and each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Saltwater versus Freshwater Aquariums
Saltwater versus Freshwater Aquariums
Learn the arguments for choosing to set-up either a freshwater or saltwater aquarium.
Preparing Saltwater for your Marine Tank
Preparing Saltwater for your Marine Tank
Setting up and maintaining a marine tank can be a challenging experience and preparing your saltwater correctly is one of the most important tasks.
Handy Aquarium Accessories and Devices
Handy Aquarium Accessories and Devices
There are many accessories and handy devices which can make your life as an aquarium hobbyist easier.
Stocking a Brackish Aquarium
Stocking a Brackish Aquarium
A brackish aquarium is an exciting challenge for the aquarium hobbyist.
Tips for Keeping Nocturnal Fish in the Marine Aquarium
Tips for Keeping Nocturnal Fish in the Marine Aquarium
When the sun sets and the moon rises, the reef doesn't go silent - a whole new group of inhabitants comes out to play.
What Are the Biggest Saltwater Aquarium Mistakes and How Do You Fix Them?
What Are the Biggest Saltwater Aquarium Mistakes and How Do You Fix Them?
Cultivating a saltwater aquarium is a hobby full of exciting challenges, but sometimes those challenges can get the better of you.
Setting Up A Saltwater Tank System
Setting Up A Saltwater Tank System
What to Consider before Starting.
How to Start a Brackish Tank
How to Start a Brackish Tank
If you are looking for a new challenge as an aquarium hobbyist, try cultivating a brackish tank.
Saltwater Aquariums
Saltwater Aquariums
A brief introduction to saltwater aquariums.
Getting The Tank Ready
Getting The Tank Ready
Creating an ecosystem.
Aquarium Maintenance (18)
Salinity Requirements in a Saltwater Aquarium
Salinity Requirements in a Saltwater Aquarium
The key to maintaining a healthy saltwater aquarium is to strike the right balance in the salinity of your tank water.
Choosing the Correct Temperature for a Marine Aquarium
Choosing the Correct Temperature for a Marine Aquarium
One of the most important things you must to do ensure the health of your marine tank is to achieve and maintain the ideal temperature.
How to Deal with Marine Fungus in the Saltwater Aquarium
How to Deal with Marine Fungus in the Saltwater Aquarium
Fungal spores are present in all aquariums but, if you are not careful, they can become a problem in the saltwater tank.
How to Modify PH in a Saltwater Tank
How to Modify PH in a Saltwater Tank
The pH level in your saltwater tank is incredibly important for the health and vitality of your tank.
The Benefits of Algae in Saltwater Tanks
The Benefits of Algae in Saltwater Tanks
Many aquarium hobbyists assume that algae in the aquarium can only be bad.
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank can be a challenge but it is also incredibly rewarding.
Why Do Fish Disappear from the Saltwater Tank?
Why Do Fish Disappear from the Saltwater Tank?
There is nothing as heart-breaking as losing a fish but it can be even more devastating when the fish simply disappears.
What You Need to Know About pH in Marine Aquariums
What You Need to Know About pH in Marine Aquariums
Maintaining proper water quality in your tank is essential but many aquarium hobbyists overlook one important aspect - pH.
Dealing with Hard Water in the Saltwater Tank
Dealing with Hard Water in the Saltwater Tank
When it comes to maintaining a healthy saltwater tank, water quality is extremely important.
The Dangers of High Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
The Dangers of High Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
Water quality is extremely important in maintaining a saltwater tank.
Maintenance Schedule for Reef Tanks
Maintenance Schedule for Reef Tanks
Maintaining a reef tank can be a challenge but as long as you keep up with your routine maintenance tasks, you should have no problem.
Getting Rid of Aiptasia in Your Reef Aquarium
Getting Rid of Aiptasia in Your Reef Aquarium
Learn about aiptasia in the reef aquarium and how to get rid of it.
How to Remove a Mantis Shrimp From a Saltwater Aquarium
How to Remove a Mantis Shrimp From a Saltwater Aquarium
In this article you will receive an overview of what mantis shrimp are, how they can impact your saltwater aquarium, and how to remove them properly.
Why is Water Flow So Important in a Reef Tank?
Why is Water Flow So Important in a Reef Tank?
Cultivating a thriving reef tank can be a challenge with all of the requirements you must meet.
Saltwater and Reef Tank Cycling
Saltwater and Reef Tank Cycling
Tips on cycling your fishtank.
Maintaining Your Saltwater Tank
Maintaining Your Saltwater Tank
Tips for maintaining a saltwater fish tank.
Kalkwasser for the Marine Tank
Kalkwasser for the Marine Tank
Maintaining proper calcium levels is an important part of keeping your marine tank healthy.
What NOT to do with a Saltwater Tank
What NOT to do with a Saltwater Tank
Learn what "not" to do when starting out with your saltwater fish or reef tank.
Reef Tanks (13)
Beginner Coral Species: Low-Light Corals
Beginner Coral Species: Low-Light Corals
Keeping corals in a saltwater aquarium can be challenging but these low-light species are perfect for beginners.
Types of Coral for Reef Tanks
Types of Coral for Reef Tanks
Stocking a reef tank can be a challenge because there are so many different types of coral to choose from.
The Top 5 Most Colorful Corals for a Saltwater Tank
The Top 5 Most Colorful Corals for a Saltwater Tank
With more than 2,000 different species of coral out there, how do you choose the right option for your tank?
Reef Aquariums
Reef Aquariums
An overview of the reef aquarium along with a short history.
Tips for Using Rockwork in Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
Tips for Using Rockwork in Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
Building a beautiful saltwater tank landscape out of rock is a challenge but with some helpful tips you can make it work.
Common Myths and Problems Regarding Nano Reef Tanks
Common Myths and Problems Regarding Nano Reef Tanks
Cultivating a nano reef tank can be an exciting challenge.
How to Care for Marine Blue Sponges
How to Care for Marine Blue Sponges
The blue sponge makes a great addition to the marine tank.
Recommended Species for Nano Tanks
Recommended Species for Nano Tanks
Cultivating a nano tank can be an exciting challenge but unless you choose the right fish for your tank, you may be in trouble.
Reef Aquariums: Is Bigger Really Better?
Reef Aquariums: Is Bigger Really Better?
Cultivating a reef tank is an exciting but challenging task - learn more about choosing the right size for your reef tank.
Bristle Worms in the Marine Tank
Bristle Worms in the Marine Tank
Dealing with pests is an inescapable part of cultivating a marine tank.
Feeding Corals -  Keeping Your Saltwater Invertebrates Healthy
Feeding Corals - Keeping Your Saltwater Invertebrates Healthy
If you want to keep your saltwater or reef tank healthy, you need to learn the basics of feeding corals.
What is a Nano Reef?
What is a Nano Reef?
Whether you are looking for a new challenge as a saltwater aquarium enthusiast or you are trying your hand at a reef tank for the first time, a nano reef is a great way to go.
Set-up Guide for a Reef Tank
Set-up Guide for a Reef Tank
If you have ever considered starting a reef tank, read this setup guide to make sure you start your reef tank off right.
Heating and Filtration (8)
Saltwater Aquarium Filtration
Saltwater Aquarium Filtration
The type of filtration system you choose for your saltwater aquarium is incredibly important.
Foam Build-up on Saltwater Tank Surface
Foam Build-up on Saltwater Tank Surface
Foam build-up is a common problem in the saltwater tank.
Reverse Osmosis for the Saltwater Tank
Reverse Osmosis for the Saltwater Tank
If you want to keep a healthy and thriving saltwater tank, you need to start with high-quality water.
How to Keep Your Saltwater Aquarium from Overheating
How to Keep Your Saltwater Aquarium from Overheating
Learn how to keep your saltwater aquarium from overheating.
Common Problems with Heating in Saltwater Tanks
Common Problems with Heating in Saltwater Tanks
Maintaining a stable water temperature in your saltwater tank is important for the health and well-being of your fish.
Wavemakers for Saltwater Tanks
Wavemakers for Saltwater Tanks
If you want to keep your saltwater tank healthy, you need to consider the ideal level of water flow.
What is Protein Skimming?
What is Protein Skimming?
Learn about protein skimming, why it's important, and which aquarists should use it.
What is an Aquarium Sump?
What is an Aquarium Sump?
If you are new to the aquarium hobby you may not be familiar with the term "sump".
Nutrition and Feeding (6)
How to Raise Brine Shrimp
How to Raise Brine Shrimp
Brine shrimp are an excellent source of protein for aquarium fish and they are very easy to raise at home.
Tips for Feeding Saltwater Aquarium Fish
Tips for Feeding Saltwater Aquarium Fish
What you feed your fish will determine whether or not their reach their full potential.
Live Foods for Marine Fish
Live Foods for Marine Fish
Feeding your fish a proper diet is the key to keeping them healthy.
Nutritional Needs of Saltwater Aquarium Fish
Nutritional Needs of Saltwater Aquarium Fish
In order to keep your saltwater aquarium fish healthy you need to understand and meet their basic nutritional needs.
Tips for Getting Fussy Fish to Eat
Tips for Getting Fussy Fish to Eat
Feeding saltwater aquarium fish can be tricky, especially when your fish refuse to eat.
Top Commercial Foods for Saltwater Fish
Top Commercial Foods for Saltwater Fish
What you feed your saltwater aquarium fish will play a major role in determining their health and vitality.
Saltwater Fish Diseases (5)
How to Deal with Marine Ich in the Saltwater Aquarium
How to Deal with Marine Ich in the Saltwater Aquarium
Marine Ich is a common disease affecting saltwater aquarium fish and, unless you know how to deal with it, it can spread quickly throughout your tank.
Common Saltwater Aquarium Fish Diseases
Common Saltwater Aquarium Fish Diseases
No matter how hard you try, you cannot completely protect your fish from falling ill.
Good Medications to Keep on Hand
Good Medications to Keep on Hand
In the event that your fish become ill it is important that you take action to begin a treatment regimen as soon as possible.
How to Treat Saltwater Aquarium Parasites with Freshwater
How to Treat Saltwater Aquarium Parasites with Freshwater
Parasites can quickly become a major problem in the saltwater aquarium if you do not address the issue immediately.
How to Prevent Saltwater Fish Diseases
How to Prevent Saltwater Fish Diseases
There is nothing quite so heartbreaking as losing one of your fish to disease.
Aquarium Decorations (3)
Creating Your Own Live Rock for Saltwater Tanks
Creating Your Own Live Rock for Saltwater Tanks
Live rock is the foundation for any thriving saltwater tank and it is the base for saltwater aquarium decor.
How to Cure Your Live Rock Before Placing it in Your Aquarium
How to Cure Your Live Rock Before Placing it in Your Aquarium
Learn how to properly cure live rock before placing it in your tank.
Stocking the Tank (27)
Guide for Keeping Anemones in a Reef Tank
Guide for Keeping Anemones in a Reef Tank
Keeping anemones in a reef tank can be a challenge if you are not fully prepared.
Establishing up a Clean-up Crew in Your Saltwater Aquarium
Establishing up a Clean-up Crew in Your Saltwater Aquarium
Learn how to properly select and establish a clean-up crew in a saltwater or reef aquarium.
Sea Urchins in the Saltwater Tank
Sea Urchins in the Saltwater Tank
If you are looking for a unique invertebrate to add to your saltwater tank, consider the sea urchin.
Choosing the Right Butterflyfish for Your Reef Tank
Choosing the Right Butterflyfish for Your Reef Tank
Cultivating a reef tank is a unique challenge, not only because caring for corals is tricky but because it can be difficult to find reef-safe fish.
Stocking Salt Water Reef Tanks
Stocking Salt Water Reef Tanks
Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your saltwater aquarium.
Keeping and Breeding Mandarinfish
Keeping and Breeding Mandarinfish
Mandarinfish are a small, colorful species of saltwater aquarium fish.
Keeping Lionfish in the Home Aquarium
Keeping Lionfish in the Home Aquarium
The lionfish is a beautiful but deadly fish that makes a unique addition to the saltwater aquarium.
Hermit Crabs in Saltwater Tanks
Hermit Crabs in Saltwater Tanks
Hermit crabs do more than just add decoration to the saltwater tank -- they can also help to keep your tank clean.
Marine Shrimp for the Saltwater or Reef Tank
Marine Shrimp for the Saltwater or Reef Tank
Marine shrimp can be a useful addition to the saltwater tank - just be sure to pick the right species.
Keeping Moray Eels in the Marine Tank
Keeping Moray Eels in the Marine Tank
Moray eels can be a challenge to keep in the home aquarium but they are well worth it.
What's That? The Top 10 Strangest Looking Saltwater Fish
What's That? The Top 10 Strangest Looking Saltwater Fish
There are some odd=looking animals out there but these ten saltwater fish are among the strangest.
Commonly Available Reef-Safe Fish & Invertebrates
Commonly Available Reef-Safe Fish & Invertebrates
Learn about commonly available reef-safe fish and invertebrates that are good candidates for your reef aquarium.
Selecting and Caring for Saltwater Angelfish
Selecting and Caring for Saltwater Angelfish
Saltwater angelfish are some of the most colorful saltwater fish available.
Sea Cucumbers for Reef Tanks
Sea Cucumbers for Reef Tanks
Sea cucumbers are found throughout the ocean but they are a popular addition to saltwater reef tanks.
Clownfish in the Reef Aquarium
Clownfish in the Reef Aquarium
Clownfish are one of the most recognizable types of saltwater aquarium fish.
What Are Good Saltwater Fish For Beginners
What Are Good Saltwater Fish For Beginners
What makes a saltwater fish a good candidate for beginners?
Why Are Tangs Some of the Best Fish for Reef Tanks?
Why Are Tangs Some of the Best Fish for Reef Tanks?
Tangs are not just some of the most brightly colored species of tropical saltwater fish - they are also great additions to the reef tank.
Tips for Caring for Tangs Properly
Tips for Caring for Tangs Properly
Tangs are a group of fish that make excellent additions to the saltwater tank.
Tank-Raised Fish for Saltwater Aquariums
Tank-Raised Fish for Saltwater Aquariums
Stocking the saltwater aquarium can be an exciting challenge, especially when you have so many options to choose from.
The Benefits of Snails in the Saltwater Tank
The Benefits of Snails in the Saltwater Tank
While snails are often viewed as a nuisance in the freshwater tank, they can serve a valuable purpose in the saltwater aquarium.
Saltwater Species That Should Not be Kept by Beginners (and Sometimes not Even by the Experienced)
Saltwater Species That Should Not be Kept by Beginners (and Sometimes not Even by the Experienced)
Learn about saltwater animals that beginners (and sometimes experts) should avoid keeping.
Understanding the Coloration of Saltwater Fish
Understanding the Coloration of Saltwater Fish
Have you ever been dazzled by the bright colors and bold patterns of a school of saltwater fish?
The Secret to Keeping Seahorses
The Secret to Keeping Seahorses
If you are looking for a unique inhabitant to add to your saltwater tank, consider the seahorse.
The Benefits of Purchasing Saltwater Fish Online
The Benefits of Purchasing Saltwater Fish Online
If you are thinking about buying some new fish for your saltwater tank, think about purchasing them online!
Top Recommendations for Tank-Raised Saltwater Fish
Top Recommendations for Tank-Raised Saltwater Fish
When purchasing saltwater aquarium fish, you need to think about whether the fish are tank-raised or captive-bred.
Caring for Saltwater Gobies
Caring for Saltwater Gobies
The Goby family is one of the largest families of marine fishes, having over 2,000 unique species.
Saltwater Fish Article Database
Saltwater Fish Article Database
Articles on dozens of saltwater fish and appropriate care.

READ AQUARIUM ARTICLES