What kind of lightbulb goes in a fish tank?

What kind of lightbulb goes in a fish tank?

Your best lighting options for freshwater tanks are standard fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, metal halide lights, and LED lights. You want to avoid incandescent bulbs as they are suitable only for small aquariums and can give off too much heat.

Do aquariums need light 24 7?

You should never keep your aquarium lights on for 24/7. There are are several reasons you should not do so but the most important is it will cause algae growth in your tank. And you can spend literally weeks if not months to clean out algae from your aquarium. Besides, just as we do fish also require darkness to sleep.

Can you use normal bulbs in a fish tank?

You can use any light bulb in any light socket, but it’s not a good idea. You want to stick within the parameters of your particular equipment. You have to remember – this is something that’s going to be on 8 or so hours a day constantly, and it can get pretty hot and become a fire hazard if not within the parameters.

What size light do I need for aquarium?

A good basic rule to follow is to provide 1 to 2 watts of lighting per gallon for fish-only aquariums, 2 to 5 watts per gallon for freshwater planted aquariums, and 4 to 8 watts per gallon for reef aquariums.

Do aquariums need special lights?

Yes, aquarium fish need light to determine whether it’s day or night. However, the natural light in your room is sufficient. Fish do not necessarily need an extra aquarium light. An aquarium light is to see your fish, and for live aquatic plant photosynthesis.

What does blue light do for aquarium?

Blue light is harmful to fish if it is incorrectly used. However, most fishkeepers use blue lighting in their tanks with no ill effects. Remember to use aquarium-safe products only, and give your fish 12 hours with the lighting on and 12 hours with it off, every day.

What is the difference between T4 and T5 bulbs?

There are many types of fluorescent lights available but the main difference between the T4 and T5 lights are their efficiency or their watt consumption and lumen output, as well as the thickness of the tubes. The T4 has a half-inch diameter, while the T5 is five-eighths of an inch.