subject: Buying Lights For A Reef Tank [print this page] One important tip for keeping marine fish aquarium good lighting is using metal halide lights. Most beginners to aquarium upkeep tend to overlook this area. The metal halide aquarium lamps typically range from 175- 160 watts. This unique type of lighting, have Kelvin ratings from 5,000 to 20,000 degrees. This allows for faster growth cycles, brighter colors, and improved health for photosynthetic organisms.
Metal Halide aquarium lighting is the closest compared to sunlight, in reference to lucidity. They produce a lot of heat, and may need to be cooled often. Some units include ballast fans. Metal Halide lights are very expensive to purchase, but are still the most preferred method. They are a plus when maintaining reef tank setups with anemones and corals which require a higher intensity of lighting. The lights may be difficult to operate, so insure to follow the manufacturer instructions.
Metal Halide aquarium lighting purchasers, may need to obtain and utilize the warranty, included within the merchandise. Most users of this type of lighting opt to enhance the color spectrum of the bulbs, by combining them with VHO or T5 actinic fluorescent lighting. Actinic lighting is extremely blue. This combination creates a look that is pleasurable to the eye, and brings out the color scheme of certain corals and clams.
Metal Halide lighting is offered within several different types of systems. Metal Halide Pendant lights are popular with reef aquarium open tank users. These light pendants are used primarily by customers opting not to use a canopy to cover aquariums. Primary advantage of this method is the temperature control, within open tanks without expensive chillers. Open top aquariums allow the max amount of air exchange to keep reef tanks cool.
Metal halite pendant lighting, often are suspended from the ceiling, or secured to wall behind the aquarium by mounted brackets. Preassembled metal halide lighting systems kits are available with the necessary lighting, wiring, bulbs, and fans preinstalled. These kits are preassembled to be placed over the top of the open aquarium. The attractive preassembled kits can also be displayed by installing from ceiling, over the open tank. The box kit varies, by price range, appearance, and quality. These systems are the most recommended, for the upkeep of nonelectric aquariums.
Retrofit metal halide lights are the most popular lighting systems, among metal halide aquarium lighting. Most hobbyist prefer this method, due to the fact, they offer option for more creativity. This lighting can be designed to fit, and conform within more limited spaces and offer the most flexibility. All types of metal halide aquarium lights are considered the best types of lights, to ensure success.
by: Jack Rackham
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