How to choose a backlight for an aquarium

For the proper functioning of the aquarium, the choice of lighting is one of the most important components. The condition of plants in the aquarium, fish, and how comfortable they will be will depend on it. When the lighting is chosen incorrectly, the plants turn brown, rot, and this extremely negatively affects the fish.

Which lamps are suitable

For those aquariums where turtles live, it is quite possible to use incandescent lamps, but they are contraindicated for fish. The fact is that such lighting emits a lot of heat, it heats the water and ultimately kills plants and fish.

For a home aquarium, metal halide lamps can be considered one of the best options. They are convenient, compact, have a good level of energy saving. Thanks to the right lighting, the light will be transmitted to the depth. The most important thing is to choose the right power for your model of aquarium, too powerful will adversely affect vegetation and fish.

The use of LED lighting is a good choice, its only drawback is the relatively high cost. When using lamps do not heat up, they have high durability, profitability.

Professional aquarists prefer to combine several types of lamps to create the best lighting for each area of ​​the aquarium.

Lighting selection

It is important to consider that too bright or dim light will adversely affect the inhabitants of the aquarium, as well as the growth and photosynthesis of the plants that are in it. In order for photosynthesis to occur correctly, it is very important that the leaves are constantly illuminated. This can provide LED or fluorescent lamps.

Ideally, it is best to create natural illumination for fish and plants, that is, the light intensity should change throughout the day. If the lighting is constantly on the same level, then soon the aquarium inside will be covered with mucus, the process of flowering water will occur.

A special timer will automate the process of changing lighting. In specialized stores you can find mechanical and electronic timers, thanks to which you don’t have to control the lighting manually, it is enough to program the timer in advance working hours.

Now on the market you can find aquarium covers, in which lighting systems are already built in, which will prevent the heating of water on the surface and ensure access of light to deeper layers.