If you are building an aquarium that is modeled after a coral reef ambience, lighting is probably one of your main concerns. After all, the special, subdued and flickering light we often see on documentaries showing coral reefs are what we are shooting for when it comes to recreating this type of underwater habitat. Reef aquarium lighting can be accomplished a number of ways.
When building a reef aquarium, you will most likely experiment with different types of lighting in order to determine for yourself which one best replicates the type of lighting that may be found near a real coral reef. In fact, this is the single best way to be sure that you have found the lighting that best suits your needs. Only by experimenting and seeing for yourself the difference between the various types of lighting will you be able to decide which one works well for you.
Though experimenting with the different lights is the only sure way to see the differences between the various types, there are some tips that will help you find the one you like sooner, as well as not spend so much money during the experimentation process.
First of all, if you plan to try out many different lights, or think that it is likely that you will be upgrading your system soon, be sure to opt for a light canopy instead of a hood. Hoods and canopies serve the same function, but hoods come with the light bulbs and cannot be separated from the bulbs. If you're going to be trying out several types of lights, buying a light and hood set up for every type will certainly increase the sales bill.
Instead of buying lights with hoods, try to find a lighting canopy that best fits your aquarium. Then buy individual lights to experiment with which type of lighting will best compliment your aquarium.
When it comes to reef aquarium lighting, many people go to great trouble trying to recreate a delicate light such as would be found near a real coral reef. While it can be fun to experiment and find unique lighting arrangements, there is one tried and true method, thanks to the invention of the LED light.
LED lights provide the perfect bluish cast for creating reef aquarium lighting. Though these lights are going to cost more to buy than other more traditional lights, they will save you money on electricity over time, and put off no heat whatsoever.
LED lights give off a soft and subtle glow, yet can be enough light for plants to be kept healthy and thriving. LED lights are a very soothing light source for your fish as well. Instead of having to worry about heat levels and too much light for your fish, try out some one these newer lights and see what you think.
When building a reef aquarium, it is especially important to keep on top of algae growth. With all of the crevices and bumps on reef-emulating material, algae will quickly turn these substances into black and green monstrosities unless you take steps to counter this process.
The easiest way to control algae growth is by adding snails or a Plecostomus. Sometimes these two creatures have trouble getting along, but generally they can live side by side with no problem. If wondering which to choose of the two, go with a Plecco. Snails can sometimes have an overgrowth problem of their own, whereas Plecostomus never have overpopulation problems, particularly if you'll only have one in your tank.
