The Dos and Don’ts of Aquarium Lighting: A Guide for Beginners

Dos:

• Use the appropriate type of lighting for the type of aquatic life in your aquarium. For example, plants and coral require different lighting than fish-only tanks.
• Make sure the lighting is bright enough for the aquatic life but not too bright as it can cause stress.
• Use a timer to mimic natural daylight cycles.
• Keep the lights on for 8-12 hours a day.
• Clean the lights regularly to prevent the buildup of algae.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use household lights, as they can emit harmful UV rays.
• Don’t leave the lights on for too long, as it can cause algae growth and disrupt the natural sleep patterns of the aquatic life.
• Don’t place the lights too close to the water surface, as it can cause overheating and stress to the aquatic life.
• Don’t mix different types of lights, as it can create uneven lighting and affect the growth and health of the aquatic life.