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Different Fish Tank Lights

The home aquarist has benefited in many ways from technological advances, especially with regard to aquarium lighting. Fish tank lights were once chosen solely according to our viewing pleasure, but today we understand that proper aquarium lighting is crucial to the coloration, stress and activity levels and growth of our fish and plants. Grouped into one of three categories---compact fluorescent lighting, standard fluorescent lighting and metal halide lighting---several different fish tank lights are available.

VHO Lighting
- VHO lighting, also called high output lighting, is a specialty fluorescent lighting. These lights are specially designed to give off light of a high intensity. This type of lighting's wattage ranges from 75 to 165 and the lights have a life span of four to 18 months. They work well with freshwater aquariums.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
- Compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs are valued for their high intensity and long life. They are generally used in freshwater tanks.
LED Lights
- LED lights are very energy-efficient light sources that are gaining recognition among hobbyists. Because of their low energy use and the bright light they produce, LEDs are used in fish tank light fixtures independently, in addition to being used as supplementary sources of light.
Fluorescent Bulbs
- Fluorescent bulbs are generally available in different colors, wattages and sizes. These bulbs are efficient and do not produce high heat, working well with both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Fluorescent bulbs range from 15 to 40 watts and last approximately six to 18 months.
T-5 HO Fluorescent Tubes
- The T-5 HO Fluorescent Tubes boast a high lumen-per-watt output ratio, which means that they produce bright light with little energy consumption. T-5 HO Fluorescent Tubes are great for saltwater and freshwater fish tanks. They also come in a large variety of spectral outputs.
Incandescent Lighting
- Incandescent lights are often found in certain aquarium hoods and are often included with small desktop fish tanks. This type of bulb emits a soft yellow light, which provides general-purpose lighting that is well suited for fish-only aquariums. Incandescent bulbs range from seven to 25 watts, come in multiple colors and have a life span of two to four months.
Metal Halide Bulbs
- Metal halide bulbs come in two styles, a single-ended or a double-ended style. These bulbs are available in 70 to 1,000 watts, last six to 18 months and are generally used in freshwater fish tanks deeper than 24 inches. Metal halide bulbs produce high heat and may require a chiller.

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