Aquarium Lighting 101: Find the Right Lighting Ballast for Your Fish Tank!
As many home aquarium enthusiasts can attest, there are few activities more relaxing and purely pleasurable than watching a fish tank full of colorful, gracefully swimming creatures. That probably accounts for the astounding popularity of aquarium keeping in the United States, where the hobby ranks second only to stamp collecting as a favorite pastime and it is estimated that more than ten million households own at least one aquarium.
Even if you’re just getting started with an aquarium, you probably already know about the importance of basics like water conditioner, food, supplements, and tank accessories. However, what some beginners may not know is that the right aquarium lights can also play an important role in the process of proper tank maintenance and upkeep. In fact, experts say that the health and happiness of your fish may suffer if your tank is not properly lit.
Because most home aquariums are kept in enclosed environments that are not exposed to natural light sources, the cycles that govern fish behavior can often be thrown off course. Over time, a lack of defined periods of day and night can lead to problems like stress, failure to thrive, poor appearance, and feeding problems.
The most popular type of sunlight replacement lamps for home aquarium enthusiasts are known as metal halide lamps. Although most use a combination of gases and electricity to create powerful, long-lasting illumination, there are different casings and fixtures that are best suited to different applications. Metal halide bulbs for light ballasts are specially designed to work with basic, light-duty electrical ballasts. For aquarium enthusiasts who are looking for a wider selection of metal halide ballast options, postline, F-core, electronic, and core and coil ballasts are also available. The Fulham line of ballast products offers a number of more advanced options for serious aquarium hobbyists.
Although achieving proper aquarium lighting can be a challenge for those new to the hobby, the entertainment and satisfaction that a thriving tank of healthy fish is likely to bring your family is well worth it. Please contact us if you need help choosing the right lighting products for your aquarium.
Monday, May 25th, 2009 at 4:25 pm and is filed under General.
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May 26th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
A great article and very informative. I agree that Halide bulbs are a great light source.
Good stuff
Ant