Aquarium lighting is a very important aspect of having a healthy aquarium. If you have a freshwater aquarium chances are you have a fluorescent light to illuminate it. If you have a saltwater reef aquarium you would need a different type of light such as a metal halide or acintic bulb.

Fluorescent lights are fine for freshwater  (or saltwater fish) aquariums and can create wonderful effects. This kind of lighting however, is inadequate for a reef aquarium. The amount of light fluorescent bulbs emit is sufficient for a marine (or fish only) aquarium but not for corals. The spectrum of light that they put out is not in the same spectrum that the corals need to produce growth.

The metal halide bulb or an acintic bulb emits the proper amount and type of light for the reef aquarium. Choosing which type of bulb (or combination of bulbs) to use in a reef tank will be determined by which type of corals you have chosen. Some corals like bright, intense light. Other corals like softer diffuse light. Remember that corals live at various depths in the ocean reefs and where they live determines which type of light they have adapted to.

An important thing to know, is that as the bulbs in your lighting system age, their intensity will be reduced and they may even shift slightly in color balance. When you replace an old bulb with a new one, your corals will recognize the change. They may close up for a period of time and eventually reemerge after they become accustomed to the new lighting conditions. When they reemerge, there is a chance that they will have shifted in color in response to the new lighting.

Proper aquarium lighting for a fish only tank is relatively simple. Lighting a coral reef aquarium is more complex. Once you have determined what kind of lighting your aquarium needs, it will be a healthy and beautiful fixture in your home or office.
 

Are you interested in creating a reef aquarium that would bring color and life into your home? Reef aquariums are extremely bright and interesting displays that will liven up even the darkest space.

Reef aquariums contain live corals, living rock, sand and other sea life in a saltwater tank. If you have ever seen pictures on television of the coral reefs or the Great Barrier Reef, then you can imagine a reef aquarium in your home or office on a smaller scale.

These types of aquariums attempt to recreate ocean life and coral reefs from around the world. Unlike marine aquariums, which are built to house various types of fish, the main attraction in many reef tanks are the varieties coral and other invertebrates. The balance of life in the reef aquarium is very important, so a little study would benefit the person desiring to own one.

For your first reef aquarium you might want to start with a smaller tank. In general small tanks are less expensive to acquire and also less expensive to populate. From there you can do a little research and fill your tank with the colors and creatures that are appropriate for the environment. To learn how to build your own simple reef aquarium visit http://www.garf.org/bullet.html.

While a reef aquarium may require some work to get started, once established it will bring many years of enjoyment.