It is important to fit a light unit to your aquarium as fish should have a day and night environment. The lights in your tank should be on for approximately 10 hours a day. It is very unhealthy for the majority of fish to live in darkness.
If you have live plants in your tank then light is essential. You should have the lights on for about 12 hours a day. Like garden plants, aquatic plants will die very quickly without light.
Aquarium lights come in the form of one or more fluorescent tubes. The colours and types of bulbs can be mixed. A pink bulb will bring out better colours in certain fish. You can also buy special bulbs to promote healthy plant growth. However it is important to have one plain bright white fluorescent tube. Your light tubes will need replacing approximately every 6 – 12 months.
A reflector can be fitted above the light tube to greatly increase the amount of light emitted. Most new fish tank set-ups come with a light and a reflector already fitted.
A timer unit can be fitted to your light unit. This is a very handy devise that will automatically turn your lights on and off. This is very helpful if you are going on holiday.
There are however always exceptions to the rule. Some breeds of fish do not like bright light and will need a darker environment. Some catfish for example are nocturnal. Your aquatic dealer should advise you if you wish to purchase these types of fish.
© Fresh Water Fish Keeping.com 2006
