Having the proper lighting for reef aquariums has been a debate that is as old as the hobby itself. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the best lighting is. Often times they are basing this opinion on their own set up.

Probably the most important factor when picking your reef tank lighting is to have your mind made up as to what kind of corals you want to keep in your reef aquarium. This is a step that many new saltwater enthusiasts miss.

Instead many set up their mini reef systems based off the opinion of others or what they think they may need and then only later discover that the reef tank lighting they bought will not support the types of corals they like. Or worse yet be to powerful for the coral they like. This will end up costing the person more money to get their set up right.

Types Of Reef Tank Lighting For Different Corals

Soft Corals- Many soft corals will do well under power compact lighting, T-5 lighting and 175 watt metal halide bulbs. There are however some species of leathers that need bright lighting so keep that in mind if you want a tank full of soft corals. Some soft coral like mushroom polyps actually thrive in lower light and some of the brighter systems may cause them to not fully open.

Large Polyped Corals- LPS corals are common in the hobby and also have a wide range of lighting requirements, as a rule of thumb many can do just fine under power compacts,T-5 lighting and 175 watt metal halide bulbs. If you are interested in this type of coral research the lighting requirements for the type you like and choose your lighting from there.

SPS and Clams- Small polyped stony corals and clams are gaining more popularity as the hobby improves. Once thought impossible to keep alive many people are now growing these and selling or trading them. This type of coral will demand the most intense lighting you can afford.

Many will do well under 250 watt metal halides but some may actually require 400 watt bulbs in order to keep their color and grow well.

When choosing proper proper lighting for reef aquariums keep in mind that each lighting system also has its own positives and negatives that may also affect your final coral decision.

Want a thriving reef aquarium full of colorful fish and coral? Our Reef Aquarium Guide will show you how to set up your tank correctly and avoid the common mistakes that lead to fish death, algae and an ugly tank. To get the secrets to creating a stunning reef aquarium visit www.dseventures.com/reeftankguide

What the  proper lighting is for reef aquariums is an age old debate that continues on everyday. Every reef keeper seems to have an opinion on what the best lighting is. Often times they are basing this opinion on their own set up.

Probably the most important factor when picking your reef tank lighting is to have your mind made up as to what kind of corals you want to keep in your reef aquarium. This is a step that many new saltwater enthusiasts miss. Instead many set up their mini reef systems based off the opinion of others or what they think they may need and then only later discover that the reef tank lighting they bought will not support the types of corals they like. Or worse yet be to powerful for the coral they like. This will end up costing the person more money to get their set up right.

Types Of Reef Tank Lighting For Different Corals

Soft Corals- Many soft corals will do well under power compact lighting, T-5 lighting and 175 watt metal halide bulbs. There are however some species of leathers that need bright lighting so keep that in mind if you want a tank full of soft corals. Some soft coral like mushroom polyps actually thrive in lower light and some of the brighter systems may cause them to not fully open.

Large Polyped Corals- LPS corals are common in the hobby and also have a wide range of lighting requirements, as a rule of thumb many can do just fine under power compacts,T-5 lighting and 175 watt metal halide bulbs. If you are interested in this type of coral research the lighting requirements for the type you like and choose your lighting from there.

SPS and Clams- Small polyped stony corals and clams are gaining more popularity as the hobby improves. Once thought impossible to keep alive many people are now growing these and selling or trading them. This type of coral will demand the most intense lighting you can afford. Many will do well under 250 watt metal halides but some may actually require 400 watt bulbs in order to keep their color and grow well.

When choosing proper proper lighting for reef aquariums keep in mind that each lighting system also has its own positives and negatives that may also affect your final coral decision.

For a More detailed breakdown of lighting for your reef tank check out our reef tank guide at http://www.saltwatermethods.com/reeftankguide

Arguably one of the most important parts to a successful mini reef tank is picking the right reef aquarium lighting for your system. The corals that you will be able to keep will be directly affected by your lighting system so getting it right the first time will not only save you money but also frustration and dead animals.

Two Popular Types Of Reef Aquarium Lighting

Power Compact Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting

Power compact fluorescent lighting is a very popular from a reef tank lighting for a variety of reasons,

large Selection Of Products-Because of this popularity many manufacturers have focused on this type of lighting system. This gives the reef keeper a huge selection of affordable lighting systems to choose from. Many systems have built in moonlighting and cooling fans and other neat features.

Low Price-Power compact lighting provides adequate light for basic corals and is relatively inexpensive to purchase and operate. It also does not transfer alot of heat into the water like some lighting systems can.

Metal Halide Reef Tank Lighting

Metal halide lighting is by far the most powerful forms of reef aquarium lighting on the market. It offers the brightest most intense light for your tank.

Metal halide bulbs range from 70 watts all the way up to 1000 watts. It is recommended that 1 metal halide bulb be used for every 2 square feet of tank space so a 48″ long tank would need two of them.

These lights will allow you to keep virtually any coral you want but they do have some negatives associated with them.

High Price-metal halide lighting is expensive to purchase and because of the higher wattage bulbs it is more expensive to operate. The bulbs must also be replaced every 9-12 months and many metal halide bulbs cost well over $100.

Extreme Heat- the heat given off by the bulbs can easily increase the temperature in your tank to dangerous levels. If this is the case you will have to buy a more expensive chiller unit to keep the water temperature stable.

They can also heat up any enclosure they are in to skin burning temperatures so always use caution when working around them.