Many different types of lighting are available for aquariums which can make choosing one that is right for your fish tank difficult. A bit of information and research ahead of time can help you to decide which lighting is appropriate for you.

Incandescent Lights
Aquarium hood covers which use traditional household “screw-in” type lights are inexpensive, but they should not be used for several reasons. This type of light emits a great deal of heat and will affect the temperature in your tank. They are also more expensive when it comes to electricity costs, and will not provide your fish with a spectrum of light that is the most beneficial.

Flourescent Lights
Fluorescent lighting is more expensive to purchase, but is cheaper to operate and the bulbs will last longer. Some heat is given off by this type of lighting, but not enough to adversely affect the temperature of your tank. Fluorescent lighting is available in different forms, providing a spectrum of light that is most beneficial to your particular setup.

Ordinary fluorescent lighting is suitable for the average aquarium. The light provided will be sufficient for just about any fish you choose for your tank. This type of fluorescent light is also known as normal output lighting.

If your aquarium has many plants or is tall, consider purchasing high-output fluorescent lighting. This will provide more light, which is needed for maintaining healthy plants, or in the case of a tall tank, enough light will reach the bottom to cover the needs of your fish. In tanks that are taller than 18 inches, high-output lighting is necessary not only to make your viewing experience more enjoyable, but also to provide the life in your tank with the light needed to thrive. This type of lighting can be considerably more expensive than normal output lighting, however.

Power compact fluorescent lighting will provide additional light, like the high-output lighting, but is cheaper and more convenient. These lights can be found with a threaded base, allowing you to use them in an aquarium hood designed for incandescent lighting. The wattage recommendations of the hood should be adhered to for safety purposes.

Although all fluorescent light bulbs will last a considerable amount of time, the bulbs should be replaced at least once every six months. The concentration of the lighting will begin to fade after this time and may not provide what your tank needs.
Bulb wattage is another factor to keep in mind. Depending on your tank depth and size, you will need anywhere from 1-3 watts per gallon to 4-5 watts per gallon or more.

LED Aquarium Lights
LED lighting is relatively new to the aquarium market. It can provide a higher output of light than any fluorescent light, and can last a decade or more. Less heat is given off by these bulbs, and less energy will be consumed also. Bulb replacement is not required with LED lighting as it is with fluorescent bulbs. They will maintain their concentration of the light spectrum. Although these lights are much more expensive than the others, the long-term cost and power saving benefits will likely make it worth the purchase. These lights are particularly good for saltwater aquariums, which have greater light requirements than freshwater tanks.