Different types of lighting is available on all pet shops that claim to reciprocate sunlight and provide enough lumination for both fish and plants, invertebrates and corals and for our viewing. Metal Halides, Flourescent Lights, and many other types of lighting is available. But, is providing a proper light source enough?
the answer is NO.
Fishes, Plants, Corals and other invertebrates require not only proper intensity of light but also a proper cycle of illumination to behave naturally. for example, life in the nature starts at dawn, when the sun is coming up. Brightness increased gradually, increasing the activity under the waters... and before the sunset when the light starts to get dim, activity becomes slower. fish are used to of such daylight sequence and this behaviour is programmed in their genes... its exactly like humans, getup at sunrise, goto work, come back by sunset and sleep when its dark. imagine, if there is no sunset or sunrise in human life? just full daylight at all times? or what if, with a blink of an eye its full daylight and blink of an eye its full darkness?
On the other side, moonlight also plays an important role for the living organisms. Moonlight plays a key role in breeding behaviour of many corals and other invertebrates. Some shrimps molt on full moon and change their sex and breed and so on. Many hobbyists use Blue LED lights to mimic moonlight, which not only serves the purpose (to a minor extent only) but also gives a breathtaking view of their aquarium at night.
So there is a need to have not only proper lighting for the aquarium but also in a way that simulate the natural cycle. Once again, the key to keeping the fish happy and healthy is to provide them an environment as natural to their habitat as possible.
Fish 'n' Birds have been experimenting with different kind of lighting for the aquarium. Looking at all the advantages, disadvantages, cost of the lighting system, electricity costs, safety measures, duration and many more aspects of it.
After experimenting with normal household Flourescent Tubelights, Aquarium specific flourescent tubelights and Metal Halide Bulbs, we settled with LED Lights, yes LED Lights. Experiments were conducted on both Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums and following are the benefits we saw with LED lighting:
- Energy Efficient. Consumes 70-95% less electricity.
- Long Life. LEDs have >50,000 hours life compared to 8000-10,000 hours life of flourescent lights. Flourescent Lights, even MH, emitting light color changes after some usage and requires changing the light. LEDs emit same light color and intensity throughout their life.
- Produce no Heat. Less work for Chillers, thus saving more on electricity costs.
- Durable
- Silent
- Low Voltage Power Supply. Increased Safety.
- Multicolor and Compact. Giving unlimited design flexibility
- Dimmable. Allowing ease in achieving Sunrise, Sunset and Lunar Cycle sequence
- Controlled Algae. Reduce algae to zero within days (specificaly designed for no plants, inverts aquariums)
Fish 'n' Birds will soon be launching its state of the art LED lighting system for both Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums. We are at the final stages of experimenting different combinations and intensityof LED lights and their effect on Planted and Non Planted Freshwater Aquariums and Invertebrates/Reef Saltwater Aquariums.
Fish 'n' Birds is also designing a complete lighting solution for an aquarium. A solution that can be attached to the aquarium just once and after that you would not need to think about lighting for years. A solution that will save you above 75% on electricity bills. A solution that will make your fish feel right at home, promoting good health and breeding.
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The key to keeping the fish happy and healthy is to provide them an environment as natural to their habibat as possible. We use live planted tanks for keeping Discus, even care for the water to have same chemical balance as in Discus' natural habitat. We make rocky tanks for keeping Cichlids and provide them with caves and other items that their natural habitat contains. Water temperature, chemical levels and food is also taken care of. The least we think about is the Lighting Source. Usualy we will just buy one lighting source, already fitted in the hood or recommended by the shopkeeper, and forget about it. Aquarium lighting has always been a hot issue for the aquarium professionals and hobbyists all around the world. Lighting is one of the most crucial parts of an aquarium. Poor or inappropriate lighting promotes: