Saltwater Aquarium Lighting Chapter 1: Fish-Only Tanks

by Don Carner

Now that I have addressed the basic lighting requirements of a fish-only tank, the reef aspect to aquarium lighting is a much more complex and intimidating arena. Before I begin on this discussion, let me state right up front that each element has its supporters and detractors. There are just as many pros, cons and opinions as to "what's the best lighting to use" as there are to the politics of this great land of ours, so be forewarned, I'm sure I'll ruffle a few feathers here! Follows is a basic outline of the various types of lighting used for reef aquaria.

1.) Fluorescents

• A - Normal Output (NO)
• B - High Output (HO)
• C - Very High Output (VHO)
• D - Power Compacts (PC) or Osram


2.) Metal Halides (MH)


• Metal Halide does not have any differentiating qualities other than wattage and spectral output.
• Sodiums and Iodines are not suitable for our hobby, so I'll state that commercial building or parking lot metal halides be steered clear of.

Now, why choose one fluorescent over another? Why choose fluorescents at all? Why not go for it and install metal halides? Or for that matter, why not pick up a power compact and leave all the controversy behind? It is these very questions that plague many hobbyists. Most of us plan on spending and investing in a lighting system only once, and want it to be right the first time! I shed a little more light on this very issue in Chapter 2, discussing in detail the fundamentals of fluorescent lighting such as wattages, the CRI (Color Rendition Index), and "K" (Kelvin). [center]

Don Carner

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