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Saltwater Aquarium Lighting - Chapter 2 - Page 1 - Introduction - The Fundamenta

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Why are Differing Kelvin Ratings Necessary?

Now wattage plays a part here, too. The higher the wattage, the deeper it will penetrate. With the right K rating though, a hobbyist could conceivably duplicate conditions at say 50 feet in an aquarium only 18" deep. It's a trade-off, higher wattage vs. proper K rating. Combine the two and you achieve reef lighting Nirvana! Why go there? SPS corals, for one.

SPS corals? I know, I know! You want to hear more about this topic in detail, but for now it is more important to deal with the other various methods of achieving proper illumination for your reef tank. By knowing <b>all</b> of the reef lighting options available, when the time comes for you to purchase your reef lighting system this information will assist you with making a wise choice. Now let's go on to <a href="http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/weekly/aa041100.htm">Chapter 3</a> where I talk about reef system light choices, such as using pre-manufactured light hoods, MH (Metal Halide) and PC (Power Compact) lighting. Once done there, then you can go on to Chapter 4, which deals with the specifics of coral lighting.

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