Why Lighting Is Important for an Aquarium Fish Tank

Most aquarium fish come from areas where they are exposed to natural sunlight all day long. In the wild, fish that do not live deep in the sea, but rather in shallower waters such as rivers or lakes, rely on the sunlight to survive. The bright light stimulates all aspects of aquatic life, which is why your indoor tank needs to replicate the natural environment as accurately as possible.

Influence a Fish’s Behavior

Improper lighting can cause fish to develop behavioral problems because of the unnatural environment in which they now live. Fish can become aggressive with tank mates without proper light stimulation, and they may also hover near the tank’s surface because of insufficient oxygen in the water. Poor lighting can also influence how much a fish will eat, if at all. The imbalance in the environment could cause stress on a fish. A fish may also become lethargic, spending more time toward the bottom and sides of the tank rather than swimming openly.

Establish Day and Night Cycles

When the light is on, this simulates daytime, as if the sun were now out and shining through the water. Switching the light off at night simulates nighttime and allows the fish to develop a sleep cycle. The lighting also helps the fish see their food so they can eat properly and be put on a feeding schedule.

Provide Additional Warmth

Tropical fish thrive in warm temperature waters. Your tank should have an aquarium temperature controller for these types of fish, but lighting can also help. Keeping the water warm in as many ways as possible can enhance the overall health of your fish. Without appropriate lighting, a fish’s color can begin to fade. The dulling of colors is never a good sign, meaning the fish is in poor health and stressed.

Help the Ecosystem Thrive

Many advanced indoor tanks contain live plants. Most freshwater aquatic plants originally come from shallow areas of rivers in Central and South America. They serve as not only decoration, but also as filters for the water inside the tank. Plants need light to photosynthesize. Some types of coral may also depend on sunlight to thrive, and they need adequate lighting to do so. Proper lighting is also needed for desired mating. Stimulating a natural environment is key to making the fish as comfortable as possible. 

The most common and effective type of lighting used in the aquarium industry is now LED lighting, which replaces older outdated standard fluorescent lighting. LEDs have really changed the aquarium industry by showing more realistic yet more vibrant colors of fish. This source of light is energy efficient, inexpensive, and available in a wide variety of sizes and spectrums.

By adding adequate lighting to your “underwater wonderland,” you can ensure a healthy environment for your fish. For installation of a proper light source, get in touch with Aquatic Warehouse. We provide the highest quality freshwater planted tanks and saltwater aquarium supplies at the best possible rates. For more details. visit our website at www.Aquaticwarehouse.com, stop by our storefront in Kearny Mesa, or give us a call at 858-467-9297.