Aquarium Lightning

Aquarium lighting based on LEDs is a very modern, progressive approach, which is becoming more and more standard not only in the living room but also in the aquarium. No wonder, as LED lamps consume significantly less energy and are more durable in terms of their service life, a big advantage in today's world with their steadily rising electricity prices. Previously, old bulbs such as fluorescent tubes or bulbs had to be replaced regularly (Germany). This circumstance also falls away if one operates his aquarium with LED lamps. Even if the purchase price scares off at first glance: who calculates the costs and compares, will find that the conversion or the purchase of a new LED aquarium lamp after a certain time, but clearly worthwhile. Also in terms of lighting control LED lamps offer many advantages, as for example, several shades on a very small area can be generated by different colored LEDs: The light emitting diodes do not need much space on a lamp body, such as conventional lighting with fluorescent tubes.

Especially beginners in aquaristics are often at a loss with regard to the color temperature (which is given in Kelvin). This value indicates the type of whiteness in which different illuminants are available. Which color temperature is ideal for the growth of aquatic plants in the aquarium? Unfortunately, this is not the case, because in principle every plant species has its own preferences. In addition, certain aquarium plants are able to adapt to the spectrum of light - this is called chromatic adaptation.
In general, however, we can suggest that a uniform daylight spectrum is good for the growth of any plant. It can now be used with almost any aquarium lamp, which is offered by the renowned manufacturers. The choice of the white clay plays thereby for the water plants not so big role more, here the aquarium owner can let its personal taste decide.

In addition to the color spectrum but above all the intensity of the light in an aquarium lamp is crucial for plant growth. Many aquarists make a crucial mistake here. True to the motto "Much helps a lot" they drastically increase their lighting. Often this change ends in a algae problem. Here are two things of importance: the illuminance should fit the needs of the aquatic plants kept in the aquarium. An Anubia, a Cryptocoryne and a few mosses in the basin do not justify high-light illumination. These shadow plants get along much better with less light. More demanding plants such as stem plants benefit from more light and grow faster. But then larger amounts of other nutrients are needed. In this respect, an increase in lighting should always be accompanied by an adjustment of the remaining nutrient supply in the micro and macro range, as well as in the CO2 supply. In addition, sufficient plant mass should be present as a basis in the aquarium.