Read About Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent lamps enhance and beautify your aquarium. Here's everything you need to know about this product.

Fluorescent lamps - What are they?

1. Description:

   Fluorescent lamps use long glass tubes for bulbs that contain phosphor bits that light up when electricity is passed through it.

2. Who Needs These?

   Anyone who has an aquarium and wants a stable source of light will want to purchase one of these lamps.

3. Why Do You Need These?

   Lighting is very important in your aquarium. Natural sunlight rarely reaches your aquarium and does not easily penetrate the water.

4. Types:

   Full spectrum, actinics, and compact are the three basic types of fluorescent lamps. They also come in varying degrees of intensities and sizes.

5. Benefits:

   It supplies your aquarium with beautiful light that enhances the life of your fish and the beauty of it's surroundings.

Fluorescent lamps - Uses

1. For Young Pets:

   Fluorescent lighting shows off the younger fish and also keeps the water temperature and light spectrum stable.

2. For Adult Pets:

   Lighting can help the plant life in the aquarium to flourish, thus enhancing the life of the adult fish.

3. For Aging Pets:

   It is more important for the aging fish to have the day/night rest cycle to stay healthy. Also, the extra light allows you to keep a closer eye on their health.

Fluorescent lamps - Tips

1. Varieties:

   Fluorescent lamps come in many sizes, intensities, and colors. Research should be done to find just the right one for your aquarium. The full spectrum lamp simulates daylight more closely. Actinics give off a blue hue, which is good for coral growth. The compact fluorescents are pretty much the same as the others, but is cheaper and lasts longer then the others.

2. Quality Choices:

   Fluorescent lamps are usually the best choice for your aquarium because the bulbs stay cooler, thus not effecting the water temperature as some of the other types of lighting.

3. Where to Use:

   Lighting is most usually used in a hood above the aquarium.

Fluorescent lamps - Concerns

1. Safety Issues:

   Fluorescent lamps are a very safe source of light for the aquarium. Make sure to use bulbs specially made for the aquarium. Regular hardware bulbs promote the growth of black algae.

2. Behavioral Issues:

   Fish will react well to the cool light and be more lively. It brings a much more enjoyable experience with your fish.

3. Convenience:

   They are very economical and easy to use. This makes it a very convenient way to light your aquarium and the bulbs are usually long lasting.

Fluorescent lamps - How to Choose

1. For Young Pets:

   These are a good choice for young fish because they provide a more stable water temperature and spectrum of color.

2. For Adult Pets:

   Fluorescent lighting can be used for adult fish with very good results.

3. For Aging Pets:

   Like the younger fish, older fish will respond well to the stability the fluorescent lamps provide.

4. Expense:

   Compact fluorescent lamps cost $7.00 - $10.00. The others cost $10.00 -- $25.00.

5. Other items you might need with this product:

   You will need to buy replacement bulbs with this product.