Reef aquarium lighting

Choose aquarium lighting for the animals or plants receiving it and the area the fixture must cover. A fish display, planted aquarium and coral reef have different lighting goals. Tank width, water depth and shading from the aquascape all affect how much useful light reaches the places that matter.

Compare coverage and control options alongside fixture size. A bright central spot does not establish even coverage across the tank. For a reef, PAR measurements at coral positions can help assess intensity more meaningfully than the light's wattage or visual brightness alone.

Plan mounting height, lid clearance and cable routing before installation. Use a consistent daily schedule and increase intensity gradually when changing lights or introducing animals from dimmer conditions. Keep lenses and splash shields clean according to the manufacturer's instructions.