Lighting is one of the most important components of a reef aquarium. The proper lighting intensity is required for corals and/or invertebrates to survive. Similar to plants, corals and many invertebrates require light for photosynthesis to generate energy and food. If your corals and invertebrates do not receive enough light for photosynthesis, they will not survive.
VHO (Very High Output) fluorescent and PC (Power Compact) fluorescent lighting systems are great for corals that require low to moderate lighting, such as leather corals, mushrooms, polyps, and LPS corals. T5 systems are excellent for corals that require moderate to high lighting and the Metal Halide systems are great for corals that require intense lighting. SPS corals, clams, and anemones would best survive in a system with metal bulbs. Many hobbyists will supplement metal halide lights with actinic T5, VHO or PC lights to simulate a dusk/dawn effect and to add more blue coloration to the tank.
In addition to the numerous fluorescent and metal halide lighting fixtures and retrofit kits we carry, we also stock the increasingly popular LED lighting systems. You’ll find PFO LED lighting fixtures, including the Galileo (designed for soft corals, planted tank and fish-only tanks), Current USA PowerBrite and Taam Rio Mini Sun fixtures (as supplemental lighting).
Lunar/moonlights can create a more realistic lighting environment for your tank. These LED fixtures may promote lunar spawning cycles in corals and reef life while giving you the ability to view organisms that are normally active only at night.
For more information on lighting, please visit our Education Center or check out Lighting: What To Know Before You Buy and Lighting a Reef Tank Part 1 & Part 2. To learn what kinds types of metal halide bulbs are available along with some recommendations, you can read this article. For Power Compact lighting, try this article.
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