main features - Big Al`s Canada

Lighting
Issue
2
Inspiration for aquarium hobbyists
MAIN
FEATURES
VOLUME 2 • February 2010
Aquarium Lighting • p2
Not so simple? Well we think it should
be! This article is aimed at getting you
on the right wavelength when it comes
to your aquarium lighting.
Top 10 Lighting Products • p6
Need a little something extra to make
your tank pop? This issue’s selection of
lighting products could be just the thing
you were looking for!
Reef Lighting for the
Advanced Aquarist • p8
An in depth look into the most popular
reef lighting choices written by our onstaff marine biologist.
A
LIGHTING
GETTING YOU ON THE RIGHT WAVELENGTH
More often than not, novice aquarists overlook the importance of lighting on their
aquarium. Most think that aquarium lighting has one purpose, and one purpose
only; illuminating the tank so that you can see your fish. The truth of the matter is
that lighting is one of the most important components of your aquarium for both
showing off your beautiful specimens, as well as keeping them happy and healthy.
This is especially true for freshwater and saltwater biotopes that house live plants
and photosynthetic invertebrates that need specific lighting to flourish. In nature,
the sun is the source of light for all living creatures on earth. In an aquarium, we
are responsible for recreating appropriate lighting for the plants and animals we
care for, in order to keep them in optimal condition.
Questions & Answers • p12
Something
about
your
aquarium
boggling your mind? Questions sent in
by readers are answered in detail by our
knowledgeable experts!
Aquatic Profiles • p15
At a glance, learn if this issue’s choice
of freshwater fish and plant, or saltwater
fish and coral are right for you!
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT
WWW.FISHENEWS.COM
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continuted from the cover
Lighting Terminology
Let’s start with this quick chart of lighting
terms to help you understand some of the
lingo used in the hobby and in this article.
DEFINITION LIST • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
TERM
SYMBOL
DEFINITION
Electromagnetic radiation (light) that can be detected by the human eye; may also be
referred to as the Visible Light Spectrum - it is normally measured in nanometers
Color Spectrum
Nanometers
nm
The most common unit of measure used to describe the wavelength (color) of light,
with visible light falling in the region of 400-700nm
Kelvin
K
A unit increment of temperature - it is used to describe the perceived color of light
(referred to as color temperature)
Lux
lx
Unit of illuminance and luminous emittance. It is used in photometry as a measure
of the apparent intensity of light hitting or passing through a surface.
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How Does Light
Affect the Aquarium?
How you light your aquarium will
determine three things:
how colorful and attractive your
aquarium looks, what photosynthetic
plants and invertebrates you can house,
and how much undesirable algae growth
you will experience.
Choosing the right color
bulb, or combination of
different colored
bulbs, can make
the difference
between
a drab
aquarium
and a
spectacular
aquatic
display.
The bulb
that comes
stock with
your aquarium
light will rarely
do your tank
justice, and
swapping it out
with a color
enhancing
bulb can make
a world of
difference to
the overall
appearance
of your
aquarium. So how do you know what
bulb(s) will look best on your aquarium?
Usually the best solution on a typical
freshwater community tank is to use both
cool white (10,000K to 15,000K), and
warm white (5,500K to 6.700K) bulbs
simultaneously. This gives the aquarium a
bright white appearance from the cool white
bulbs, and then enhances the red hues of
your fish, plants, and decorations with the
warm white bulbs. If your fixture only holds
one bulb, there are color enhancing bulbs
(usually indicated on the packaging) that will
mimic the combination of both warm and
cool bulbs; these bulbs tend to be a little
dimmer and purplish in color, but will still
make the colors in your aquarium pop!
So what if you want to keep live plants or
corals? Things start to get a little trickier
when it comes to having sufficient light
for photosynthesis (the process by which
photosynthetic plants and invertebrates
convert the energy of the sun into usable
food energy). Making sure you use the
correct spectrum of light is essential.
Typically for a planted aquarium 6,700K is
the spectrum of choice. Most bulbs used
for plant growth are clearly labeled as such.
Not only do you have to worry about having
the right spectrum of light for your tank
inhabitants to photosynthesize, you also
have to worry about having lighting that
is intense enough (high enough wattage).
A single bulb standard fluorescent fixture
may work for some plants that require
lower light, but in most cases a minimum
of a double or triple fluorescent light will be
needed to keep most plants healthy. Corals
demand even more intense lighting, such as
Power Compact fluorescents, High Output T5
fluorescents, or Metal Halide lighting in order
to thrive (discussed in depth in the Advanced
Reef Lighting article on pg. 8).
Lastly, lighting has a lot to do with the dreaded
“A” word. That’s right, we are talking about
algae. Something as simple as leaving your
light on too long (more than 8 hours a day) can
lead to an algae outbreak. Dealing with algae
can be a chore, but you can make it easier by
following a couple simple tips. For example,
old fluorescent and metal halide bulbs (a year
or more) undergo a slight shift in spectrum
from when they were first purchased. This
shift is usually in the favor of algae, making it
easier for algae to grow. Making sure that you
routinely change
your bulbs every 9
to 12 months helps
to prevent algae
outbreaks. Adding
a simple light timer
to your set up can
also help by making
sure that you never
forget to turn your
light on/off at the
correct times, and
is another easy
algae outbreak
preventative.
The Marineland Light Timer can be used on
freshwater or saltwater aquariums. Easy to set.
Features a manual over-ride and is grounded
for safety. Rated at 15 amps. Item# 16465
ACCENT LIGHTING
LIGHTING
Aquarium lighting does not always refer
to the lights that are on top of your tank.
Sometimes it is what is inside that counts!
Accent lighting is a great way to give
your tank some pizzazz, and make it the
conversation piece it deserves to be.
Internal LED lights like the Aqua Color
series by Hydor are low wattage and
bright, do not cause nuisance algae, and
do not bother the fish at night. They come
in various colors, as well as a ColorMix
choose the best bulb for your aquarium,
you must understand what type of light
your aquatic inhabitants need to look
and do their best. For most applications,
we as aquarists are concerned with the
visible portion of the color spectrum, which
excludes ultraviolet and infrared light. The
color spectrum is measured in nanometers,
with visible light ranging roughly between
400nm (Blue/Violet) to 700nm (Red). Most
aquarium bulbs will have a chart on the
packaging that indicates what proportions
of the spectrum that particular bulb emits.
FRESHWATER
African Cichlid Aquarium:
African Cichlids are some of the most colorful
freshwater species available. A typical
aquarium set up for these cichlids would
include large porous rocks stacked to form
caves on top of a calcium based substrate
such as crushed coral/shells or aragonite
sand. Cichlids look best under a color
enhancing bulb that is heavier into the blue
side of the spectrum. Actinic bulbs help to
make the colors pop, and give the aquarium a
marine feel to it.
Single Bulb: Color Enhancing Bulb
Double Bulb: 10,000K & 470nm Actinic
Triple Bulb: Color Enhancing Bulb & 10,000K
& 470nm Actinic
Community Aquarium:
The community aquarium is one of the most
popular themes for new hobbyists and
seasoned veterans alike. A vast array of fish
in all shapes sizes and colors darting in and
out of vibrantly colored ornaments and gravel
creates an attractive and pleasing aquatic
display. A bulb combination that is bright and
color enhancing is a must! For this type of set
up, we try to use bulbs that accentuate reds,
yellows, and oranges.
Single Bulb: Color Enhancing Bulb
Double Bulb: Color Enhancing Bulb & 6,700K
Triple Bulb: 10,000K & Color Enhancing Bulb
& 6,700K
Planted Aquarium:
that changes colors on its own. Small
accent lights like these can be placed
inside of caves and ornaments to cast a
mysterious glow, or they can be placed
around air stones to light up the bubbles
as they travel through the water. Wherever
you decide to place them, they are sure
to give a splash of color to add the “wow”
factor back to your aquarium!
Choosing Your Lighting
With so many bulbs to choose from, with
different Kelvin ratings and spectrums, it
can be quite a confusing task for novice
aquarists to determine which bulb will
be ideal for their aquarium. To be able to
04 FisheNews
The only time you would really need to pay
attention to the color spectrum of a bulb
is if you have live plants or photosynthetic
invertebrates in your aquarium, otherwise
the Kelvin rating of a bulb is enough to give
you a good idea of how it will look.
To make things a little easier for you,
we have listed a few common lighting
scenarios and have described what lighting
is best for each situation, and why. You can
use these as templates for lighting your
own aquarium!
Although they can be the most challenging
aquariums to keep looking healthy, planted
aquariums can also be the most rewarding.
When choosing lighting for planted tanks we
want to pay close attention to not only the
Kelvin rating of the bulb, but to the actual color
spectrum as well. Plants photosynthesize best
with light around 660nm which means the bulb
you choose should have a peak around that
mark. It is also important to use a full spectrum
bulb in conjunction with a plant grow bulb to
keep the tank looking bright, and to provide
light that mimics that of the mid day sun.
Single Bulb: 6,700K
Double Bulb: 6,7000K & Roseate
Triple Bulb: 10,000K & 6,700K & Roseate
The Official Newsletter
SALTWATER
Fish Only Aquarium:
Even though it is considered the entry level
saltwater aquarium, fish only marine tanks
with live rock can be just as spectacular
as a reef aquarium in terms of color and
movement. Many marine fish, especially
the large angel species, have bright and
bold colors in extravagant patterns that are
captivating to watch. When choosing lighting
for these aquariums, we want to enhance the
natural beauty of the fish while maintaining
the marine look and feel.
Wondering what
different bulb
combinations might
look like on your
aquarium? Take a look
at the examples below!
4,000K:
Single Bulb: 50/50 (Actinc & 10,000K)
Light fixtures normally come stock with a
yellowish 4,000K bulb that really isn’t all
that bright, and tends to drown out the true
colors of the aquarium.
Double Bulb: 10,000K & 470nm Actinic
Triple Bulb: 50/50 & 10,000K & 470nm Actinic
Reef Aquarium:
Widely considered the crown jewel of
aquarium keeping, reef aquariums are also
known to test the boundaries of a hobbyist’s
skill and patience. This is especially true
when it comes to finding the best lighting to
keep your corals healthy and growing. Many
corals are photosynthetic and require proper
lighting. Corals photosynthesize best with
light around 440nm, so making sure that you
include actinic light, or light around 20,000K
is absolutely vital to your success. Actinic
light also causes many corals to glow or
fluoresce.
Colour Enhancing Bulb:
Swapping out the stock bulb with a color
enhancing bulb can make a big difference
with the overall color of your fish and
ornaments. Notice how purple the plant in the
background is now?
Single Bulb: 20,000K
Double Bulb: 14,000K & 420nm Actinic
Triple Bulb: 10,000K & 420nm Actinic &
470nm Actinic
6,700K & 10,000K Mix:
Another good combination for a
freshwater community tank with a double
light fixture. The 10,000K bulb brightens
the aquarium, and the 6,500K bulb adds a
full spectrum look, enhancing color.
Refugium or Planted Aquarium:
Marine planted aquariums and Refugiums
are very similar to planted aquariums. The
macro algae(s) and plants such as mangrove
pods require lighting that will aid them in
photosynthesis. Like corals, some of the
macro algae(s) will benefit from the actinic
light in the 440nm range, so providing an
actinic can help boost growth and color.
Single Bulb: 6,700K
Double Bulb: 6,700K & 420nm Actinic
Triple Bulb: 10,000K & 420nm Actinic &
Roseate
Actinic & 10,000K Mix:
When trying to achieve a look similar to that of
the ocean, the actinic and 10,000K combination
really does the trick. Mixing the cool white of
the 10,000K with the deep blue of the actinic
enhances natural color in African cichlids as well
as the fluorescence in marine animals.
The Official Newsletter
FisheNews
05
w
TOP
LIGHTING
PRODUCTS
10
ITEM# 48315
Marineland Pro 2X150W 14K HQI Fixture with
4X54W T-5 Actinics and4 LED Moonlights - 48”
1
Marineland Pro light fixtures are integrated light systems with separate control of each type of light making a completely
customizable photo period possible. With this state of the art fixture, you can easily satisfy the 24-hour lighting needs of
marine, reef, plant, or freshwater life, as it comes standard with an integrated 3-mode digital timer, allowing each light
type to be controlled by its own timer! This 48” unit comes with one 150 Watt metal halide, four 54 Watt high output t-5
bulbs, and four 1 Watt LED lights to replicate the natural circadian rhythm of aquatic life, allowing for night-time viewing
and feeding. This fixture includes internal electronic ballasts, a 12ft power cord, and adjustable mounting legs. (Also
available in 24”, 36”, 60”, 72” sizes)
2
ITEM# 3517
Aquatic Life 4X39W T5 Light
Fixture W/4-LED Lunar
Lights - 36”
The AquaticLife 4x39watt HOT5 fixture delivers both intense light output and practicality into one user friendly package. German made
reflectors boost light output and efficiency, while the built-in digital controller allows you to individually set the day, actinic, and moon
lights for total lunar/solar cycle control. The fixture operates on one power cord, keeping the unit neat and tidy. An excellent choice for
both reef and planted aquariums to provide your photosynthetic inhabitants with the light they require to look their best! (Also available
in 24”, 30”, 48”, 60”, 72” sizes)
ITEM# 7870
Coralife Lunar
Aqualight Deluxe
Series 24” (2X65W)
with 2- 3/4W BlueMoon-Glow LED Lamps
The state of the art Lunar Aqualight is a compact light fixture with
a Blue-Moon-Glow LED light which creates rhythmic glitter and
shimmering effects while promoting spawning cycles in corals and other
reef life. These fixtures allow you to recreate the effect that both the sun
and moon have on sealife. Includes: 65 watt 10,000K
Daylight bulb, 65 watt True Actinic 03 Blue bulb (Straight
Pin), and two 3/4 watt Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED
lamps. Dimensions are 24” x 7” x 2.5”. (Also available in
30”, 36”, 48”, 72”)
3
06 FisheNews
Coralife
Aqualight
Advanced Hang On
Tank Mount Fixture
ITEM# 13965
Sleek, streamlined hang-on tank HQI metal halide
fixture. Features a 150 watt 14,000K double ended
HQI metal halide lamp. You can position the light in
3 different ways giving you versatility; includes a
heavy duty mounting bracket, external ballast with
on/off switch, cooling fan, highly polished reflector,
glass lens cover, 12 foot lamp cord, 6 foot power
cord, and a ventilation grill. The Coralife Aqualight
Advanced Hang-On fixture is the perfect lighting
solution for all corals and other marine life.
The Official Newsletter
4
5
ITEM# 9716
Coralife
Aqualight-Double
Linear Strip
Power Compact-12
Coralife
Aqualight-Double
Linear Strip Power
Compact-12”
Milwaukee
Instruments
SM700 Smart
Lux Meter
Accurately measure
light intensity in your
aquarium with this
professional grade yet affordable Lux meter. This
easy-to-use device makes an indispensable asset to
any serious reef enthusiast. Portable lux meter features
a waterproof sensor that displays a precise reading of
light intensity. Accurately measures a range of 0.000
to 50,000 Lux. Ideal for determining best positions for
coral placement within your aquarium, and helps to
ensure optimal light fixture performance. Includes 9V
battery. Accuracy = ± 6% of reading ± q digit.
7
LED Bubble Wand - Blue
6
This Aqualight fixture is a 12” double lamp.
Includes 2 18 watt 50/50 straight pin compact
fluorescent lamps. Other features include: on/off
switch, built in ballasts, sleek aluminum housing,
highly polished reflector, and acrylic lens cover.
Dimensions: 12” x 7” x 1.5”.
ITEM# 13799
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ITEM# 22565
ITEM# 16194
The fully submersible Marineland LED bubble wand
creates beautiful underwater effects with 6 LED lights
and bubbles. The LEDs create a unique and striking
effect in any freshwater or saltwater aquarium. A built-in
airstone creates a curtain of air bubbles for improved
oxygenation. Includes suction cups and 10ft power
cord. Low voltage UL listed adapter provides low
energy consumption. 8.5” Length. (Also available in
Red, White, and Green) Air pump not included.
Coralife Aqualight
Digital Power Center
9
The Aqualight Digital Power Center is a
24 hour day to night timing device that
can be used with any of the Aqualight
lighting systems, as well as other lighting
fixtures. You can set it to turn on and off
up to 7 times a day and on different days
of the week. Features 4 constant power
outlets and 4 alternating timer controlled
outlets (2 day and 2 night). Other features
include: 3 foot heavy duty power cord,
sliding outlet safety covers, 3 prong
grounded plug and outlets.
ITEM# 13401
MARINELAND DOUBLE BRIGHT LED LIGHTING SYSTEM
The all-new Marineland Double Bright LED Lighting System
has an incredibly low-profile design, energy efficient LED lights,
and comes with extendable arms to fit tanks from 24” to 36”
with ease. The super slim design keeps your aquarium looking
sleek and tidy to make sure the attention stays focused on your
aquatic display. The twelve 1 watt LED lights (8 white & 4 blue)
are low on energy, and last 17,000+ hours eliminating bulb
changes. The fixture produces a natural looking light that will
create a shimmer effect in your aquarium, while enhancing fish
coloration! 3-Pole switch allows you to turn fixture off, on, and
turn on the blue lights only for a moonlight effect. (Also available
in 18” to 24”, 36” to 48” sizes)
ITEM# 73720
Current USA 12.25” Powerbrite
LED Light Fixture (10,000K Daylight)
10
Replicating the dynamic natural qualities of sun lighting (10K
DAYLIGHT), this lighting system combines the life sustaining
wavelengths of light with the efficiency of LED technology
into one sleek apparatus. Excellent depth penetration
adds the natural shimmering effect and rippling glow,
while producing virtually no heat and consuming minimal
electricity. Efficient LEDs last up to 50,000 hours and
promotes strong and healthy coral, invertebrate, and plant
growth. Bring the realistic feel and color of the ocean to your
aquarium. (Each system can link up to 2 additional modules)
(Also available in 50/50, Royal Blue)
The Official Newsletter
FisheNews
07
Why is reef lighting important?
Coral reefs are bathed in sunlight for about 12 hours a day in the wild. The
animals that live there have adapted to make use of the sunlight, and many
have symbiotic relationships with algae living in their tissue that help produce
food; allowing them to take advantage of this plentiful energy source. Light
also plays a role in maintaining bright and vibrant coloration in corals by
stimulating them to produce UV protective pigments (blue, green, pink,
purple, orange, yellow coloration), as well as causing them to fluoresce or
‘glow’ vibrant colors. Light is therefore a vital component of any reef tank.
Thus, it is important to supply your aquarium with an appropriate light source
when keeping a reef with live corals and giant clams. Technology has afforded us more than one option for supplying this vital component, and so
a thorough discussion of the topic is important when attempting to keep a
healthy, beautiful reef aquarium.
What type of lighting is currently available,
and what are the pros & cons of each type?
In discussing modern reef aquarium lighting, there are essentially 4 different
technologies that can provide the necessary light your animals require.
These are power compacts, high output T5 florescents, metal halides, and
LEDs. Which lighting system you choose will depend on many factors
including the type of animals you wish to keep, growth vs. coloration, tank
size, aesthetics, efficiency and overall cost.
This beautiful reef aquarium uses a fixture containing 6 High
Output T-5 bulbs at 54 watts each to keep its corals healthy
and looking their best. HOT5 fixtures allow many different bulb
combinations, giving you the ability to fine tune your lighting to
best suit the needs of your aquarium.
REEF LIGHTING OVERVIEW
TYPE
BEST FOR
Power
Compact
Soft, LPS
Lower initial investment - Widely available Effective for many beginner corals
Bulbs must be replaced often - does not penetrate
well into deep tanks - high degree of re-strike
lowers efficiency
HOT5
Soft, LPS,
SPS
Similarly priced to PC - Wide range of bulbs
available - Great light output - Efficient
For taller tanks 6-8 bulbs must be used - Although
it can sustain the same corals as MH it lacks the
shimmer effect
Metal Halide
Soft, LPS,
SPS
Closest to natural sunlight - Shimmer effect Penetrates deep aquariums well
Higher initial investment - Excess heat - May
require chiller if not well ventilated
High Output
LED
Soft, LPS,
SPS
Produces intense light - Extremely efficient - Low
heat emmision - Shimmer effect - No bulb changes
- Newer technology that is still being perfected &
not yet readily available
08 FisheNews
PRO’S
CONS
The Official Newsletter
Power Compact Florescent
Power Compacts (PC) are a great choice for
the novice reef enthusiast. They work well
for many soft corals (leather corals, button
and zoanthid polyps, mushrooms, colt corals
etc.), and some lower light large polyp stony
corals (hammer, frogspawn, torch, open
brain corals). They are powerful enough
to maintain slow but steady growth of the
easier to keep varieties of coral.
Unfortunately, as you progress towards more
difficult to keep species, and species that
require more light, power compacts will need
to be replaced with a more powerful lighting
solution. They will not provide much in the
way of color stimulus for your corals as PC
lights produce exceptionally less UV light
than the other lighting methods discussed
in this article. PCs are however quite good
at producing the fluorescing effect of corals,
provided actinic bulbs are included. Power
compacts do not radiate too much heat into
the aquarium, and tend to work well for very
small aquariums. They produce the best
results on shallow aquariums, up to approximatly 18 to 20 inches in height, but are not
as suitable for tall aquariums. In terms of
overall appearance, PC bulbs are available
in a variety of color temperatures and can
create a nice, bright appearance. Initially PC
fixtures are also relatively inexpensive, and
certainly the least expensive of the lighting
systems discussed in this article. The longevity of PC bulbs tends to be significantly
less than the other systems, and require
replacement more often, resulting in higher
upkeep costs. Out of the four technologies that will be mentioned in this article,
power compacts are the least efficient. This
is largely due to the fact that a substantial
proportion of the light produced by PC bulbs
never reaches the tank. The wide profile
of the bulb leads to a high occurrence of
“re-strike”. Re-strike describes how the light
emitted from the bulb gets reflected back
into the bulb, which in turn creates excess
heat. In other words, a lot of the energy
used by power compacts ends up as heat.
This excess heat also ends up burning the
bulb out faster. The low efficiency combined
with the need to replace bulbs often makes
PC the most expensive option long term,
and the least environmentally friendly. PC
fixtures are best suited for the novice reef
enthusiast’s first aquarium, and most people
who buy PC fixtures will eventually upgrade
to one of the other technologies if they continue on in the hobby
High Output T5 Florescent
High output T5 fluorescents (HOT5) are
highly versatile; a great choice for novice,
intermediate and advanced reef enthusiasts
alike. They provide ample light for all types
of corals, including the more demanding
small polyp stony corals, given enough bulbs
are used. There are some species of clown
hosting anemone that may demand more
intense light, specifically the Ritteri anemone
(Heteractis magnifica) and the Giant Carpet
Clown hosting anemones in general
require intense lighting. In some cases,
such as with this Ritteri anemone (Heteractis
magnifica), high wattage metal halide lighting
is the best option for keeping the anemone
healthy and looking its best.
anemone (Stichodactlya gigantea). HOT5
bulbs are so versatile because they have
such a small diameter, and such a high wattage. This means several bulbs can be fitted
over a relatively small area, allowing for
ample light intensity and spectrum. Fixtures
come with anywhere from 2 to 8 bulbs; a
two bulb fixture would be more suitable for
keeping soft corals, whereas hard corals and
The Official Newsletter
T5 fixtures for reef aquariums tend
to have four or more bulbs, making mixing
spectrums easy; this allows you to customize
and create the perfect balance of light for your
aquarium.
clams would fare better under 6 or 8 HOT5
bulbs. HOT5’s have been proven to produce
excellent growth in all types of corals. Hobbyists have also noticed that T5’s stimulate corals
to produce better coloration and fluorescence
compared to power compacts.They provide
sufficient light for tanks up to 24 inches high;
tanks taller than this will not be well lit at
the bottom. HOT5 bulbs come in a dazzling
array of colors and spectrums and can be
mixed and matched to produce a light color
that suits your individual taste; more so than
power compacts because there are normally
more bulbs in an HOT5 fixture. T5 fixtures
vary greatly in price, but can be slightly more
expensive than power compact fixtures. T5
Bulbs last nearly twice as long as PC bulbs,
and only need to be replaced approximately
once per year to year and a half. The bulbs
are often less expensive than power compact
bulbs, and due to the long life, upkeep costs
are lower than that of power compacts. Due
to the small diameter, HOT5 fixtures don’t suffer from anywhere near as much re-strike, and
so, much more of the light produced by HOT5
bulbs actually reaches the tank which is one
factor that increases intensity and longevity.
Because the bulbs produce more usable light
per watt of usage, and the fact that they need
to be replaced less often makes them a more
environmentally friendly option than some other
forms of lighting.
FisheNews
09
Metal Halide
Metal halide (MH), also known as hydrargyrum quartz iodide (HQI) or high intensity
discharge (HID) lighting is a good fit for
intermediate and advanced reef enthusiasts;
though a beginner would certainly not be
unwise to choose this lighting system either.
MH bulbs provide high intensity light for all
types of corals, clams and ornamental algae.
They are especially useful for species that
require the most intense lighting such as
small polyp stony (SPS) corals, clams and
clownfish hosting anemones. Metal halides
can potentially be too powerful for some of
the deepwater and soft corals, causing them
to bleach or in extreme cases die. Clever
placement of lower light species under
ledges or deeper down in the aquarium will
This sleek fan cooled unit, which is only 2.75”
high, will be sure to keep your corals and other
photosynthetic invertebrates in peak condition.
This unit combines the penerating power of
2X150W 10,000K metal halides with highly
polished reflectors and is supplemented by an
additional 2X96W True Actinic 03 power compacts.
They have also added 3X1W Lunar LED for
nighttime viewing. Item# 8434
often solve this issue. Metal halides produce
vigorous growth and excellent coloration in
corals, as long as the correct spectrum is
selected. Bulbs with more yellow light (lower
Kelvin) produce extremely fast growth,
whereas bulbs with more blue (higher Kelvin) will produce slower growth, but amazing
coloration. This is because MH bulbs with
a higher Kelvin rating (namely 14,000K and
20,000K) ) produce more UV light, forcing
the corals to produce UV protective pigments, which are an array of strikingly bright
colors. Metal halides are best suited for
10 FisheNews
somewhat larger tanks. Fixtures come in a
variety of bulb configurations, and the light is
intense enough that it can reach the bottom
of very deep tanks. The metal halide bulbs
get extremely hot when lit up. They produce
so much heat in fact that it can be difficult to
keep small tanks at the proper temperature.
Even large tanks will have an increase in
temperature from metal halides, and may
require either the use of fans or a chiller in
order to prevent large temperature fluctuations. Metal Halides are so hot that care
must be taken to keep the bulbs a proper
distance from the water, and protected from
splashes, as they can fracture if splashed.
Metal halide light is also often considered to
be the most pleasing to the eye. It is crisp,
bright, and natural looking. It also has the
advantage of being a “Point Source” of light.
Point source lights have greater penetration
through water because the light is focused
on a tighter area, unlike fluorescent lights
where the light is spread widely across the
length of the bulb. Point source lighting such
as MH produce the rippling or “shimmer”
effect seen in a swimming pool or the ocean
on a bright summer day. This effect is truly
a beautiful sight in a densely packed colorful
reef aquarium, and is one of the reasons
metal halides are such a popular choice
among reef aquarists. In terms of cost,
metal halide lighting systems are significantly more expensive than PC or HOT5. Bulbs
must be replaced approximately once every
12 months, and the bulbs are also somewhat more expensive than PC or HOT5. In
recent years metal halide prices have come
down significantly, and it is now more affordable than ever. Metal halide bulbs are
the least efficient type of bulb on a wattage
basis, however, because they produce such
an intense light and because there is very
little re-strike, they can be considered more
efficient than PC bulbs. That combined
with the small bulb size and infrequent bulb
replacements make metal halides somewhat more environmentally friendly.
Metal halides are more often sold as “combo fixtures” that contain the MH bulbs as a
primary source of light, either PC or HOT5
actinics as supplemental light, and often
The Official Newsletter
include LED moon lighting. This system offers the ability to simulate dawn to dusk. The
reason this is important is because it allows
you to slowly expose your corals to more
light over the day, rather then blast them with
intense lighting all at once; it also helps your
tank inhabitants to maintain their circadian
rhythm.
EMERGING & FUTURE
TECHNOLOGIES
High Output Light
Emitting Diode (LED)
Light emitting diode is one of the newly
emerging technologies of aquarium lighting.
Most fixtures of this type are comprised of
an array of many LED lighting units. For example, a four foot fixture for a 90 gallon tank
might have 120 or more LED units. LED
lighting is perfect for novice, intermediate
and advanced aquarists alike. Depending
on how many LED’s are in the fixture, it can
sustain anything from soft corals to the most
light demanding SPS corals and anemones. LED fixtures are designed to be highly
programmable; some can simulate cloud
cover, lunar cycles and sun cycles. Even the
color of the light can be changed by simply
adjusting the intensity of specific LED units
in the fixture. The light from an LED fixture
Typical LED array used for reef lighting
is quite intense, and can produce vigorous
growth, coloration and fantastic florescence.
It is intense enough to be used on very deep
tanks; able to compete side by side with Metal
Halides. LED lights give off less than half
the amount of heat as metal halides, and so
are also ideal for much smaller aquariums as
well. LED bulbs are a point source light, and
will have the same “shimmer” effect as metal
halides. The only real drawback right now is
that fixtures are not currently available from
any of the big name brands and are still being
perfected. We should start seeing fixtures hit
the mainstream market very soon! The upkeep
costs of LED fixtures are dramatically lower
than any of the other technologies for several
reasons. Firstly, LED lights use about half as
much electricity for the same light output as
metal halide. Savings of this magnitude can
add up quickly on a hydro bill! Secondly, LED
bulbs can last an astounding 50,000 hours.
This would mean on an average reef tank the
bulbs would last 11 years! These two facts
alone make LED not only the cheapest to
maintain of all the lighting types, but also by
far the most environmentally friendly of the
technologies discussed thus far. After a quick
review of this new LED technology for reef
aquariums, it is easy to see their potential as a
primary form of lighting in the aquarium hobby!
Research and development by devoted
aquarists has resulted in the large selection of
lighting options for reef aquariums. Although
selecting a lighting system
for your reef aquarium can
be intimidating for those
newer to reefing, there
is a lighting solution for
everyone. Once you know
your budget and have a
goal in mind, choosing your
lighting becomes much
more straight-forward. We
hope that this overview will
help you choose the most
appropriate lighting for your
aquarium. Choose correctly,
and you will be rewarded
with a beautiful aquarium and
thriving, colorful corals.
The Official Newsletter
FisheNews
11
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ALGAE ATTACK
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Q
I have just started having algae issues
in my aquarium and am stumped. All my
parameters are in check, I have even tested
for phosphates which are reading low. I do
water changes regularly. I change my filter
media monthly. My tank isn’t near a window,
and I have been using the same standard
fluorescent light and bulb for the last year
and a half. I can’t figure out what I am doing
wrong! My water quality is good, and I don’t
have any more light then I did before, so
what else could it be?
Anne Scott – Calgary, Alberta
A
Algae can be an aquarium hobbyist’s worst
nightmare. It can take over an aquarium, covering its decorations, gravel, and glass, as well as
turn the water pea green. We are often asked
12 FisheNews
what the “trick” is to getting rid of algae.
The problem is that there really isn’t one
particular method that will work every time.
There are many different strains of algae,
and many pop up in an aquarium for different reasons. Having high nutrients (organic wastes) or phosphates in an aquarium
will most often lead to algae problems.
Algae uses the nutrients and phosphates
as food, and will be able to spread rapidly
even in low light conditions.
Another common factor in algae growth
is high light. Lighting from fluorescent
fixtures is certainly bright enough for
photosynthetic algae to thrive, and if left
on for a long period of time (like forgetting
to turn the light off for days), algae will
grow and take over quite quickly. Sunlight
from windows is also a factor for many
people newer to the aquarium hobby. Fish
tanks do look great when placed in a room
well lit with natural light, or directly near
a window, but the sunlight (even indirect)
can send algae into overdrive!
the fixture more effectively than before.
Although it seems like the last thing you
would want to do, buying a brand new
bulb for your fixture could put an end to
your algae outbreak.
Although fluorescent bulbs and metal
halide bulbs may continue lighting up for
over a year, it is always recommended
you replace them every 9 to 12 months
at most. Doing so will help prevenwt
these types of algae outbreaks, and
always keep your aquarium looking its
best!
For either of the reasons listed above,
doing water changes, adding a phosphate removing media to your filter,
putting your lights on a timer, or simply
moving the tank away from the window
can be the solution to an algae
outbreak. However, in your case, you
have established that these possibilities are not an issue. Believe it
or not, there is another reason that
could cause your algae to grow out
of control. As most light bulbs get
old, usually around the 6 to 8 month
mark, not only do the bulbs get
dimmer, but it actually starts to change
spectrums. Fluorescent bulbs and Metal
Halide bulbs are notorious for this. The
gasses in the bulb deplete, and the
color of the bulb changes slightly. This
spectrum shift is most often in the favor
of algae which can now use the light from
The Official Newsletter
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
?
BLACK LIGHTS
& AND AQUARIUMS
Q
I thought it would be really cool to put
a black-light over my tank. I noticed
that some of my ornaments glow when
I turn on the black-light in my room, so
I figured why not just light up the tank
that way as well? Is that going to cause
any weird algae problems or anything?
Kevin Stewart – Orlando, Florida
Astyanax jordani
This is actually a popular
question that we have been
asked many times over the
years, and we always give
the same answer; that it
really isn’t a great idea. The
reason using a black-light
is a bad idea is because it
produces mostly UV light
that is damaging to the
eyes. You should never
stare directly at a blacklight, and neither should
your fish!
A black-light is essentially a fluorescent bulb
that produces light in the 370nm range. 370nm
is just barely within our range of visible light,
and is quite far into the violet spectrum, producing UVA rays which can potentially be harmful.
The benefit is that UV light tends to cause some
materials to fluoresce. Many types of paints
used on ornaments will fluoresce (or glow) when
exposed to some form of UV light. Many living
corals produce UV protective pigments that will
fluoresce under UV light as well. Unfortunately,
black-lights produce too much harmful UV rays
to be used practically on aquariums.
Don’t worry; there is an alternative for you!
There is another type of bulb that causes the
same glowing effects as a black-light, and
it isn’t going to cause damage to your fish’s
eyes. The bulbs we are referring to are called
“actinic”. The word “actinic” describes bulbs
that are within the 420nm to 470nm range.
These bulbs tend to be purple (when closer
to 420nm) to blue (when closer to 470m) in
color. They will light up the aquarium more
then a black-light would, and will still cause
your ornaments to glow. They make actinic
bulbs to fit many styles of fixtures, and you
should have no problem finding one to fit
your aquarium. Actinic bulbs are used mainly
in salt water applications, this is because it
emulates the deep blue colors of the ocean,
and really brings out the colors of fish. Actinic
bulbs also produce light that is used by corals
for photosynthesis. Although it isn’t uncommon for actinic bulbs to be used in freshwater
applications to bring out a desired look to the
aquarium, they are actually used quite often
on African cichlid aquariums.
There is one other option if you have your
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The Official Newsletter
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heart set on a black-light for your
aquarium. You can exchange your fish
for a species that will not be affected
by the UVA rays. There are in fact
species of fish and invertebrates that
have adapted to living in caves and do
not have eyes! Astyanax jordani also
known as the Blind Cave Tetra does
not have eyes to be damaged by a
black-light. These fish are pretty easy
to come by, they are not too difficult to
keep alive and healthy, and are very
interesting fish to keep.
DID YOU KNOW
“Actinic bulbs are similar to
black-lights in the respect
that they can make ornaments and corals fluoresce
or glow as well. Actinics,
however, are not damaging
to your fish’s eyes!”
FisheNews
13
PROFILES
Butterfly Peacock
(Aulonocara jacobfreibergi)
Featured
Native To:
Otter Point, Malawi
The Malawi Butterfly is a wonderful and
colorful addition to any African Cichlid
aquarium. There are several variants
that differ in color due to their location.
Males of this species differ from most
other peacocks with their iridescent
white dorsal, shape (in most cases),
and caudal fin margins. Females are
hard to distinguish from species to
species as all female peacocks are
grayish-brown in color. Take precaution if mixing other peacocks because
males are very aggressive toward
similar colored/shaped species. In the
wild these fish are found in and around
large dark caves, making a tank with
lots of rocky caverns an ideal habitat.
best in hard water with pH
ranges of 7.6 – 8.6
Freshwater FISH
Featured
Freshwater
PLANT
Sunset Hygro is a good starter plant for
those hobbyists looking to try their hand
at a red leaved “high light” plant. Hygro is
typically undemanding, easy to grow, and
easy to care for even though it requires
exposure to high light in order to maintain
its pinkish red leaves. The addition of
an Iron supplement (such as Seachem
Flourish Iron) will also help plants with red
foliage like this Hygro to maintain their
deep coloration. Root tabs will also aid in
providing essential nutrients to keep this
fast growing plant healthy. Hygro can be
classified as a stem plant, and can easily
be propagated by simply cutting
anywhere along the stem.
14 FisheNews
Sunset Hygro
(Hygrophila polysperma
‘Rosanervig’)
Native To: India & Malaysia
Height: 8” to 12” +
Width: 2.5” to 4”
Light: Med-High to Very High
Growth: Fast
Difficulty:
The Official Newsletter
Size: Up To 7” (18 cm)
Water Chemistry: Does
Temperature: 78 to 82°F
Behavior: Aggressive
Diet: Small live or frozen
foods such as brine shrimp,
krill; will also accept protein &
spirulina based pellet & flake
food
Difficulty:
PROFILES
Featured
Saltwater FISH
Sargassum Fish
(Histrio histrio)
Native To: Indian Ocean
Size: Up to 6” (15cm)
Water Chemistry: Prefers a PH of
8.0 to 8.4, Salinity of 1.020 to 1.026
Temperature: 70 to 78 ˚F
Behavior: Semi-Agressive
Reef Compatible: Yes – May try to
eat smaller fish and invertebrates.
Diet: Small live or frozen foods such
as Mysis shrimp or Krill; other meaty
foods like silver sides are suitable for
adult fish.
The Sargassum Fish or Sargassum
Angler is a very unique and interesting
aquarium inhabitant. It has highly specialized camouflage that resembles Sargassum algae; hence it’s name. Histrio
histrio like other anglerfish is an ambush
predator; lying still until prey moves
close enough, then striking with speed
and swallowing its prey whole. They are
able to consume meals nearly the same
size as themselves, which means tank
mates must be larger then the angler to
avoid being eaten. It is recommended
to feed live foods and slowly wean onto
prepared foods once the fish is eating
regularly.
Difficulty:
Featured
Saltwater CORAL
A thick branching staghorn Acropora sp.
Acropora abrotanoides grows in masses
of protruding horizontal branches that
fuze together closer to the base. The
corallites are oblong and cup shaped.
Acropora abrotanoides also tend to
grow in irregular shapes which are very
interesting and pleasing to the eye. The
general coloration for this species is a
dark to bright green body with pinkish
tips, however, to maintain this coloration
very high lighting is required. This species is found in shallow water and will
benefit from strong current in the form of
indirect flow. This coral is recommended
for advanced hobbyists who are looking
for an interesting and attractive SPS
coral to add to their collection.
Watermelon Staghorn
(Acropora abrotanoides)
Native To: Indo-Pacific
Height: 3” to 2’
Width: 3” to 4’
Light: High to Very High
Flow: High indirect flow
Growth: Very slow
Difficulty:
The Official Newsletter
FisheNews
15
COMING NEXT ISSUE
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VOLUME 2
HEAD OFFICE
Project Manager Adam S.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor Thomas B.
Associate Editors Chris W., Derek Z.,
Deon W., Josh L., Matt W.
ART DEPARTMENT
Project Director Thomas B., Adam S.
Art Director Julia R.
Production Artist Julia R.
Photographers Thomas B.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Thomas B., Josh L., Chris C.
EDITORIAL OFFICE
BIG AL’S Online
Toll Free: 1.888.824.4257
email: [email protected]
SUPPLEMENTS
Ever wonder exactly what buffers, conditioners, and
supplements can do for your aquarium? Our next issue’s
goal is to familiarize you with the seemingly endless
collection of bottled liquids and powders that you can
find at Big Al’s Online. From products as simple as water
conditioners, to things as complex as reef supplements,
we really want to make you aware of all the beneficial
products that are out there to make your experiences
with the aquarium hobby easier and more successful.
You certainly won’t need every product on the shelf, but
knowing which ones will be useful for your aquarium can
make a world of difference.
FOR C ANA D I AN OR D E RS G O TO
FOR AM E R I C AN OR D E RS G O TO
email: [email protected]
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mechanical or photographic, without
written permission of the publisher.
Every effort has been made to ensure
that the information contained in this
publication is accurate and complete on
publication date. The publisher cannot be
held liable for errors or omissions.