LED, or Light-emitting diodes, work as a team to produce white light. On an LED fixture there are several diodes, which radiate different wavelengths, or colors of light. Generally these colors are the basics: red, yellow, and blue. When the wavelengths from several diodes are combined they appear to be white light.
This is how these lights differ from phosphorescent bulbs and fluorescent bulbs. The diodes can also be combined with like colors to produce different colored lighting effects. For example, an light-emitting diode light that has only blue diodes would appear as blue light to the human eye.
LED lamps can be used in aquariums to provide lighting for the fish and plant life. They are typically shaped like a long, narrow rod, that can be placed overhead or behind the aquarium. Also, hardware stores sell LED spotlights that are shaped like a shower-head. They also come in smaller, node-like lights that are separated by different colors of diodes.
Benefits of Using Aquarium LED Lights
LED Aquarium lighting is more energy-efficient than other lighting. They generally cost more to buy, but they last longer and conserve more energy. Aquarium LED lights do not have glass tubes, and they contain no mercury. If they were to accidentally fall into the aquarium, there would be minimal damage done to the life inside.
Aquarium LED lights provide several wavelengths of light that are essential to the photosynthesis of plant life in an aquarium. It is easier to create night-time or lunar lighting using aquarium LED because the diodes can be segregated by colors and are easily dimmed. Plus, with the node-like, colored aquarium LED, the owner can create fun, aesthetic lighting effects.
Placement and Amount of LED Lights for An Aquarium
Aquarium LED lighting is most effective when placed overhead, inside the aquarium. Fish and plant life in an aquarium require specific periods of light and dark throughout the day. Try to simulate natural lighting as much as possible by providing 10 to 12 hours of light per day; provide lunar light, or darkness for the remainder of the time.
Using LED lighting for an aquarium is a reliable and energy-efficient way to provide sufficient light for the life-forms inside any aquarium.
