Aquarium lighting; Lumens and light spectrum
Delving Deeper into Light Spectrum and Lumens in Your Aquarium
Understanding terms like light spectrum and lumens is crucial for choosing the right lighting for your aquarium. These factors play a significant role in the health of your plants. Below, I will explain in detail what these concepts mean and why they are so important for your aquarium.
In my own search for a suitable lamp for a 150cm tall aquarium, I quickly discovered that not everything is as it seems. Many popular brands do not necessarily make better lamps than lesser-known and cheaper alternatives. But it is especially important to consider what is suitable for your aquarium, type of plants, hardscape, and adjustable settings.
An important part of this is the light spectrum and the amount of lumens.
What is the Light Spectrum?
The light spectrum refers to the collection of light colors emitted by a lamp. Each color in the spectrum has its own wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). The most important colors for aquarium plants are:
-
Blue (400-500 nm): Blue light is absorbed deep in the water and is essential for photosynthesis, the way plants convert light into energy. It primarily stimulates leaf growth.
- Red (600-700 nm): Red light is less powerful underwater because it is quickly absorbed. Nevertheless, it is crucial for the development of flowers and promoting the growth of certain plants. It also stimulates the growth of pigments in plants responsible for red and purple colors(
It is important that your aquarium lighting provides a full spectrum so that all necessary colors are present for optimal plant growth. LED lighting has a major advantage here because you can often adjust the spectrum and choose lamps that provide exactly the right combination of colors. Until a few years ago, with fluorescent lighting, you always needed multiple tubes to achieve the correct color balance.
What are Lumens and Why Are They Important?
Lumen is a unit that indicates how much visible light a lamp emits. The higher the lumen count, the more light a lamp produces. This is an important measure, especially when lighting your aquarium, because plants need a certain amount of light to grow well.
A rule of thumb for aquariums is that you need approximately 30-50 lumens per liter of water, depending on the plants you want to keep. Plants that require a lot of light, such as red-leaved species, require higher light intensity.
For deeper aquariums, you need to consider that light is absorbed more quickly, so you need a higher lumen value to get enough light to the bottom. I encountered this myself when looking for a lamp for my new project where the lamp hangs 150cm from the aquarium bottom.
After a long search, I found a Kessil lamp for freshwater aquariums, but including the hanging bracket, it came with a hefty price tag. Some manufacturers provide a diagram of the lumens at a certain depth, which can be very useful. You can also work with a lumen meter yourself; these are also available for rent at some aquarium stores.
Why Are LED Lamps So Suitable for Aquariums?
LED lamps offer several advantages that make them ideal for use in aquariums:
-
Efficiency: LED lamps have a high lumen per watt ratio, meaning they provide more light with less energy consumption. This makes them cost-effective and environmentally friendly
-
Adjustability: Many LED systems allow you to adjust the light spectrum and intensity. This means you can easily choose the optimal settings for your plants. Some LED systems even offer the ability to simulate sunrise and sunset, creating a more natural environment for your fish(
-
Long Lifespan: LED lamps last much longer than traditional fluorescent tubes. This means less frequent replacement and lower long-term costs.
-
Safety and Heat: LEDs produce much less heat than fluorescent lamps, which means the water temperature in your aquarium remains more stable and there is less risk of overheating(
How to Choose the Right LED Lamp?
When choosing an LED lamp, it is important to consider the light spectrum, the lumen value, and the specific needs of your aquarium plants. Here are some tips:
- Light Spectrum: Choose an LED lamp that offers a full spectrum so that your plants receive all the necessary colors. This is especially important for aquariums with many plants or for specific biotopes.
- Lumen Value: Check how many lumens the lamp provides per liter of water. For deeper aquariums or aquariums with light-loving plants, you should have a higher lumen value.
- Dimmability: A dimmable LED lamp offers the ability to adjust the light intensity, which helps in simulating day and night cycles and combating algae(
I hope this blog has given you more knowledge to better prepare you for choosing the right LED lighting. Whether you are looking for a calm, natural look or an optimal growing environment for your plants, LED lighting offers countless possibilities.