What are reef aquarium lights for?
I bought a 55 gallon tank, and had this asome huge light fixture. But
the lights were not the original white light, they were like blue-ish
or purple-ish. Saw this stamp on them and it said “Coral Sun”. Wich I
guess is the brand. Any ways, I looked up reef lights on google and
pics with Salt Water aquariums with blueish light appeared. So I guess
the lights I have must be for something in a saltwater aquarium. But I
dont have saltwater!! I have fresh water, will this light hurt my
fish?? Or cause damage to the decor or plastic plants? I was planning
on getting live plants, will this light help plants grow? Or do I need
the white floracent light?? What are these lights used for exactly??
The blue-ish lamp is an actinic light. Most actinics in the aquarium trade have a blue-ish or purple-ish color.
There are two reasons why marine aquariums use them:
1 – Most people like the “soft blue” look when combined with a white light. It’s visually appealing to most people.
2 – Reef aquariums contain reef animals that live in a symbiotic relationship with a photosynthetic bacteria, called zooxanthellae. These are common in corals, anemones, and some clams. The animal in question provides a safe environment for the bacteria to live; in return, the bacteria shares some of the products of its photosynthesis with its host. Animals with these bacteria are dependent on them for their survival.
Zooxanthellae happen to photosynthesize most efficiently under a light of wavelength around 460 nanometers. Our eyes perceive that same wavelength as a sort of blue or blue-green.
Actinics aren’t likely needed in a reef tank, but they look nice. Plus, they do contribute a bit to coral color (more photosynthesis = less concentration of zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae colonies are brown, which is usually less attractive than the other colors of the coral)
——-
Even though it’s less common to have the blue light on a freshwater tank, I doubt it will hurt your fish or plants. However, many freshwater set-ups are designed to look like a slice of nature–a river or pond, for instance. A blue light shining down looks fine when a reef keeper tries replicate a slice of the ocean (deep water refracts longer wavelengths, so a slightly blue-ish tinge can look natural). However, a shallower pond wouldn’t have that same blue tinge. Keeping the full-range spectrum would look more natural.
It’s ultimately going to be an aesthetic judgment on your part. Functionally, there won’t be any difference. I can, however, see an argument that could be made that the blue light will contribute to algae growth, so keep that in mind.
Reef Aquarium Lighting
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2x1PCS Free shipping NEW Dimmable120w led aquarium light,coral reef grow light $400.00 |
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Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Grow Light 120W $165.88 |
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120 Watt Aquarium Coral Reef Tank LED Grow Light 120W 3 Watt LEDs 14k 1:1 Ratio $169.99 |
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Hydroponic 225 LED Grow Light Panel Blue White 13w 12″ Aquarium Coral Reef Lamp $37.90 |
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48”220W LED Aquarium Light Strip Compact Actinic Fluorescent Reef Fish Saltwater $114.95 |
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Aquarium Light 48″ 216 Watt T5 Aqua Lighting Fixture Reef Fish Tank Salt Water $104.95 |
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New 2012 Pro 120w LED Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank Light Blue White Grow Light $138.88 |
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60′ COMPACT FLUORESCENT AQUARIUM LIGHT 322 WATT REEF FISH TANK HOOD LAMP 2012 $164.95 |
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20” COMPACT FLUORESCENT AQUARIUM LIGHT 72 WATT REEF FISH TANK HOOD LAMP 2012 $74.99 |
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48” Metal Halide 2x 150 Aquarium Light 300 watt Reef Lighting $207.99 |
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Hydroponic 450 LED Grow Light All White 2 Panel 26w 2′ Aquarium Coral Reef Lamp $58.95 |
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Aquarium Light 48″ 260 Watt PL Aqua Lighting Reef Marine Fish Tank Salt Water $114.95 |
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TaoTronics 120W Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Grow Light- White $158.88 |
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Dimmable New PAR38 12W Watt Led Aquarium Reef Coral White Blue Grow Light $54.89 |
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Marineland LED Reef Compatable Lighting System 18-24″ for Aquarium 5-43 $118.45 |
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T5 Quad 48″ Aquarium Light Marine Coral Reef Cichlid Tetra 216W 4x 54W LED FOWLR $91.95 |
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T5 Quad 48″ Aquarium Light Marine Coral Reef Cichlid Tetra 216W 4x 54W LED FOWLR $91.95 |
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T5 Quad 48″ Aquarium Light Marine Coral Reef Cichlid Tetra 216W 4x 54W LED FOWLR $91.95 |
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36 watt LED aquarium reef grow light new (3w bridgelux not cree) $130.00 |
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MH ADV 48″ Metal Halide T5 Aquarium Light 716W Coral Reef Marine LED 2x 250W $289.00 |
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Metal Halide T5 Aquarium Light 716W Coral Reef Marine LED 2x 250W MH ADV 48″ $289.00 |
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TaoTronics 120W Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Grow Light- White $158.88 |
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CORALIFE HQI 150 WATT METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM REEF TANK FISH LIGHT BULB & BALLAST $53.00 |
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New 2012 Pro 120w LED Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank Light Blue White Grow Light $118.05 |
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TaoTronics TT-AL01 Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Grow Light 120W US $151.99 |
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Aquarium Coral Reef Tank black Blue LED Grow Light 120W $150.86 |
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CORAL REEF DEEP BLUE VIOLET LED GROW LIGHT EXOTIC SALT AQUARIUM LIGHTING FISH $155.95 |
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New 2012 Pro 120w LED Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank Light Blue White Grow Light $138.88 |
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TaoTronics TT-GL002 Aquarium Coral Reef Tank black Blue LED Grow Light 120W US $158.69 |
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TaoTronics Aquarium Coral Reef Tank White Blue LED Grow Light 120W Black US $155.96 |
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Aquarium Light 48″ 260 Watt PL Aqua Lighting Reef Marine Fish Tank Salt Water $114.95 |
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Brand new 48 inch 216W T5 Aquarium light for Reef New item $99.99 |
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48” 220W PL LED Aquarium Light Day Lighting Reef Fish Tank Fixture Salt Water In $114.90 |
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48″ 220W PL Aquarium Light German Reflector Strip Reef Marine Fish Freshwater CF $114.90 |
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EVO 36″ LED Aquarium Light Coral Reef Saltwater Nano 24x 3W 3 Watts Lunar 90 cm $104.95 |
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Maxspect Mazarra LED Aquarium Reef Lighting S SERIES POWER SUPPLY $79.99 |
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Reef aquarium LED (High PAR) Lighting systm EcoRay 112D $469.95 |
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Marineland Reef Capable LED Lights 24″ – 36″ Aquarium $122.50 |
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48” AQUARIUM LIGHT T5 HO 8X 54 WATT REEF MOONLIGHTS LUNAR LIGHTING FISH TANK $299.99 |
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MarineLand Reef LED Aquarium Light 36-48″ $299.99 |
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Aqueon Coralife 05151 Power Center Dual Day Night Timer $36.11 Coralife Power Center Day/Nite & Wave Timer Dual… |
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Brightest MR11 12 Volt AC DC 10 5050 SMD LED Bulb Wide Angle 160 Lumen 2.1 Watt, white, 1113WH $8.00 This is our brightest MR 11 bulb. It has 10 high-powered led bulbs, which produce about a 3 watt Luxeon bulb. The light pattern is perfect for illuminating displays or even just adding accent lighting yet it is still bright enough to be used anywhere. LED bulbs are compatible with all types of magnetic transformers but not all electronic transformers. Many electronic transformers require a minimum… |
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LEDwholesalers 10 Watt LED Waterpoof Outdoor Security Floodlight 12 Volt DC, 3701W-12V $21.41 This outdoor security light is fully waterproof and uses 12 volts DC. It only uses 10 watts of power and still produces a large amount of light. Use it in the dark areas of your house to give it that extra light. This light is very energy efficient, has a very long life and does not produce very much heat. Light output colors comes in cool white color (5800-6200K). Bulb Type:Outdoor waterproof sec… |
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Rotating Tropical Fish Decorative Motion Lamp w/ Lighted Undersea Scene $34.98 Enjoy the soothing motion of the ocean on our unique lamp! As sea life swims through a brilliant lighted undersea scene. The moving pictures and wavy transparent shade create a relaxing, hypnotic illusion. Metal-look base with crystal-cut acrylic accents. UL®-listed. Decorative indoor accent for home, office, kids’ room, etc. Includes 7W fluorescent bulb. 13″ x 9″…. |
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Fisher-Price Bath Center … |
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Aqueon Coralife 00232 Digital Thermometer $5.67 Coralife Digital Aquarium Thermometer The Coralife Digital Aquarium Thermometer comes with a easy-to-read LCD. This unit can be attached to the side of your aquarium for accurate temperature readings to 1.5F. It displays aquarium water temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Features: . Includes power button, mounting suction cups, 39″ temperature probe, and replaceable battery. 2-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ . Ec… |
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Brightest MR11 12V 10 SMD LED Bulb Wide Angle This is our brightest MR 11 bulb. It has 10 high-powered led bulbs, which produce about a 3 watt Luxeon bulb. The light pattern is perfect for illuminating displays or even just adding accent lighting yet it is still bright enough to be used anywhere. LED bulbs are compatible with all types of magnetic transformers but not all electronic transformers. Many electronic transformers require a minimum… |
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HDE® USB Mini Aquarium $7.40 Make your workspace more soothing and entertaining with this USB- or battery-powered mini aquarium. When powered on, the fish swim around. Also has a color-changing LED light, making it useful as a nightlight as well. Note: please do not operate for longer than 12 hours, damage may result…. |
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Ml Reef Capable Led Light 36 – 48 (Catalog Category: Aquarium / Lighting-compact Halide) $524.58 Ml Reef Capable Led Light 36 – 48. Marineland – Reef Capable LED Lighting Systems 36 48Correct spectral output and intensity for Reef AquariumsThree mode switch for all on, all off, or lunar night light1W 10,000k Whites 460 nm blue LEDs. Also Available in 3 additional sizes: 18-24, 24-36, 48-60… |
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Ml Reef Capable Led Light 24 – 36 (Catalog Category: Aquarium / Lighting-compact Halide) $392.16 Ml Reef Capable Led Light 24 – 36. Marineland – Reef Capable LED Lighting Systems 24 36Correct spectral output and intensity for Reef AquariumsThree mode switch for all on, all off, or lunar night light1W 10,000k Whites 460 nm blue LEDs. Also Available in 3 additional sizes: 18-24, 36-48, 48-60… |