You are forever responsible for those you put in the aquarium. Let myself slightly paraphrase the famous phrase of Saint-Exupéry and note that the first problem - to create the most optimal conditions for the life and flourishing of plants and fish.

And one of the main tasks - to organize a competent lighting. Photosynthesis and regulation of basic life processes without sufficient light (jumping ahead - and quality) is impossible. In addition, proper lighting will help you at any time to admire the full color picture of what is happening in the home aquatic kingdom.

The right spectrum and color rendering

It's a truism: aquatic plants do not just need enough light, but a certain quality and parameters that speed up the process of photosynthesis.

In natural ponds, the amount of light depends on many situational factors: the depth, composition of the water, the angle of incidence of sunlight and its intensity. When buying aquarium lamps, we are taking on the function of nature. Therefore, study in advance what is good for aquatic life and what is not so good. Our task is to make artificial lighting as close to natural light as possible, which is possible with a competent combination of two characteristics:

• optimal spectral composition;
• high accuracy of color rendering.

Consider them in detail.

Spectrum composition

The entire visible spectrum of light is required for aquatic plants to function properly. But two spectral ranges - red and blue-green - are particularly important for most. Therefore you should choose lamps with a spectral distribution that increases the intensity in these areas.

Color rendering index (CRI)

An important parameter indicating how accurately a light bulb reproduces the real, natural hues of the objects it illuminates. The ideal CRI = 100 Ra, which is a measure of sunlight. To install in an aquarium, look for models with a value from 75 Ra - the higher, the more attractive the underwater garden will look.

Will LED lights work?

Of all the varieties on the market, they are at the peak of popularity: economical, environmentally friendly, low-heat and durable (producers declare up to 30-50 thousand hours). In addition, the prices of LED products are gradually becoming more affordable. For the aquarium functionally suitable long tubular models, mounted under the lid, and such among the LED range enough, all formats. But whether they are suitable for lighting?

As a consultant told us the company "Axiom Plus", specializing in the sale of lighting, LED lamps - not the most suitable option. The problem is the technology.

For all the undeniable advantages of LEDs, only in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps is possible to provide the necessary shades of the spectrum luminescence inhabitants of the aquatic world, filtering out the unsuitable.

So you don't have to worry.

Leading manufacturers of lighting products (e.g., Philips or Osram) have long patented special dye-luminophores, which are used in the manufacture of special series of lamps for aquarium plants. Thus, the brand Osram has a well-established line of Fluora. This special lamps for aquariums - linear, with a bulb of glass, a high index of color rendering (over 75 Ra), with a base G13 type, power from 18 W and various length options (from 590 mm). The use of such series helps to improve the processes of photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis, as their light is the most favorable for plants.

Which, how many, where to install

How many bulbs to use? It depends on the power. It will be necessary to make a simple calculation, based on the recommendations:

• Illumination level to 0.5 W/liter is low (but will be suitable for shade-loving fish and a limited number of plant species, including Cryptocorina cordata, fern bolbitis gedeloti, Javanese moss);
• 1 W/liter is excessive (although appropriate if the height of the vessel more than 0.7 m and a high saturation of plants, so all individually);
• In order not to miscalculate, focus on the figure about 0.7 W / liter, it will be optimal for most representatives of the underwater world.

Consider the example of the above-mentioned series Fluora. Thus, a 58/77 T8 58W G13 fluorescent tube will be enough for 80 liters with the reserve:

58 / 0.7 = 82.8 liters,

and a 36-watt model of the same series can illuminate a 50-liter aquarium:

36 / 0.7 = 51.4 liters.

But for a 100-liter aquarium will need 2 pieces. But there is an important nuance here.

Expert advice: On a large volume is better to try a combination - a special aquarium bulb type Fluora from Osram plus LED cold white color. Mixed lighting will allow you to achieve more attractive and natural shades.

For example, you can combine the above-mentioned 58 W special bulb for a 100 liter aquarium and "top up" the remaining wattage with a 14-15 W LED version. For the brightest and most natural illumination, a color temperature of approximately 6500 K (daylight white light close to midday sunlight) is suitable.

If you install a lamp with higher brightness and high color rendering coefficient closer to the front wall, the backlighting will be visually more pleasant, and the picture of the underwater world is brighter and more realistic.

Duration of daylight hours

This is an individual parameter and depends on the type of fish and plants and their preferences. However, there are general recommendations.

The optimum light regime for an aquarium is 8-12 hours of intensive light, followed by a rest period. The fact that most plants for successful photosynthesis is sufficient 6 hours of bright light. This is enough to carbon dioxide in the water is converted into organic matter necessary for further growth and development. Further activity falls, and all that is not assimilated is easily consumed by the algae. Therefore, an excessive period of bright light is fraught with the appearance of an unwanted algae outbreak.

Keep in mind that the minimum continuous light phase should be 4 hours so that the plants have time to react to it.

"On/Off" with a timer

With the activity and rest mode solved, now it's time to move on to the question of how to ensure a stable mode of lighting. Switching it on and off manually? Not an option, because you need to keep the cycle, and we all have things to do in addition to the maintenance of aquatic pets.

Automating the processes of changing day and night for your favorite fish is easy with a timer. With today's devices, you can easily set up a lighting cycle and stop worrying about adhering to it. Especially if you choose easy-to-use outlet models. You simply connect the light through such a timer, set the periods of operation - and that's it, the system is autonomous.

Which timer should I choose?

There are two main groups: electronic and mechanical.

Mechanical timers are reliable, simple in design, affordable. And electronic ones are more convenient and functional for many tasks. The choice depends on personal preferences. But most fans of water gardens agree on one thing - it is better to trust the automation of backlighting to devices of trusted, reliable brands that are responsible for quality.

So, according to our consultant, in great demand among those who equip the aquarium, are timers of the German manufacturer Theben. Among the undisputed hits - socket mechanical timer 26 with a daily program and electronic weekly Eltimo 020S with a display. Both are easy to operate and reliable, just follow the instructions in the manual.

Aesthetics plus aquatic pet health is easy

Here are, perhaps, all the main points to consider when arranging for backlighting. Pay attention to the characteristics of light bulbs, think about their arrangement, automate the cycles of turning on the lights and enjoy the fruits of their activity, looking at beautifully lit, healthy, full-color plants and colorful, contented with life fish.

And remember that it will not be superfluous to consult with a specialist, especially since no one in the modern world does not take money for this for a long time.