 |
 |
| Bulb Type |
Watts |
Bulb
Life
|
Kelvin
Rating
|
Benefits |
Limitations |
Typical Use |
| |
|
Incandescent |
7-25 |
2-4
months |
Varies
with color
of bulb |
Inexpensive;
multiple colors |
Narrow
spectrum;
lower light
intensity;
high heat |
Small fish only;
beginner's startup
kits |
| |
 |
| |
Standard
Fluorescent |
15-40 |
6-18
months* |
3,000°-
20,000°K;
actinic |
Wide range of
colors, sizes;
aesthetic;
efficient; cool;
inexpensive |
Not ideally
suited for
photosynthetic
plants or
invertebrates |
Fresh or saltwater
community
aquarium or mini or
micro reef with
low light corals and
plants |
| |
|
|
| |
T-5 HO
Fluorescent |
24-54 |
16-24
months |
6,000°-
11,000°K;
actinic |
Longevity;
high intensity;
small size; cool
running |
Not ideally
suited for
aquariums
more than
24" deep |
Reef less than 24"
deep; freshwater
planted |
| |
|
|
| |
VHO
Fluorescent |
75-165 |
4-18
months* |
10,000°K;
actinic |
Large selection
of sizes; longer
bulb life than
standard
fluorescent |
Higher heat
- may require
a chiller |
Reefs less than 24"
deep; freshwater
planted |
| |
|
|
| |
Compact
Fluorescent |
10-130 |
12-28
months |
5,000°-
10,000°K;
actinic |
Longevity;
high intensity;
wide spectrum
range;
compact |
May produce
higher heat -
may require a
chiller |
Reefs less than 24"
deep; freshwater
planted; marine
aquariums |
| |
|
|
| |
Metal
Halide |
70-
1000 |
6-18
months |
4,000°-
20,000K° |
Highest
intensity; wide
spectrum
range |
Higher heat
- may require a
chiller; possible
UV radiation |
Reefs or freshwater
aquariums more
than 24" deep;
photosynthetic
corals and
invertebrates |
| |
|
|
| |
LED Moon/
Lunar Light |
Approx
1 watt |
N/A (Not
a light,
but a
Light
Emitting
Diode) |
N/A** |
Low wattage;
recreates
nocturnal
lighting
conditions;
great for
viewing
nocturnal
inhabitants |
Requires
one unit per
every 24" of
aquarium
length |
Reef or freshwater
aquariums |
| |
