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Aquarium Lighting by Aquarium Type

On aquarium lighting we could go hours explaining all the different options. For a beginner this area is usually very confusing. To make it less confusing here we have divided everything on all the possible aquarium setups and it's possible lighting options. If you want to know about the types of lights available you can visit our Aquarium Lighting by Type of Bulb.

Freshwater Tropical/Coldwater Aquarium (Fish Only)

For Freshwater Fish only Aquariums, Rule of thumb 1 to 2 watts per gallon

  • Incandescent Lights
  • Fluorescent Lamps:
    • NO (Normal Output) / Standard Fluorescent
    • VHO (Very High Output)
    • T5 (High Output)
    • Power Compact

Freshwater Tropical Aquarium (Planted Aquarium)

For planted aquariums Rule of thumb 2 to 5 watts per gallon using any of the following:

  • Fluorescent Lamps:
    • NO (Normal Output) / Standard Fluorescent
    • VHO (Very High Output)
    • T5 (High Output)
    • Power Compact
  • Metal Halide/HQI.

Saltwater Fish Only Aquarium

For Freshwater Fish only Aquariums, Rule of thumb 1 to 2 watts per gallon:

  • Incandescent Lights
  • Fluorescent Lamps:
    • NO (Normal Output) / Standard Fluorescent
    • VHO (Very High Output)
    • T5 (High Output)
    • Power Compact

Saltwater Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR)

For (FOWLR) Tanks less than 24” deep, Rule of thumb 4 to 8 watts per gallon:

  • Fluorescent Lamps:
    • VHO (Very High Output)
    • T5 (High Output)
    • Power Compact

For (FOWLR) tanks more than 24” deep, Rule of thumb 4 to 8 watts per gallon:

  • Metal Halide/HQI.

Saltwater Reef Tank (Or Mini Reef Tank) Aquarium

For Reef Tanks less than 24” deep, Rule of thumb 4 to 8 watts per gallon:

  • Fluorescent Lamps:
    • VHO (Very High Output)
    • T5 (High Output)
    • Power Compact

For Reef tanks more than 24” deep, Rule of thumb 4 to 8 watts per gallon:

  • Metal Halide/HQI.

All Aquariums Salt/Fresh/Planted/Reef

As with everything in nature, at night the lights go down. The use of moonlights is suitable for every aquarium.
Rule of thumb, one moonlight per every 24” of aquarium length.

Aquarium Light Cycle:

It is important to replicate the Aquarium cycle to mimic nature’s Dawn/Dusk effect.
Many canopies include moonlights and there are many timers in the market to automate the task and re-create the natural cycle.


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