You know you have different sizes of tanks, and i presume there might also be different size for different sizes of tanks.
how can i use the right size of light i need to give my tank enough light?

talk to the people at the fish shop , they will help you choose what you need. Lighting is a little bit like filtration, it can vary. It is very difficult to advise on what you need, it all depends on how you want your tank to look, and how bright you want it.

if you have real plants your lighting needs will be more and this will depend on the size of your tank and depth and plants you have.seek advice if have real plants. most people with oscars use fake plants so lights are only really for use to see our fish. i like my tank to look natural so use little light,with a red tint. you can get diff colour bulbs too and its worth buying a long life bulb as these dont fade as much.if you have a dark room with powerful tank light on, it can be over powering to watch TV with that in the background so its your choice to some degree as OFL said.your fish dont really mind if they have light or not as long as you have your tank in a room with a window.If they did they would prob use a torch. )))))

my tank will be right in front of the window, but i think it will need some light at night time., is it expensive?

josephtsui wrote:


I would definitely put backing on your tank, if you don't, you're going to have a serious algae problem because of the amount of light that will enter the tank.



it depends how big the tank is, light units and the bulbs can set you back quite a few quid, but you get what you pay for.

A window placement is not ideal. You cant change the amount of light the tank recieves and on a sunny day it could mean changing temputures within the tank too. backing will never look good in your window so I would consider this carefully. I think some Natral light from a window is a good thing for the fish but direct light could mean a very green water. A UV light in the line somewhere may help if this is the only place you have to site it.

i have something to add that might help it might not..

i was told that after 6 months your light "dies" and needs replacing.

i have no real plants so do i need to buy new lights after 6 months?

marcus says about a uv light..i know they use these on ponds to keep them clean! if you put one on your aquarium what does it actually do?

hope these questions help lead you to buy the right type of lighting:)

I have 3 lights on my tanks, a standard white light, a white light with a red tinge and a moonlight(blue colour used for marines to help corals grow). These 3 together light the tank up lovely