Basically, there are two different types of aquarium lighting, one is metal halide, another is fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent is always the preferred choice when it comes to a simple home aquarium setup because it does not emit as much heat as metal halide and high-end florescent tube is more than enough to produce full-spectrum illumination to enhance the health and improve skin coloration of the fish.Fluorescent tubes are usually used for those aquariums that contain only fish without freshwater aquarium plants or saltwater reefs. However, depending on requirements, reef tanks and live coral will do better only with metal halide system that produces high intensity lighting. Somehow for the best result, mixing fluorescent tubes with metal halide is always the preferred choice because it will provide full benefit of both systems and experienced aquarium hobbyist are known to prefer such setup.
Proper lighting is necessary to replicate the natural conditions found in natural habitats. Aquarium fish needs at least 12-14 hours of light exposure and thus the best setup should have a timer that automatically turns on and off the light for specific period of time daily. Aquarium light tubes should be contained in a light hood and general maintenance will require the tubes to be replaced at least once every 9 months to ensure best performance.
