Aquascaping Guide Part1 -Lighting
- Claire
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
WHAT AQUARIUM LIGHT SHOULD I BUY ?
Lighting is an essential part of growing healthy aquarium plants. Plants use light energy to perform photosynthesis, which is how they produce the nutrients they need to grow.
It is important to choose the right lighting for your aquarium because plants need enough light to survive, but too much light can lead to algae growth and may harm the plants. Also, different types of plants require different light levels.
Once the light intensity (PAR) is properly adjusted for your aquarium setup, you can then focus on the light spectrum (PUR). This ensures that plants receive the correct type of light energy for healthy growth.
In the aquarium hobby, choosing cheap lighting can often lead to poor results and higher costs in the long run. That is why lighting is not an area where you should compromise, especially when keeping planted aquariums.
Lumens and watts were previously used to estimate lighting performance, but they do not accurately reflect plant-usable light.
VARIABLES IN LIGHTING FOR PLANTED AQUARIUMS
Lighting in a planted aquarium is based on three main variables:
Time – how long the light is kept onPAR (Intensity) – the amount of energy the light provides for plant growthPUR (Spectrum) – how much of that energy can actually be used by the plants
From the beginning, it is recommended to use a timer or program your lighting system to run for about 6-8 hours per day. If any adjustments are needed, they should be made by changing the intensity (PAR) or the spectrum (PUR), rather than increasing the duration.
Running the lights for more than 8 hours daily can often lead to algae growth.
Many hobbyists also focus on outdated measurements such as lumens and watts. These were previously used to estimate lighting performance, but they do not accurately represent PAR and PUR. Today, they are no longer considered reliable for planted aquariums.
What is PAR and PUR?
PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) refers to the amount of light energy produced by a light source that can support photosynthesis in plants. It tells us how much useful light is available for plant growth.
When combined with PUR, PAR helps us understand how effective a light will be for growing aquarium plants.
PUR (Photosynthetically Usable Radiation) represents the portion of that light energy which plants can actually use. In other words, it shows how efficient the light spectrum is for plant growth.
By optimizing PUR (the spectrum), we ensure that plants receive the right type of light energy for healthy and efficient growth.
A MUST WATCH VIDEO
Aquascaping lighting guide UAE
WHAT DO WE RECCOMEND
Start off with a good light. If you're on a budget, check out a Hygger Full Spectrum, or maybe a Chihiros Slim model. If you want a long-term light, we'd suggest a Week Aqua Pandora or Chihiros WRGB II, or WRGB II PRO.
Choose a light that matches the needs of the plants in your aquarium. Avoid using a high PAR light for low-light plants, especially if the intensity cannot be adjusted. Likewise, a low PAR light will not be suitable for growing high-light plants. Matching the lighting to your plant requirements is essential for healthy growth.
Important Tips
Always aim for 6- 8 hours of lighting daily
Adjust intensity (PAR) and spectrum (PUR) instead of increasing duration
Avoid focusing on outdated measurements like lumens and watts
Set your CO₂ system to start about 1 hour before your lights turn on. This ensures that CO₂ levels are already high when the lights come on, allowing photosynthesis to begin immediately and efficiently.
Conclusion
For a healthy planted aquarium, focus on balancing time, intensity, and spectrum. Keeping lighting controlled and consistent will help plants thrive while preventing algae issues.
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