How to Choose the Right Light for Your Aquarium: A Beginner’s Guide

At Aquaplix, we’ve seen hobbyists across Canada struggle with dim tanks or over-lit disasters. Choosing the right aquarium light can transform your setup—here’s our beginner-friendly checklist to get it right.

• Tank Size Matters: A 20L nano needs less wattage than a 200L showpiece. Measure your tank—bigger means more lumens.
• Plant Needs: Low-light plants (e.g., Anubias) thrive with 30-50 lumens per liter, while high-light (e.g., Rotala) need 50-70. Match your greenery!
• Spectrum Counts: Look for 6,500K-8,000K for a natural glow—mimics daylight for fish and plants.
• Adjustability Helps: Dimmable lights let you tweak intensity, avoiding burnt plants or algae blooms.
• Coverage Check: Ensure even light—spotty beams leave dark corners.

We’ve learned this through trial and error in our Ontario shop—get it wrong, and you’re scrubbing algae for weeks. Start with your tank’s needs, and you’ll see the difference, eh!