Blue lights are my favorite choice for fish tanks. Blue lights have always been a favorite because they mimic the natural beauty and charm of the marine world. Only a few years ago, I learned that blue lights can have many other benefits than enhancing the tank’s aesthetic appeal.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about the blue light that fish tanks emit. Are red, green, and/or white lights better than blue? We’ll also discuss this.
So, let’s begin!
What does blue light in fish tank do?
The transition between daytime and night is smoothened by blue light. It is similar to the moonlight. Fish can be stressed by the sudden change from day to night. Blue light has a calming effect that helps fish transition slowly to nighttime.
The 3 Benefits Of Blue Lights In A Fish Tank
- Calms the Fish
- Makes your tank look prettier
- Enhances Plant Growth
Calms The Fish
Lighting changes in the wild gradually. Blue light, as I said above, has a calming impact on fish. Fish that are used to bright sunlight throughout the day can become stressed if their environment suddenly becomes dark.
The blue lights mimic the moonlight, so you can turn them on as if they are in their natural environment.
Makes Your Tank Look Prettier
You already know the beauty of blue lights in fish tanks. Blue lights make the colors pop and don’t strain your eyes.
Blue complements many colors, according to the color wheel. These are the most common colors found in aquariums, as you probably know.
Blue helps to evoke the nautical scene in the best possible way. It looks great, no offense to any of the other colors, but it sure is better than red, green, and white lights.
Boosts Plant Growth
When it comes to helping plants photosynthesise, not all lights are equal. The most important part of the light spectrum that plants need is the blue spectrum.
The visible spectrum of blue wavelengths is approximately 380nm-490nm. This represents the beginning of the visible spectrum of wavelengths within electromagnetic spectrum.
These shorter wavelengths contain the most energy in the visible spectrum. This makes them crucial for photosynthesis.
As an example, you can see that blue light can reach more than 300 feet while green light cannot go further than 100 feet.
Don’t forget the visible blue light wavelengths when you next marvel at your plant tank setup.
Blue lights don’t increase temperature like other colors. You don’t need to worry about fluctuating temperatures.
Can fish sleep with blue lights?
Blue lights can be calming, but you should not leave them on all night. Fish will struggle to fall asleep. Fish are also diurnal like us. To fall asleep, fish need to go to bed for between 8-12 hours each night.
No matter what color the light is, it will disrupt their internal clocks and stress them out. It will blur the line between day and night, and thus interfere with the fish’s physiological functions.
This will lead to their immune system being compromised and may expose them to secondary diseases.
Limiting the use of blue light as a transitional light between darkness and light is best.
White Or Blue Light For Aquarium?
Blue lights are more soothing for fish than white lights and promote plant growth. White lights are more effective at illuminating the tank and making it visible. It does not provide an easy transition between darkness and brightness for your fish.
Blue lights are a great way to help diurnal fish rest peacefully at night, while also making the tank bright enough for nocturnal fishes to see.
White lights aren’t as effective as blue lights in boosting plant growth.
This research report shows that white light encourages algae growth more than blue and red lights. It’s better to stick with blue lights.
Does Blue Light Cause Algae In Fish Tank?
Blue lights can cause algae in fish tanks, but only to a certain extent. As blue light does not emit heat, it should be safe to turn off the lights at night.
Are blue lights okay for nocturnal fish?
Blue light is a great option for nocturnal fish. It will encourage them to venture out at night, search for food, and swim around.
Blue light doesn’t get too bright so it won’t interfere with your sleep and help you fish.
Should You Use LED Lighting For Your Fish Tank?
LED lights are the newest trend. They are quickly rising in popularity. Because of their sleek designs, glowing effects and colors as well as low costs, they are widely used. Because they produce a consistent color throughout their life, LED lights are preferred to other types of lights.
Advantages Of LED Lights For A Fish Tank
- Comparatively low energy use
- Durability
- Low heat output
- Various color options
- Customizable light intensities
- Consistent colour
Comparatively low energy consumption
LEDs use less energy than standard fluorescent lights. LED aquarium lighting, for example, can consume up to 80% less electricity that other aquarium lights.
In 12-18 months, the energy savings alone will make up for the difference in cost of the LED system.
Durability
LED lights have a longer life span than traditional types. This is the most appealing advantage. LED lights are miles ahead of traditional types in this area.
LED lights can last for up to 50,000 hours, which is almost six years. This is a significant improvement on incandescent bulbs which last between 2 and 4 months, standard fluorescent and metal halide bulbs which can last 6 to 18 month, and compact fluorescent bulbs which last an average of 28 months.
While LED bulbs may be more expensive initially, they can help you save between $500-1000 compared to the replacement cost of metal halide, compact fluorescent or T5 bulbs.
Low Heat Output
LED lights do not emit heat as fluorescent light bulbs do. These lights won’t heat up the aquarium’s water. You will need to maintain proper air circulation in order for the heat they produce not to compromise the LED chip’s lifespan.
Versatile Color Options
You can choose from many colors of LED lights to complement your tank. These lights are sold by spectrum (in the Kelvin of K System) so you can pick the one that suits your needs.
The white spectrum at 8,000 K encourages photosynthesis in plants and compliments the orange, yellow and red colors of your fish. Magenta and blue light, on the other hand, are known for bringing out the reds and blues of the plants while also supporting the growth of fish.
Customizable Light Intensity
Many LED lights on the market have functions that allow you to dim or program them. This allows you to adjust their natural dimming to sunset and reverse to sunrise.
This feature is especially useful for your nocturnal fish, as the dim blue light can be left on to simulate moonlight and encourage them eat.
You can now even find LED light strips that mirror the lunar cycle.
Broad Coverage
Because LED lights are usually arranged in strips, they offer a greater coverage area for your aquarium.
Consistent color
LED lights have a remarkable advantage: they produce a constant color and intensity of light over their life span. This is an enormous advantage over fluorescent lights, which can change the color spectrum from yellow to white over 3 to 6 month.
Disadvantages Of LED Lights For A Fish Tank
A Tad Bit Costly
LED lights are more expensive upfront than other options. Even though you’ll pay more upfront, the savings in energy and bulb replacement costs will make up for it over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Green Light In A Fish Tank Do?
It is not a good idea to use green lights in a fish-tank. The number one cause of nuisance algae growth is overexposure to the green light in the tank. This will quickly make your tank look dirty and repelling.
Algae can suffocate slowly because it competes with fish for oxygen. It can also cause ammonia levels in the water to rise.
What Does Red Light In Fish Tank Do?
It is not recommended to use red light in a fish tank. It is believed that reptiles and fish can’t see the red light, but there are no scientific studies to support this belief. Red lights encourage shy bottom-dwelling animals to play in the tank.
This research showed that all species studied experienced a decrease in growth under red light. If you want to raise healthy young fry, then we recommend using blue lights.
Some species grow best when given green light, according to the study. Not to be confused with unsolicited algal outbreaks, green lights can be strongly linked to algae blooms.
Because it is known to increase plants’ height, red light is often used in planted aquariums. According to some reports, plants that are exposed to red light grow taller and more stringy.
However, algae use red light for photosynthesis. You need to be cautious about that.
Do Fish Need Light During The Day?
Fish are diurnal creatures and require light during the day and darkness at night. The natural sunlight at noon has a temperature of 5500 Kelvin. You can turn off the lights for just a few hours if your fish tank gets a lot of natural sunlight during the day.
Fish require 10 to 12 hours of sunlight per day. Even if you have plenty of sunlight during the day, it is still important to keep the lights on.
How Long Should You Keep Your Aquarium Lights On?
Fish and plants both need 10-12 hours of sunlight per day . To make things easier, you can either install a timer on your unit or purchase one with an integrated timer. Algae love light, however.
If you notice algae growth, reduce the duration of your lighting.
How Much Light Does A Fish Tank Need?
5,500 to 6,500 Kelvin suffices for general viewing of fish tanks. For planted tanks, you’ll need 6,500 to 7,500 Kelvin.
Final words: What does blue light in fish tank do?
Blue is the preferred choice for fish tanks and it’s for good reason.
Blue lights are beneficial because they mimic natural moonlight and calm the fish. It allows you to seamlessly transition from darkness to brightness.
It can also enhance the colors of your fish and increase plant growth. Blue light won’t affect the water temperature.
I could go on about how blue lights are great to use in fish tanks. Let us know how they are for you fish if you have purchased them.