Lighting & Accessories

Different kinds of fish need different fish tank lighting, and we’ve got all your needs covered here at OlliePets. With lights in a variety of wattages and the accessories to enhance them, you’ll find the right equipment for all kinds of fish.

We don’t recommend keeping your new fish tank near a source of natural light such as a window, as the heat could alter the water temperature. Instead, you’ll need to purchase special tank lights that simulate daytime and allow you to clearly see your new finned pets.

LED Lighting

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is relatively new to the hobby and, due to so many advantages, is fast becoming the lighting of choice for many.

LEDs generate a penetrating light with consistent colour spectrum throughout their lifespan, a huge benefit over fluorescents which will require frequent replacement due to colour shift after several months.

LEDs are compact and available to fit any aquarium, from small clip-on units for nano tanks, to simple slimline strips (solid or flexible) for standard aquariums, submersible spotlights, and even modular tiles for larger displays which can be suspended above the tank and placed adjacently to form giant LED panels. Although the initial cost will be greater than that of fluorescent tubes, the low operating costs will more than makeup for this in the long run, particularly as the LEDs will not require periodic replacement.

Most units claim to run for around 10 years. LEDs do not generate heat, so will not necessitate the use of a chiller on the aquarium, and many can be controlled remotely and are dimmable. Another bonus is the beautiful shimmer effect LED lighting creates, akin to natural sunlight streaming through the water.

LEDs are available in a variety of colours to suit all types of aquarium including fish-only, planted, and marine reef.

M o r e

Fluorescent Lighting

Undoubtedly still the most common type of aquarium illumination, fluorescent lighting is available in the form of long tubes, either T8 (old style, larger diameter) or T5 (newer, narrower diameter).

The tube/s come in a variety of lengths and sit inside the hood of the tank. Their outputcan be further enhanced by the use of a reflector placed behind to angle more light into the aquarium. Fluorescent lighting is available in many different wavelengths, including a warmer (reddish) light to show off tropical fish colours, daylight simulation bulbs (good for both growing plants and for displaying the fish), specific plant bulbs (aimed at heavily planted aquaria), and marine (blue) bulbs.

A typical ‘full spectrum’ bulb will have a rating of between 5000-6500K and is ideal for planted aquaria. T5 bulbs have an advantage over the older T8 equivalents in that they are more compact, emit a brighter light, and last approximately 25% longer.

This type of lighting is cheaper than other types, is readily obtainable, and is available in many different spectrums to suit individual needs. The downsides are that fluorescent lighting emits heat (so a chiller may be required to maintain your desired water temperature) and these bulbs are not as long-lasting as more modern light sources such as LEDs.

Be aware that although the bulbs may still be starting up ok after 6-12 months, they may not be giving out the correct spectrum of light and will need replacing if you are to maintain optimum conditions within a tank containing plants or corals.