| A small aquarium with a few fish and tiny plants | | | | species of fish can tolerate a 5 degree |
| may do very well making use of the ambient light | | | | temperature change but any more that this can |
| in the room. Some fish will thrive in subdued light. | | | | cause problems. Water temperature is something |
| However your as the aquarium grows and your | | | | that should be monitored on a regular basis. |
| choice of fish becomes more exotic you will need | | | | Artificial light is normally added to the top of a |
| to do some research on the addition of artificial | | | | tank and placed very near the water level. Fish in |
| light to protect your valuable and in many cases | | | | their normal environment experience differences |
| very expensive fish. | | | | in water temperature and will seek the level they |
| There are a number of considerations involved | | | | desire. Your tank may produce these same |
| with this decision. First the ambient light in a room | | | | temperature gradients being cooler at the bottom |
| that lacks sunlight will not serve your tank well. | | | | and warmer at the top. As long as these |
| The tank will need either sunlight or artificial light | | | | gradients do not vary greatly this should not be a |
| added to the top of the tank. Some fish species | | | | concern and various species will seek and stay in |
| will need this additional light as will many aquarium | | | | the level they desire. In air conditioned or heated |
| plants. Good healthy aquarium plants can go a long | | | | rooms use care not to place your tank in a |
| way in preventing the growth of algae and other | | | | position where it will be in a direct draft. |
| unwanted microscopic growth that cause severe | | | | In addition to the aspects of adding light to your |
| harm to your fish. In any aquarium prevention is | | | | tank you will find that a properly lit tank will |
| always better than cure to prevent the growth | | | | produce a much brighter visual appearance. The |
| of unwanted microscopic cells that will turn your | | | | colors of the various fish species will seem |
| water green and cause harm to our fish. | | | | brighter and some some cases will seem to be |
| If you can place your tank in a position to gather | | | | fluorescent. Plants and other aquarium decorations |
| natural sun light this may be all that you need. You | | | | will come to life. Do your fish and yourself a favor |
| must consider the possibility of sunlight or even | | | | and explore the benefits that artificial light or |
| artificial light raising the water temperature. Most | | | | proper sunlight can bring to your aquarium. |