Aquarium Lighting Guide for Beginners
Light drives plant growth — and algae.
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Match light to your goal
A fish-only tank just needs enough light to see and view the fish. A planted tank needs a proper plant light; demanding carpets need high-output LEDs.
Use a timer
Run lights on a timer for a consistent 6–8 hours. Long or irregular photoperiods are the fastest route to an algae outbreak.
Avoid direct sun
Sunlight on the tank causes runaway algae and temperature swings. Position the tank away from windows.
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FAQ
How many hours should aquarium lights be on?
6–8 hours a day on a timer for most tanks. More light without enough plants or CO2 just feeds algae.