How To Reduce Light Intensity In Aquarium? [Try These 7 Ways]

When you are a beginner at aquariums, you will need a lot of things.

Some of the items include the basic equipment of an aquarium.

For the beginner, there is light.

But one thing that you should know is the intensity of the light matters a lot.

The more intense the light, the more it can harm your fish.

So if you do not want to let your fish get damaged because of the intense light, what can you do?

Here are some ways you can reduce the light intensity in your aquarium.

7 Ways You Can Reduce Light Intensity In Aquarium

If you want to have a good fish-keeping experience, then you should know how to control the light intensity in your aquarium.

It is true that the intensity of the light will harm your fish.

But that is a very small price to pay to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful aquarium.

Let’s have a look at the 7 ways you can reduce the light intensity in your aquarium:

1. Use a Diffuser

Using a diffuser is the most effective way to reduce the light intensity in your aquarium.

A diffuser will absorb the light.

So the intensity of the light will be reduced by half.

The best part of using a diffuser is that it is cheap.

You can buy a cheap diffuser at your local pet store.

You can also use a diffuser that you have already.

But be careful to not use a diffuser that is made of a material that is toxic. 

2. Add Floating Plants and Rocks

When you add floating plants and rocks to your aquarium, you will be able to reduce the light intensity in your aquarium.

It is because the floating plants will absorb the light.

But the floating plants also serve as decoration.

So it is up to you to decide which is more important.

The same thing applies to rocks.

The more rocks you have, the more light will be absorbed.

But you have to be careful not to use too many rocks.

The more rocks you add, the more your aquarium will look cluttered.

3. Use Large Size Tanks

Large-size tanks help to easily reduce the light.

It is because the size of the tank is a factor that will determine how much light can penetrate the water.

But be careful not to use a large size tank that is too big.

If you use a large size tank, you will have to deal with a lot of maintenance.

It is because a large size tank will need a lot of water.

So if you do not have enough time, you should choose a small size tank.

4. Use Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent light can be controlled by intensity.

This means that you can reduce the light intensity by increasing the intensity of the fluorescent light.

The intensity of the fluorescent light can be adjusted from 1 to 10.

So you can use the lowest intensity to avoid having a harmful effect on your fish.

But you should know that using fluorescent lights can increase heat.

It is because fluorescent lights will emit a lot of heat.

So you should be careful to not overheat your aquarium.

5. Use a Cover

You can also use a cover of thin material to reduce the light intensity in your aquarium.

It is because the cover will absorb the light.

But be careful not to use a cover that is too thick.

If you use a cover that is too thick, the light will still be able to penetrate through the cover.

So you will have to deal with the problem of having too much light in your aquarium.

6. Use Pebbles Or Sand as Gravel

Pebbles or sand as gravel can help not to reflect the light.

So the light will be absorbed by the gravel.

But it is also important to make sure that the gravel is clean.

If the gravel is dirty, then the light will reflect off the dirt.

So it is better to use clean gravel.

7. Get Creative With Placement

As a fish keeper, you should know the right placement of your aquarium.

So you should be able to place your aquarium in a location that is not in the way of your daily routine.

The best place to place your fish is in the corner.

It is because the light will not be as intense there.

But if you place the fish too close to the light or window, then you will have to deal with the problem of too much light in the aquarium.

It is because the light will still be able to penetrate through the fish.

So the fish will be exposed to a lot of light.

How To Know If Your Light Is Strong For The Fish Tank

There are some signs that will help you to know if your light is strong enough for your fish tank.

And then you can use it to make sure that the fish is safe and healthy.

These are some common signs you need to check for strong light and take action immediately:

1. Check Signs Of Algae

Algae is a plant that grows in your aquarium.

It is because algae will grow faster in the aquarium with a lot of light.

So if you notice that there is a lot of algae in your aquarium, then it means that the light is too strong.

You should reduce the light intensity and add some gravel.

It is because the gravel will absorb the light.

And then the algae will not be able to grow as fast.

2. Your Plants Will Have Sign Of Burning

You should also know that light will affect the growth of your plants.

It is because the light will be able to penetrate the aquarium and affect the plants.

So if you notice that your plants are burning, then you should reduce the light intensity.

It is because the light will burn the leaves.

3. Check the Colors Of The Decoration Inside The Tank

You will be noticing that your fish tank’s decorations will be fading.

It is because the decorations will be exposed to light.

And the light will fade the colors.

So if you notice that the colors of the decorations are fading, then you should reduce the light intensity.

4. Water Seems To Be Cloudy

You will also notice that the water in your aquarium will be cloudy.

It is because the light will be able to penetrate the water.

And it will be able to change the color of the water.

Besides that, the light will also be able to change the pH of the water.

So if you notice that the water is cloudy. It is a sign that you have a strong light.

5. Know Your Fish Behavior

You will also notice that your fish is hiding in the corner of the aquarium.

And the light will able to affect the fish’s behavior.

It will also be able to affect the feeding and swimming habits of the fish.

So if you notice that your fish is hiding in the corner, then it is a sign that your fish is feeling more heat. You should take action as soon as possible!

Also, read this: Signs of too much light on aquarium plants

FAQ’s

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has shown how you can reduce the light intensity in aquariums by adjusting some things.

But, if you are still experiencing problems with too much light, then you need to use an aquarium dimmer.

In case you are using an aquarium dimmer to reduce the light intensity in your aquarium.

Then you might want to buy the best aquarium dimmers for the job.

Also, you can try some other ways as well to reduce the light intensity in aquariums.

You can choose from these 7 methods to reduce light intensity to get an aquarium as you want it.

1. Use a Diffuser

2. Add Floating Plants and Rocks

3. Use Large Size Tanks

4. Use Fluorescent Lights

5. Use a Cover

6. Use Pebbles Or Sand as Gravel

7. Get Creative With Placement