Many fish enthusiasts including me make use of blue light. Why? To promote movement among those types of fish that are creatures of the night!
In simple words, blue light is good and essential for aquarium plants. You may not know this but it is one of the most crucial aspects of the light spectrum. The reason is – it helps in the photosynthesis process to take place.
Growing plants under blue light will make sure that the leaves and stems are strong and healthy. Furthermore, with the help of blue lights, aquatic plants appear more lively and bright.
Yet, many people question if blue light is good for aquarium plants. Thus, here I bring to you an article providing you with facts that you need to know. Given below are the benefits of using blue-colored light. I have also covered how it has an effect on aquatic plants over the course of time.
How Do Blue Light Affect Aquatic Plants?
Blue light affects aquatic plants in many ways. Here are some of them.
Plants Growth
Blue lights with low intensity are the best choice in the matter of indoor plantation. The main aim will always remain photosynthesis.
However, on the subject of blue light, the process of employing photosynthesis is highly dependent on different varieties and classifications of plants. There is a way of influencing growth by managing the proportion of blue within a spectrum of light.
A prominent feature of blue-colored lights is that it has the power to control prolonged growth. What is meant by this saying is that, even if keeping the light at the least amount of intensity, plants will look at it as a source of high intensity.
Plants exposed to blue light are usually shorter in size. Yet, do not overlook the fact that they grow bushier and leafy with time.
In drawing things to a close on this point, I can say that blue light does the work of a growth stimulator. It looks after and alters the plant’s overall growth. It also provides extra lighting which will further enhance the look of the fish tank.
Leaf Color
When certain plants are left unprotected from radiation; for instance, blue light which has shorter wavelengths, I can tell the difference between leaf pigmentation.
If plants are exposed to intense light, it encourages the production of anthocyanins. Thus, to give you a clear idea, blue light makes its leaves look darker in color.
Flowering
Reaching so far, you may be aware that plants absorb most parts of the blue and red colors of a light spectrum. Different hues of light do the good deed of helping plants meet different objectives.
Blue light contributes its share to growing strong, thicker leaves and stems. It also has the ability to diffuse a greater amount of water than red light.
Besides this, the different types of plant species also act as a factor. It will help to decide the spectrum that an aqua plant requires for bushy growth.
What Are the Benefits of Blue Light In An Aquarium?
A bunch of benefits are bound to follow when you decide to install blue lighting in your fish tank! Given below are some of them.
1. Helps with Photosynthesis
The blue color of the light spectrum plays a very important role in the series of events supporting plant photosynthesis. It has a comparatively shorter wavelength than other shades such as red, and white. As a result, it can deeply pass through.
2. Reaches a Considerable Depth
Another advantage of blue lights is when there is a considerable depth in the aquarium. This is because it manages to reach right to the bottom, which is its roots, and hence speed up growth.
3. Develops Thicker Leafs
Not only does having blue lights help plants to grow thicker but it also adds up a charming appearance to the leaf coloration.
4. Great for Nocturnal Fish
When putting blue lights in the aquarium, the third feather in the cap is that it looks just like natural moonlight beaming in. Nocturnal fish enjoy this setting as it adjusts as per the illumination they need to carry out any sort of interaction during nightfall. Under this light, the owners can watch their fish and feed them in peace.
5. Serves as a Transition light
In addition to these beneficial points, blue light can serve the purpose of being used as a transition light between the first appearances of light in the sky before sunrise and the later hours of darkness. A sudden change from bright day hours to night-time can cause tension in the fish.
Just as important as other points are, looking at a fish tank with blue light is truly soothing to the eyes, especially at the end of a hectic day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Blue Light Bad for the Fish Eyesight?
From what research experts say, blue light can add stress to fish retinas. Hence, it can prove to be bad for the fish’s eyesight if not used in the right manner. Second of all, goldfish are not safe around low-intensity blue light. It can result in cell death in their retinas.
2. What Color Light Makes Plants Grow Faster?
Yes, blue-colored light is better for plants, for photosynthesis. But, there is one thing to take into consideration, there is no such thing as ‘the best lighting system’.
Choose the lights with care. Make sure that it is apt to the needs of the occupants of the aquarium. If you have exotic species of plants, altering a spectrum to their needs should become a priority.
In short, blue light makes the plants want to reach their maturity point faster. Given that, blue light serves a crucial purpose. This is specifically true in the case of seedlings and plantlets.
3. How Do Fish React when Surrounded by Blue Light?
Some species may have a calming effect. On the other hand, there are also some types of fish that face irritation and sleep issues in the early days. As time goes by, they may get used to being around blue light.