A method of experimenting on aquatic life in an indoor facility and a lighting assembly for accomplishing the same. The lighting assembly includes a lighting device that emits light at a predetermined wavelength that provides a minimum water penetration depth and is positioned in a manner to provide uniform lighting at the air and water interface within a containment unit housing the aquatic life. The on and off functions are also controlled by the lighting assembly to provide a gradual turn on and turn off to prevent interference of effects of lighting with experimental results.