A properly illuminated aquarium creates the illusion of depth, highlights your aquascaping and brings out the color of your fish.
If you raise live aquatic plants you know that light quality is very important to sustain growth.
Live corals depend on the proper light spectrum and intensity in order to remain healthy in reef aquariums.
TL;DR
- For a simple freshwater tank consider the Nicrew (budget choice) or the Aquatic Life,
- If you have a high-tech planted tank have a look at the A160WE,
- For a reef tank check out the Viparspectra (budget choice), the Radion or the Hydra.
Keep reading for more details and other options!
No matter what kind of aquarium you have, modern LED lights are the way to go. We’ll explore all the benefits of LED lighting and review the best LED lights for freshwater and marine tanks.
What’s so great about LED aquarium lighting?
- LED lighting last at least 80,000 hours compared to 20,000 hours for fluorescents. You never need to change a LED!
- They use much less energy. You’ll save about 30% in energy costs compared to traditional aquarium lighting.
- Runs cooler and won’t heat up the aquarium water.
- Unlike fluorescent lights, LEDs do not contain toxic mercury.
- Unlike fluorescent lights, do not emit hazardous ultra-violet light.
- LED aquarium lights don’t buzz or flicker.
- They can be dimmed for special effects.
- LED lights can be programmed to produce specific lighting for freshwater and marine aquariums.
What to look for when selecting a freshwater LED aquarium light
LED aquarium lights are designed for freshwater aquariums or marine reef aquariums.
The freshwater LED fixtures are engineered to reproduce the light spectrum of sunlight shining down into a lake or stream. The LEDs have been selected to produce a natural-looking white light.
Unlike early day-glow fluorescent aquarium lights, freshwater LED lighting will enhance the natural colors of freshwater fish, allowing you to see the myriad of colors and subtle shading that exists on freshwater tropical fish.
ts come in a variety of lengths that match the length of the aquarium.
This is especially important to consider when selecting a light that sits on top of the aquarium frame.
Key LED light features to look for freshwater aquariums:
- 5500-7000 K light output.
- Programmable timer.
- Mounting system.
- Match the fixture length to your aquarium.
Reef aquariums and LED lighting
Reef aquariums contain a variety of invertebrates that have live algae within their tissue. There is a beneficial or symbiotic relationship between the invertebrates and algae. The algae, through photosynthesis, produce amino acids that feed corals. The corals provide a safe haven for the algae along with supplying nutrients for the algae.
LED light fixtures, engineered specifically for reef aquariums, have many benefits over traditional lighting.
- Traditional lights can overheat the aquarium and stress the fish and invertebrates. LED aquarium lights run much cooler.
- Reef-ready LED aquarium lights provide the proper type of light to mimic the natural light found in coral reefs.
- They can last for years without needing bulb replacement.
- LED lighting uses much less energy compared to traditional aquarium lights.
What to look for when selecting a LED light for a reef aquarium
Reef aquariums need to be bathed in light so all the corals and other invertebrates receive the light energy required for photosynthesis.
Look for a dense array of LEDs with light focusing lenses. This ensures that the light is distributed across the entire reef aquarium.
Be sure the aquarium light has the capability to provide daylight (up to 10,000K) and blue actinic lighting. This mimics the way sunlight penetrates the seawater on a reef.
Some reef LED lights use individual white, red, blue and green LEDs to create specific light Kelvin specifications and special blue LEDs to recreate sunlight that penetrates deeper seawater.
Other LED lights have the colors pre-set while some models allow you to experiment and change the color temperatures.
For smaller reef aquariums you have the option to select a LED light that sits on top of the aquarium but if you have a larger aquarium it is common to hang the LED lights above the tank.
Best LED Aquarium Lighting Reviews
1. AquaIllumination AI Prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED
Aquaillumination, a leader in the LED reef aquarium light field, has released an updated version of the AI Prime fixture.
The AI Prime HD uses a new LED driver system that makes the lighting more efficient.
Here’s how it works. Instead of dimming all the colored LEDs, the new HD driver system dims the colors you don’t want and sends the power to the LEDs you want, so they’re brighter.
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The HD driver system provides greater customization and optimization of the light without sacrificing intensity.
Prime Tank Mount – A ridged arm mounts to the aquarium and holds the light in a fixed position.
- Prime Flex Arm – A mount secures the flexible arm to the aquarium while allowing a single Prime HD to be aimed by adjusting the arm.
- Prime Hanging Kit –A wire suspends the fixture above the aquarium while a ball-joint allows the fixture angle to be adjusted.
The AI Prime HD is a “smart” LED aquarium light. You can control one or more Prime HDs with any iOS, Android or internet-connected device with the myAI app.
The Prime HD is available in black or white finish.
Pros
- Specially-designed for reef aquariums but can be used with saltwater fish tanks.
- Small footprint for nano tanks or multiples over large aquarium.
- The app provided control of color, intensity and scheduling.
- Online access from anywhere there is a connection.
- Wi-Fi-enabled.
- Three kinds of mounting systems for any application.
- 100 PAR at 24” height.
Cons
- No cons if used on shallow aquariums.
2. Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light
The Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light is the first marine LED light to incorporate dual daylight and dual blue actinic-style LED chips into one light fixture.
This LED light has been specially designed for marine fish aquarium and especially reef tanks with live corals.
The combination of 8,000K/12,000K white LEDs along with 445nm/460nm actinic blue LEDs recreates the light spectrum necessary for marine fish, inverts, live rock, and corals.
The Orbit fixture uses 120-degree lenses that spread the light throughout the aquarium so all areas of the tank are illuminated. Lighting can be controlled with the wireless remote control.
The Ramp Timer Pro feature creates 24-hour gradual sunrise, sunset and moonlighting for a natural rhythmic light cycle. The timer provides a slow ramp up that prevents light shock, gently acclimates fish to bright lighting.
The adjustable mounting legs fit aquarium widths of 18-24 inches, 24-36 inches, 36-48 inches, and 48-60 inches.
Pros
- Advanced LED chip design provides full spectrum reef lighting.
- Remote control lets you control the lighting from your sofa.
- Slow ramp-up and down prevent light shock to fish and invertebrates.
- Easy programming.
- Comes with four automatic lighting pre-sets.
Cons
- Does not have a variety of single-colored LEDS for custom lighting.
- Poor instructions on how to set-up the lighting programing.
- Not as bright as some other marine LED lights.
3. EcoTech Marine Radion G4
The G4 (generation 4) is their latest update to the Radion family.
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There are three versions of the fixture. The XR15w Pro (~95 watts max) contains one LED array. The XR30w Pro (~190 watts max) model contains two LED arrays. The XR30w (~150 watts max) has a cluster with six channels.
All models feature efficient aluminum heat sinks and a super-quiet cooling fan. Both Radion Pro models have eight adjustable color channels. You’ll have complete control of every colored LED.
The Radions use top-quality CREE, OSRAM and Semiled diodes for accurate, consistent color for each color diode. This also ensures multiple fixtures all produce the same quality and quantity of light.
Ecotech designed their own HEI (Hemispherical Edge Illumination) lenses for improved color blending and even spread of PAR light throughout the tank. Both aquarium lights are compatible with EcoSmart Live (ESL). EcoSmart Live gives you wireless control and programming of Radion lights along with VorTech pumps.
Pros
- Independently proven to grow corals.
- Silent cooling.
- Many ways to mount or hang one or more lights.
- PAR charts are available.
- Compatible with EcoSmart Live control system.
- Ability to control 8 channels of light.
Cons
- None.
4. VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series LED Aquarium Light
Vipraspectra is a manufacturer of LED lights for hydroponics and indoor growing. The company’s tag like is “Good light is not that expensive.”
They’ve recently introduced two LED lights aimed at the reef aquarium market.
The V-165 fixture (165 watts) provides 24” by 24” coverage. The T-300 fixture (300 watts) has provides 32” by 24” coverage.
Both models have channel and timer controls. The Vipraspectra aquarium lights allow you to adjust the blue channel and the white channel intensity, to dial-in the color balance. The timer controls the blue and white channel separately.
Settings can be controlled by an IR remote control or directly on the fixture itself.
The Vipraspectra lights are meant to be suspended above the aquarium and include a wire suspension kit.
iparspectra V-165 Spec
Viparspectra T-300 Specs
Both lights come with a 6-foot power cord, remote control, built-in timer, manual and hanging kit.
Pros
- Company provides PAR measurements at various tank depths.
- Simple channel controls.
- Built-in timer.
- Economical entry into reef LED lighting.
Cons
- Possible longevity issues with LEDs.
- Channels sometimes turn on and off.
- Industrial look.
- Power cord is on top of fixture.
- Can’t be daisy chained.
- No automatic sunrise, sunset or moonlight.
5. Kessil A360X Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Light
The Kessil A360X is the latest in the Tuna series. Slimmer and even brighter than previous versions, the A360X features proprietary LED arrays assembled at the Kessil factory in California.
A new high-efficiency “sunflower” heat sink quietly dissipates heat, adding longevity to the fixture. Like previous models, one knob controls overall intensity and another controls blue/white LED color mixing.
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But the full power of the new fixture is unleashed using the wired Kessil Spectral Controller X.
The controller gives you full access to all the fine-tuning features including program modes, color blending and intensity.
The A360X can be daisy chained in a network, but each light can be controlled independently. The A360X series has a smoother dimming curve for more natural sunrise and sunset effects. The light spectrum produced spans 10,000K to actinic blue. The LED fixture is designed to be hung from a bracket or ceiling mount.
This LED aquarium fixture is intended for reef aquarium lighting. The Kessil A360X comes in a blue-light Tuna Blue model for reef aquariums and a full spectrum Tuna Sun model.
Pros
- 25% brighter than previous versions.
- Limitless light tuning and intensity.
- Smaller fixture design.
- Better cooling than previous versions.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands.
- Requires hanging from brackets or ceiling.
- Power supply is a separate component that must be hidden from view.
- No wireless control
6. Aquatic Life LED EDGE
The Aquatic Life LED light is available in a freshwater and reef design.
The 36“ freshwater aquarium LED fixture contains (21) 6K White, (21) 9K White, (24) 10K White, (7) Blue, (11) Red, (3) Blue Lunar LED’s.
The five colors of 0.5 watt LEDs have a 120-degree dispersion that creates full-spectrum light throughout the aquarium.
The lunar LEDs are used at night to replicate moonlight in the aquarium.
The sleek fixture design is only 0.5 inches wide and 4 inches high. Programmable sunrise and sunset functions enable the LEDs to be easily programmed to slowly turn on or off in 10-minute increments over a two-hour period of time.
- 24-Inch light fits aquarium frames between 23.5 Inches and 26.25 Inches
- 36-Inch light fits aquarium frames between 35.0 Inches and 38.25 Inches
- 48-Inch light fits aquarium frames between 47.0 Inches and 50.25 Inches
The Aquatic Life Reef Edge LED fixture is similar in size to the freshwater version.
The LED array is designed to provide more blue light, mimicking the type of light that penetrates the coral reef. The LED light contains (21) 9K White, (52) Blue 454nm, (4) Blue 440nm, (3) Violet 420nm, 3) Violet 400nm, (4) Red LEDs.
The timer is similar to the freshwater model. The Aquatic Life Reef Edge LED fixture is available in two sizes.
- 36-Inch light fits aquarium frames between 35.0 Inches and 38.25 Inches
- 48-Inch light fits aquarium frames between 47.0 Inches and 50.25 Inches
Pros
- Easy to program timer and lighting effects.
- Good customer service.
- Comes with an internal battery back-up that saves timer settings in case of power failure.
- A dense array of LEDs for even lighting throughout the tank.
Cons
- Reef Edge not available in the 24-inch version.
- The light fixture cannot be hung over the aquarium.
- Instruction manual could contain better instructions on setting the automated functions.
7. Nicrew Classic LED Aquarium with Extendable Brackets
The Nicrew LED aquarium light is a basic LED light fixture for freshwater aquariums. It combines blue and white LEDs.
The lighting modes are white light for normal illumination of the aquarium and blue for the moonlight effect.
The white daylight mode actually blends the white and blue LEDs together. The night time blue color is dimmer.
This LED aquarium light is controlled by a rocker switch with three positions. You can select off, daylight or moonlight. The Nicrew does not have a programmable timer or dimming function.
The intensity of the light or color cannot be changed. This LED light comes in three widths and is mounted onto the rim of the aquarium. The mounting frame width is adjustable and slides out of the light fixture.
The plastic “feet” have a “U-shaped” channel that is a ½ inch wide and drops down onto the top of the aquarium. The U-channel greatly stabilizes the light fixture and prevents the light from being accidentally knocked into the water when performing aquarium maintenance.
The Nicrew LED Aquarium Light comes in three widths: 11-19 inches, 20-27 inches, and 28-36 inches.
Pros
- Simple to use LED aquarium light.
- No programming needed to use the light.
- Economical price.
- Provides adequate light for live plant growth.
Cons
- No integrated automatic timer.
- Cannot be hung over the aquarium.
- Uses power adapter and jack, not hard-wired.
8. AquaIllumination Hydra TwentySix HD
The Aquaillumination Hydra TwentySix HD represents the latest innovation in the Hydra series.
The HD designation is based on the fixture’s ability to use power from un-used LEDs (colors) to boost the output of the LEDs that are being used throughout the 24-hour light cycle.
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The Hydra TwentySix HD used 80-degree focusing lenses for a good balance of light spread and focusing power.
The Hydra draws 90 watts at full power. The aluminum fixture housing acts as an efficient heat sink so the aquarium water stays cool.
The lights use name-brand LEDs from Cree, Osram and SemiLED. The Hydra fixtures do not need an external controller. They can be manually configured or wirelessly controlled by smart device or computer through the myAI app.
Pros
- Uses high-quality LEDs.
- Connects wirelessly to computer or smart device.
- Able to daisy chain.
- No separate controller needed.
- myAI app is easy and functional.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands.
- Require hanging from brackets.
- Power supply is a separate component that must be hidden from view.
9. Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED This provides a sturdy fixture with heat-dissipating properties.
The aluminum fixture sits on top of the aquarium on acrylic legs. The legs have thumbscrews for securing the light to the frame of the aquarium.
The Finnex Planted plus features high-quality 7,000K daylight plus red LEDs that boost light in the 660-nanometer range. This slight increase in the red spectrum stimulates plant growth.
The programmable 24/7 feature starts with a cool lit dawn, transitions into a warm sunrise morning, followed by an intense color blazing high noon, scaling down to a red sun drowned sunset and finishes with a starry night blue moonlight.
The remote control selects presets such as a Thunderstorms, Cloudy Days, Sunny Days and Moonlights with a click of a button. There are four empty programmable presets that can save customized color combinations and lighting intensities.
The Finnex Planted + LED aquarium light is available in 20″, 24″, 30″, 36″, & 48″ lengths.
Pros
- Slim lightweight design.
- Specially designed for freshwater planted aquariums.
- Easy to operate remote control.
Cons
- Power cord is too short.
- Remote control feels poorly made.
- Short one-year warranty.
10. Kessil A160WE Controllable LED Aquarium Light
The light spectrum, 6,000-9,000K, is ideal for raising aquatic plants.
The proprietary Kessil LED arrays create the light shimmer effect, duplicating the look of an Amazonian stream.
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Like the saltwater version, the A160WE uses the two-knob Kessil Logic adjustment feature. Users can select the perfect spectrum and color with one knob and then adjust the intensity with another other.
When daisy-chained in series the first A160 acts as the master light, using its settings to control all other lights in the chain.
The A160WE comes in a blue-light Tuna Blue style and a full spectrum Tuna Sun model.
Pros
- Easy two- nob spectrum control.
- Able to daisy chain manually.
- Works with popular external controllers.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands.
- Requires hanging from brackets or ceiling.
11. Marineland Reef LED Strip Light
The Marineland Reef LED strip uses 14K daylight LEDS and blue LEDS that blend together for reef aquarium lighting. The fixture has an integrated timer for on and off settings.
The adjustable mounting legs fit aquarium widths of 18-24 inches, 24-36 inches, 36-48 inches, and 48-60 inches.
Pros
- One-watt LEDs are brighter than other aquarium lights.
- Simple start-up, easy to use.
- Sleek low-profile design.
Cons
- Limited automation and timer settings.
- Does not have individual colored LEDs for customized lighting.
- Mounting legs allow the light to slip into the aquarium by accident during maintenance.
Light intensity and PAR
When comparing LED lights, you’ll often see references to light output in lumens and PAR. Lumens is the measure of visible light but excludes the ultraviolet and infrared spectrum.
The lumens measurement is based on human eye sensitivity. Lumens are not a measure of light quality. A light providing a really high lumen level would be yellowish and quite ugly, especially in an aquarium.
The ideal PAR for reef-building corals is 100-200. 200-400 PAR will bring out coloration but could also reduce growth rates.
Too much PAR inhibits coral growth and may lead to bleaching. PAR readings will tell you if you need to turn down the light’s intensity or move corals to a different spot in the aquarium.
How many LED Watts per gallon?
If you’ve been in the aquarium hobby for a long time, you’re familiar with various lighting formula based on watts per gallon.
This is from the era when fluorescent lights were the only lighting option. Then came high-output T-5 fluorescent lights along with metal halides.
How long should I leave the lights on?
There will always be debate about the right amount of light and dark periods in aquariums.
Some planted aquarium enthusiasts say the red plants color-up under a longer day length.
Everyone seems to agree that going over twelve hours of light can cause algae problems and doesn’t make the plants look or grow any better.
Reef aquarists run their lighting from 8 to 12 hours per day. But in some cases, they’re dimming the lights up and down to simulate sunrise and sunset or using a combination of LED and other types of lighting, so read carefully when looking at online forums.
Whether you’ve got an Amazonian river tank or a reef aquarium filled with SPS corals, you’ll probably want to experiment to find the sweet spot for your own aquarium.
Aquarium LED Lighting Recommendations
For a freshwater fish tank that does not need sophisticated dimming, color customization or a remote control, consider the Nicrew light..
The rugged construction and name-brand LED circuits make the Hydra series a reliable and powerful lighting option. The Hydra LED lights will provide the proper light spectrum and intensity needed by reef-building corals.
The myAI app allows you to control the lights with smart devices or computer from anywhere in the world. The app even syncs the Hydra light with the earth’s lunar cycle. The myAI app will also allow you to view your aquarium with a Nest camera!
If you have any questions or comments, please, post them below!
NavigationTL;DRWhat’s so great about LED aquarium lighting?What to look for when selecting a freshwater LED aquarium lightReef aquariums and LED lightingWhat to look for when selecting a LED light for a reef aquariumBest LED Aquarium Lighting Reviews1. AquaIllumination AI Prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED2. Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light. VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series LED Aquarium Light5. Kessil A360X Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Light6. Aquatic Life LED EDGE7. Nicrew Classic LED Aquarium with Extendable Brackets8. AquaIllumination Hydra TwentySix HD9. Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED10. Kessil A160WE Controllable LED Aquarium Light11. Marineland Reef LED Strip LightLight intensity and PARHow many LED Watts per gallon?How long should I leave the lights on?Aquarium LED Lighting Recommendations