LED lights make an excellent addition to your home aquarium, and this is basically down to the role lighting plays in the growth of plants in the planted aquariums. Besides this, however, these LED lights, coupled with a beautifully arrayed plant, further add some aesthetic thrill to the planted aquarium set-up.
LED lights are available in different designs and sizes, play an essential role in the photosynthesis process, the growth rate of plants, and overall aquarium décor. So, with the many options that are in the market; how can one select a light that will give the optimum temperature and light intensity? – by looking out for one with relevant features that promote functionality and effectiveness.
Choosing LED Light for Planted Aquarium
The truth is: you could become spoilt for choice upon going through reviews on some of the best LED Lights for your planted tank. To guide you through making a choice, we shall be sharing some tips on the factors you need to consider before pushing or clicking the “purchase button”.
- Light Intensity: Every aquarium has its light requirements; some plants thrive under low light, as well as those that need high or medium light. Hence, you should make sure the LED light you will getting adequately addresses your aquarium plant’s photosynthetic demand. That said, light intensity for aquarium plants is usually measured as Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR), and its ranges [regarding lighting requirement] are stated thus:
- Very high light: >80 μmol
- High light : 50 – 80 μmol
- Medium Light: 30-50 μmol
- Low Light: 15 – 30 μmol
- Colour Spectrum: The color spectrum produced by the LED light is another key property that should not be overlooked. Having a 6500K – or 7000K – white LED light that gives off something close to the natural daylight may just do the trick. Notwithstanding, there is nothing wrong with going for LED light with a range of color spectra provided the photosynthetic process is not going to be hindered.
- Light Coverage: This should be factored in tandem with the size of the planted tank you will be installing it on. The LED light for your planted must ensure good/even distribution [of its beam] to effectively boost the growth of plants.
Additionally, you should consider the population density of the flora that the aquarium will sustain as you attempt to buy an LED Planted aquarium light.
- Features: The features integrated into any device can determine its functionality, ease of use/installation, and durability, and the LED lights for planted aquariums are not different. So, you may have to root for such devices with features like a dimmer, memory function, sturdy housing, varying control modes, and relevant installation hardware.
To help you in your search, we have chosen to discuss 13 of the popular LED lights for planted aquarium you may find useful in your tank setup. So, read on to discover more about them.
Reviews of 13 Best LED Lights for Planted Aquariums by Experts
1. Current USA Satellite PlusPro LED Light
We start with this well-designed lighting device from the stable of the current USA. The Satellite Plus Pro LED Light has a couple of distinctive features like the 6500k super bright illumination and a 120-degree reflector that ensures the even distribution of light while providing an appreciable color blend.
It also has an integrated 24-hour timer function which allows you to simulate a desired daylight or Moonlight effect. Furthermore, it can be set to give a particular weather effect – from stormy to cloudy, lightning, and so on. It is quite flexible [in usage] as it can be optimized for aquatic species that have specific growth requirements.
The device also comes with a wireless remote control that enables you to actualize a setting of choice. For ease of installation, adjustable docking mounts are provided in the package. It is suitable for aquariums with sizes of between 60.9-91.4 cm.
Many aquarium hobbyists that have had an encounter with this planted aquarium lighting system acknowledged that this product is a good value for money, especially with regards to how effective it has been in densely planted tanks as it markedly highlights the inhabitants of the tank and causes the plants to flourish. Apart from this, some other persons talking so highly about the color variations and brightness that are attainable from is – definitely worth recommending.
PROS
- Top-quality
- Water-resistant
- It can be easily customized
- Sleek design
- Dynamic weather effects
CONS
- Somewhat pricey
- Remote control not up to standard
2. Finnex KLC Planted Aquarium LED Light
This is another technologically sound aquarium light for the planted tanks and it stands out from the rest when certain factors are considered. For one, this 7000k daylight LED with four different colors- red, blue, white, and green- has a 24/7 feature that allows the user to easily customize the colors of the sunrise and sunset to his or her taste.
The Finnex KLC aquarium LED light has inbuilt wireless LED sensor and upgraded remote control – which uses two AAA batteries – that make it easy for you to alter the setting when need be.
Talking about its appearance; it is available in five different lengths – 50cm, 60cm, 76cm, 91cm, and 121 cm – and has an ultra-slim hood constructed from aluminum, which further helps to spread the heat more proportionately. It has a 16.8 power wattage.
This aquarium LED light is equipped with adjustable sliding legs that make it possible to utilize it either on a rimmed or rimless aquarium.
Based on the reviews of the customers; the sleek design and features that the FinnexKLC aquarium LED light bears not only make for a pleasurable sight but also give us this very device great worth. That it also comes with a 24/7 feature that enables the effortless change of color intensities is yet another reason it keeps enjoying rave reviews for years now.
PROS
- Sleek design
- Fully automated
- Light-weighted
- Easy to operate and install
- Four memory slots help to save multiple color intensity combinations.
CONS
- Remote control often malfunctions
- A bit pricey
3. Finnex Stingray Planted Aquarium LED Light
One notable quality of the Finnex stingray aquarium LED light is its lightweight design as it is claimed to have a 24-inch pencil-thin fixture. It has a 13-watts capacity and features 7000k daylight with red and blue LEDs that brightens up the entire tank.
The red LEDs have a spectrum of 660nm, which is vital for the growth of plants as well as promoting flowering and the germination of seeds. This particular product from Finnex is fitting for low-tech set-ups, and it can also be used as a color-enhancing supplemental light to boost the lighting of an aquarium.
Also included in the package are transparent plastic legs and a pair of mounting clips that are meant to securely hold the device in place. It is available in seven different sizes – 30cm, 40cm, 50cm, 60cm, 76cm, 91cm and 121cm.
A lot of aquarists that have used the Finnex Stingray aquarium LED light in their planted aquariums have no doubt about the quality it brings to the table as they are often seen or heard reveling about its effectiveness and exciting features that have been incorporated into it.
On top of this, some customers have also had to comment on the durability of this product as it remains intact and still functions very well after years of use – yet another insight into the quality that has been wrought into it.
PROS
- Ultra-thin
- Quite affordable
- Impressive color spectrum and light intensity
- Very durable
- Easy to set up
CON
- None
4. Beamswork DA Series Pent Aquarium LED Light
This is one aquarium LED light that has been intricately designed to provide, with great aplomb, the lighting [and temperature] required for the growth of your aquarium plants, and also give the tank an aesthetic lift. It has a razor-thin fixture that has been pre-wired to use an alternate timer module to program the device on or off.
The Beamswork DA series pent aquarium LED light has 6500K spectrum LEDs that will help your freshwater aquarium plants thrive glowingly. You can select either the white or blue light options on this device. It has adjustable legs and is available in five different sizes – 60cm, 80cm, 90cm, 120cm and 180cm. This product has LEDs that are very durable, which means you will not have to worry about getting replacement bulbs for a long time.
This planted tank LED light from Beamswork ticks the right boxes in terms of quality, functionality, and enduringness. It only takes hearing from a couple of users to decipher this. The majority of the users of this product have time and again found it to be an excellent choice for their home-planted aquarium – specifically in such aquariums where plants with low – medium lighting requirements are grown or used. Its affordability is another aspect that customers never stop giving (positive) remarks about.
PROS
- Energy efficient
- Long-lasting
- Easy to install
- Good value for money
CONS
- The color spectrum is not broad enough
- Light intensity may be a bit on the high side
5. FinnexFugeRay Planted Aquarium LED Lighting
Having a third product for planted tanks from Finnex only goes to show the measure of quality that this very manufacturer wrought into their product. The Finnex Fuge Ray Aquarium LED light has its place among the top-rated products in its category.
The light has true 660mm red LEDs which are notable for their efficiency in promoting photosynthesis – this means the plants will never be short of sustenance while in the aquarium having the FinnexFugeRay over it.
Furthermore, it has an ultra-slim feature that measures between 115-121cm in length and also possesses adjustable legs that can be fitting for aquariums as long as 121cm. LEDs can spread to the tune of 120 degrees over [and across] the tank.
Besides the red LEDs, it also features blue moonlights that can be activated using a separate switch. Ordinarily, the LED bulbs are designed to last for more than 40,000 hours. Its durability is however augmented by the light’s high-quality aluminum circuit boards and fixtures which further aids in the superior dissipation of heat.
This LED light’s wavelength [of 660 nm] has been acknowledged by customers to result in the optimal growth of plants in their tanks; this is the reason they will not only always see the FinnexFugeRay Aquarium LED light as their go-to source of aquarium illumination, but also one that can be recommended for both expert and beginner aquarists. The light distribution and durability are also well talked about by those that have used it.
PROS
- Energy efficient
- Durable
- Superior heat dissipation
- The impressive light spectrum that promotes photosynthesis
CONS
- Does not come with remote control
- Not entirely water-resistant
6. Marineland Aquatic Plant LED Light
Marine Land is a leader in the manufacturing of aquarium goods/adds-on, and it has not disappointed with this aquarium LED light. The light is integrated with 460 nm blue LED, 660 nm red LED, and green LED that provides an outlook that accents the natural beauty of the plants in the aquarium; the light is available in sizes ranging from 45-152cm.
The MarineLand aquarium LED light, which has a capacity of 6500 k also features a polycarbonate lens that ensures that the light penetrates the aquarium at a considerable rate. It also has an inbuilt timer that allows you to achieve daytime or lunar effect; plus this (timer) enables the device to be automatically turned on or off. For ease of installation and having it in a secure position, this LED light has been equipped with flexible mounting options to make it fit for use in a wide range of aquariums [with different sizes].
It is not so hard to see why this Marine Land aquarium LED light has caught the attention of many aquarists. Users have often raved about its reliability and how efficient it has been even after many years of use. The ease of installation and exciting features it bears also make this product a point of attraction.
PROS
- Ease of installation
- Simple, sleek design
- Polycarbonate lens for enhanced light penetration
- Energy efficient
CONS
- Difficult to customize the light
- Limited options with regards to effects that can be created.
7. Yescom Multi-color Aquarium LED Light
The Yescom multi-color aquarium LED light is another simple but highly effective source of illumination that would be of great value to your aquarium plant and tank set-up as a whole. It has 78 bright LEDs with lights across various spectra – 625nm red LEDs, 500 nm green LEDs, 465 nm pink LEDs, 460nm blue LEDs, and 8000K white LEDs. With these, you can be sure of having a vivid display of the entire aquarium.
The light has a shell made from aluminum alloy, a material that impresses durability, and ensures low energy dissipation and increased efficiency. By the way; it has a lifespan that exceeds 10,000 hours. Additionally, it has three control modes – ‘all LEDs on‘, ‘only blue LEDs‘, and ‘all LEDs off‘ – which can be optionally activated to create a daylight or night-time effect.
It also comes with brackets that can be easily extended to fit different sizes of the aquarium. Plus, it can be used for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Everything – from the ease of setting it up to its features, long-lastingness, and functionality – about the Yescom multi-color aquarium LED light appears to intrigue users a great deal. Furthermore, some persons even submitted that having a light with immense quality, like this, at such a low-cost price is nothing but a steal. Going by customers‘ reviews, this seems to be an LED light worth recommending time and again.
PROS
- Highly efficient
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to set up
- Very durable
CONS
- The power cord runs a bit too short
- Limited control/setting; only the blue LEDs can be selected to function solely.
8. NICREW Classic Aquarium LED Light for Planted Aquarium
Here is one for aquarists on a low budget; with the NICREW Classic Aquarium LED light in the market, you do not have to break the bank to get a quality light that would brighten up your aquarium and even help the plants therein to blossom. The fixture has two sets of LEDs – the white LEDs and the blue LEDs – to simulate daylight and nightlight.
It is made of plastic and also comes with adjustable metal brackets to ensure ease of installation. This light can fit tanks with sizes ranging from between 30 – 45cm. To gain optimal results, it is advisable to use these fish tank lights for plants that are covered with either glass or panel.
Customers attest to the fact that the NICREW Classic aquarium LED light is a well-made product with a simple design that enhances its effectiveness. Some users have also, at various times, commented [positively] about the brightness that these LEDs give off; emphasizing that it is just about the ‘most perfect’ for highlighting the growth of their substrate-fed aquarium plants.
Another aspect that has not escaped the minds of those who have previously bought it, is how such a top-quality light costs lesser than some other products [in the same category] that are not even as effective, to say the least.
PROS
- Easy to set up and use
- Simple design but highly functional
- Very economical; great value for money
- Adjustable mounting brackets
CONS
- It is not water-resistant
- Does not have an inbuilt automated timer
9. ONF LED Planted Aquarium LED Light
Here is a full-spectrum planted aquarium LED light that will serve your planted tank with aplomb. It will effectively light a rimless tank with a carrying capacity of between 2-9 gallons, making the plants therein thrive glowingly. This LED light is energy-efficient and carries a very powerful 7000K white light.
Another interesting feature of it is the memory function which helps to ensure that a particular setting is maintained over a time stretch – even after switching it off. It is possible to adjust the intensity of the light given off by this device.
The ONF LED Aquarium Light is truly a wonderful piece – customers have given their verdicts on this product, stating that it made their aquarium come alive as it illuminated the tank appreciably well and give rise to healthy/blossoming flora.
Specifications and Features :
- Manufacturer: Unity Opto Technology co.Ltd.
- Size: 9.4 X 9 X 14 inches
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- It features LED light with a luminous efficiency of 1300lm.
- It has a 4-level dimming mode.
- It possesses a memory function.
- It comes with an adjustable mounting bracket and other installation hardware.
PROS
- Highly functional
- Waterproof
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable intensity
CON
- It does not have a timer.
10. Koval LED Aquarium Light for Plants
Let’s now introduce to you a top-selling LED Aquarium Light that will add vibrancy to your planted tank. This product is from the stable of Koval.
Spread across the board are sets of full-spectrum LEDs numbering 129 in all – you have red, blue, green, pink, and white LEDs. It can be adjusted to fit into any tank measuring between 36-43 inches in light.
This is one highly revered planted aquarium lighting source. Customers have affirmed that it satisfied the lighting needs of the plants that required low-medium light intensity for their growth
Specification and Features
- Manufacturer: Koval
- Size: n/a
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- It features LEDs across 5 different wavelengths.
- It has 3 control modes.
- It comes with adjustable brackets.
- The device also features an aluminum alloy shell.
PROS
- Energy-efficient LEDs
- Good Quality
- Reasonably priced
- Durable
CONS
- It has some design flaws
- Does not have a timer and remote control
It may not be the best in terms of design, but its functionality is top-notch, and this is seemingly what matters the most when you are thinking about incorporating a LED light into your planted aquarium.
11. Hagen Fluval LED Light for Planted Tank
Up next is something we feel will satisfy the yearning of techie aquarists. The Fluval LED Aquarium Light is an advanced device that will light up your tank and also promote plants’ life to a commendable extent.
This product which is made for nano tanks is equipped with many interesting features. Notable among those are the 63 LEDs [that can be programmed through a 24-hour cycle] and the High Thermal Efficiency technology that ensures impressive light output. And then, you can control the device through the Bluetooth feature that has been integrated into it.
The Hagen Fluval LED Aquarium Light spreads light (beam) evenly across the aquarium. So, you can be sure that none of the plants in the aquarium will be deprived of lighting to met their photosynthetic demands. A lot of those that have tried out this LED Aquarium Light raved about it giving off super bright light and that it was remarkably beneficial for the growth of the plants in the aquarium.
Specification and Features:
- Manufacturer: Hagen
- Size: 7.28 X 5.12 X 0.87 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- It features 7500K white LEDs encased within an aluminum shell.
- Equipped with secure grip features and can be positioned in 3 different orientations.
- It is integrated with 3 different light configurations.
- Its beam can be projected over a 120-degree range
PROS
- Highly functional
- Impressive quality
- Easy to set up and use
- Great value for money
- Waterproof
CON
- None
We’ve got nothing on this very one; this should speak volumes of the quality that this Planted Aquarium LED light reflects. It is worth recommending to anyone with a small planted tank– we bet you will love it.
12. Aqueon LED Light for Freshwater Aquarium
Simple in design, but with an efficiency that cannot be waved aside; this LED Aquarium Light from Aqueon may be just about what you are looking for to bring life into your planted aquarium. With its installation, your plants will not lack the basic ingredient needed to make their food.
It possesses 60 powerful LEDs that will adequately illuminate a freshwater planted tank with a maximum carrying capacity of 20 gallons. This device has a mix of blue and white LEDs.
Time and again, aquarists have affirmed that the LED Aquarium Light spiked up plants’ growth even as it flooded their aquarium with light. They will probably find it easy to recommend this one to others.
Specification and Features
- Manufacturer: Central Aquatics
- Size: 8 X 7 X 4.75 inches
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- It features blue and white LEDs.
- It has 3 control modes.
- It is equipped with a clip-on feature with a mounting screw for secure installation.
PROS
- Powerful lighting
- Great Quality
- Sturdy
- Secure fit
CON
- Neither the light intensity nor the positioning is adjustable
- The device could get pretty hot after long use.
Though it lacks certain features/properties – we hope the manufacturer will fix this in subsequent versions – this Aqueon LED Aquarium Light remains a high-performing piece nonetheless. It will not disappoint in giving optimal (lighting) output.
13. Lominie Planted Tank Lighting
This is another LED Light that will deliver good coverage over a nano tank, giving off light that will not brighten the space, but also ensure the healthy growth of the plants. This device has a unique design, and it is integrated with some exciting features.
It is equipped with a 6500K LED capable of spreading over a 60-degree range. This device’s efficiency is further boosted by its heat sink which is made from high-quality aluminum. The output produced by the Lominie LED Aquarium Light is quite impressive. Some of the aquarists that have installed it gave it the top mark for aiding the fast growth of their aquarium plants.
Specifications and Features
- Manufacturer: Lominie
- Size: 2.7 inches (Diameter); 1.7inches(Height)
- Weight: 1.59 pounds
- It has a bendable gooseneck.
- The light is enclosed in a sturdy aluminum housing.
- It features a control unit for dimming light intensity.
- It has an inbuilt cooling system.
- Comes with a remote control
PROS
- Very efficient
- Adjustable intensity
- Great value for money
- Outstanding illumination
CON
- Some of its components like the dimmer and clamping add-on are not up to scratch.
The Lominie LED Aquarium Light is one lighting source worth having on a nano tank. The fact that it is easy to use and gives satisfactory results drive home the point.
If you want to install the best LED light in your planted aquarium, then take all the factors and options discussed above so that you can find most of the tailor lighting of your fish tank.
