Best Aquarium Lights

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 13, 2024
Improper lighting can not only affect plants inside your aquarium but also cause fish to develop behavioral problems. That's why it's important to get good light for your fish tank. For this review, we have selected the best LED aquarium lighting products that mimic a natural environment, making your fish happy and healthy. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Suitable Tank
LED Source
COLORS
SETTINGS
FEATURES
WARRANTY
 
PROS

The lamp comes with two lenses - 180 optical lens and 60 optical lens for narrow tanks. A 360° adjustable rustproof gooseneck makes it possible to place the lamp in any way you want.

CONS

The dimmer dial is overly sensitive.

OUR VERDICT

The Lominie LED Asta 20 is a premium all-metal lamp that can be set in the way you like it. With 6500K color temperature and adjustable brightness (0-100%) settings, it can boost plant growth in any freshwater aquarium with up to 20-gallon capacity.

detailed parameters
Type

Over-panel lights

Suitable Tank

8"~18" cube saltwater and freshwater tank

LED Source

COB LED, 6500K, 12~16 watt

COLORS

Cold White 

SETTINGS

Adjustable brightness 0%~100%

FEATURES

Solid aluminum housing with 360° bendable gooseneck and clump, 180-degree optical lens plus an optional 60-degree lens

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

You can not only choose one of 3 color modes and 5 brightness levels but also set the timer for 3, 6, or 12 hours. After that time, the light will automatically go to 10% brightness.

CONS

Instructions aren’t very clear.

OUR VERDICT

This is a high-quality lamp that is fitted with 5730 LED beads and can last up to 20,000 hours of non-stop lighting. Since the manufacturer offers it in a wide range of sizes, it can suit freshwater aquariums that are from 12" to 52" wide.

detailed parameters
Type

Over-panel lights

Suitable Tank

12" - 18" width freshwater tank

Others are available

LED Source

DC12V / 9W, 5730 large leds, 6500K, 633 Lm

COLORS

White, Blue, Red

SETTINGS

3 light color modes, 5 levels of brightness

FEATURES

Aluminum alloy metal shell, 2 metal and 2 plastic adjustable mounting brackets, Timer (3, 6, 12 hours)

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The lamp offers two modes (lunar LED and daylight LED) for night and day time. This way, it'll not only provide optimal illumination depending on the ambient light but also save some energy. 

CONS

The power lead is rather short.

OUR VERDICT

The NICREW Classic LED Light may be an attractive choice for those who've got an aquarium for the first time. It's affordable, energy-saving, and delivers enough brightness for plants to grow. It can also create a really spectacular atmosphere inside the tank.

detailed parameters
Type

Over-panel lights

Suitable Tank

12" - 18" width, 2.5 or 5-gallon freshwater tank

Others are available

LED Source

36 LEDs, 6 W, 7000K, 380 lm

COLORS

White, Blue

SETTINGS

Day light mode, Night light mode

FEATURES

Plastic body, Adjustable mounting brackets, Low voltage

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

This is a multi-position lamp that can be fixed in the flat view, 45-degree overlook and overlook positions. It comes with suction cups that firmly fix the lamp to the glass surface of any aquarium.

CONS

Some users say that the cord is too long.

OUR VERDICT
The MingDak Light is a real find for non-standard aquariums or small turtle tanks and reptile tanks. It's quite compact and can be installed either out of the water or fully submerged. Hence, it can add a shimmering effect to your reefs and show off the fish colors.
detailed parameters
Type

Under-water submersible lights

Suitable Tank

9" - 15" width freshwater and saltwater tank

Others are available

LED Source

18 LEDs, 12V/0.5A Output, 1.5 W

COLORS

White, Blue 

SETTINGS

Single mode, Multi-angle display

FEATURES

Rubber, plastic and crystal glass layer protection, IP68 Waterproof, 2 strong suction Cups, Low voltage

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The MingDak light offers 16 RGB colors and 4 various modes (flash, strobe, fade, smooth). All those functions can be set via the wireless remote control.

CONS

The IR receiver is rather bulky. 

OUR VERDICT

MingDak offers a unique background light that is able to set the ambiance for any room or aquascape. It not only lets you choose whatever color you want but also offers different light pattern settings and adjustments for contrast. A great thing to unwind after a hard day.

detailed parameters
Type

Under or above-water submersible lights

Suitable Tank

13" - 22" width freshwater and saltwater tank

Others are available

LED Source

15 LEDs, 3 W

COLORS

16 RGB colors

SETTINGS

Single color setting, 4 light modes (flash, strobe, fade, smooth), Adjustable brightness

FEATURES

IP68 Waterproof, 2 strong suction cups, Remote control

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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Lominie LED Asta 20 Freshwater

Suits Any Aquarium

There is a lot to love about the Lominie LED Aquarium Light. It's very adaptable, has a durable construction, and can fit most aquariums with a capacity of about 20 gallons.

To begin with, this lamp has a solid aluminum housing and sleek design. Actually, it's a full-metal thing except for some plastic screws. Unlike many other aquarium lights, this one has a light gooseneck with a bracket. The installation bracket is fairly wide and should fit pretty much any tank or shelf. The clamp is wide enough for 0.8" thick surfaces, whereas plastic screws are gentle enough not to scratch them. Once installed, the 360-degree gooseneck allows you to turn the light in any direction as well as vary heights and angles. The gooseneck feels very strong and will stay exactly where you set it.

As mentioned, the Lominie LED light has enough power and spread to adequately light a 20-gallon tank. It comes with a default flat 180° lens for general use and an optional domed 60° lens. The latter would be ideal for narrower tanks or for mood lighting. Both lenses can be installed easily just by unscrewing the silver part of the light's metal body.

Owing to the CRI, COB LED with 6500k, the lamp ensures uniform illumination and sufficient brightness for planted aquarium tanks. If you want, you can dim the light to many levels or turn it off completely by using a dial on the power cord. Yet, take note that there's a jump between very low and bright light, so you should adjust the dimmer slowly to get the desired results.

In all, with amazing shimmer effect, good adjustability, dimmable design, and strong penetrability, the Asta 20 freshwater lamp is great for a variety of aquariums, including tropical fish tanks, sump tanks, and shrimp tanks.

Review of Lominie LED Asta 20 Freshwater Aquarium Light
Last updated price $41.66
Stock In stock
ASIN B07236CXBQ

 

Hygger Full Spectrum

Disco Light

The Hygger Full Spectrum Aquarium Light is another strong competitor in our review that also boasts premium construction and great lighting properties. The whole shell is made from aluminum alloy metal that provides a nice tactile feel and fast heat dissipation. It comes with 2 pairs of mounting brackets (metal and plastic) which are both extendable to let you install the light on any fish tank that is 12"-18" wide, regardless of whether it's rimmed or rimless, hooded or not. Do note that the model in question is suitable for freshwater tanks with low-to-mid light level plant growth only; however, the manufacturer offers other options too.

The main perk of this aquarium is its flexible lighting options. Actually, it can glow White only, White+Blue+Red, or Blue+Red. This way, you'll be able to change your aquarium to three completely different wonderful views. Also, you can set one of five brightness levels from 10% to full 100% so as to simulate the light changes of day and night. Even better, you can set the programmable timer for 3, 6, or 12 hours and it'll switch the light automatically to the lowest 10% brightness.

All the functions are easy to control using the external remote. It's very straightforward to use and has only three buttons for light modes, brightness, and timer. The remote has a memory function, so in case of the power outage, it'll resume work.

For sure, the Hygger light is one of the best options for freshwater aquariums. It's very stoutly-built and fun. Since it comes in a wide range of options, it can suit tanks that are from 12" to 52" wide.

Review of Hygger Full Spectrum Aquarium Light with Aluminum Alloy Shell Extendable Brackets

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $16.14
Stock In stock
ASIN B07XBSY32G

 

NICREW ClassicLED

Good Value

For those who've got an aquarium for the first time and try to maintain it right, we have a stellar offering. The NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light is a quite affordable lamp that can bring beneficial effects for your aquarium. The brightness it delivers is just enough for most plants to grow. With that, it's not overly bright and can create that spectacular atmosphere inside the tank and showcase the fish just right.

Fitted with 30 white LEDs and 6 blue LEDs, the lamp offers two lighting modes - lunar low light and brighter daylight. The blue LEDs are perfect for the night, while white and blue LEDs working together are better for day time. We would like to note that this light has no fan, meaning there will be no noise to annoy you and your fish.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the cheap light like this is basically made from plastic. Though completely black finish makes it look sleek and really high-quality. The light itself is a little over 4 inches in width, which is great for 12" - 18" tanks. The brackets are adjustable, rotatable, and even removable for your needs.

Overall, the board design of this lamp is very simple, and the LEDs are not being overdriven. Hence, we believe the lamp should last a long time. The only thing you should be aware of is that it's not waterproof, so the product isn't that good for tanks with a large number of bubblers.

In all, the NICREW LED Strip Lights can become a beautiful addition to any aquarium. It'll be especially useful for those who need something affordable yet effective. The lamp fits a tight budget and fulfills the purpose quite well.

Review of NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $18.69
Stock In stock
ASIN B0191EWII2

 

MingDak LED Under Water

For Non-Standard Aquariums

Do you have a non-standard or fairly small aquarium? Then, the MingDak LED light may be a solution. It's an amazing fit for a fish tank, turtle tank, reptile tank, pond, cylindrical aquariums, and so on. What makes it so flexible is the installation method and ultra-compact size.

Unlike most other fish lamps, this one is fully submersible. It's an IP68 waterproof rated device that is manufactured from durable rubber, plastic, and crystal glass layer for extra protection. This way, you can use this light either out of the water or fully submerged. If you choose the latter option, you'll be able to reliably fix the light right to the glass surface. Owing to the smart engineering and strong suction cups, the MingDak fish tank light can be firmly installed in any position. So, you can benefit from the flat view, 45-degree overlook and general overlook, while the in-frame mounting will let you enjoy the light without seeing the fixture.

The low-voltage white LED lights are fairly bright and designed for reliable, long-term performance. They can add a shimmering effect to your reefs, show off the fish colors, and meet the light needs of most plants. The light is touch-activated via the power button on the lead. When you need to clean your fish tank, you can quickly disconnect the plug/switch and the aquarium light itself. Thus, no messy power cables will be in your way.

All things considered, the MingDak fish tank light is a good fit to add the ambiance to non-standard tanks. Due to its submergible design, it can be fixed just anywhere.

Review of MingDak LED Under Water Aquarium Light
Last updated price $10.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00X84LMHK

 

MingDak Background

Rich Variety of Colors

If you'd like to upgrade to something more professional and colorful, the RGB Fish Light by MingDak is here for you. It's an innovative RGB-color lamp that has already made a big splash in the market and now can make a big splash in your aquarium.

What makes this model a standout is obviously its ability to shine in many colors and flash in different modes. To specify, it can go 16 colors and 4 different speeds - flash, strobe, fade, and smooth. Also, you get an opportunity to change the intensity and adjust the color changing speed. Best of all, you can manipulate the lamp using a built-in controller or remote. That is to say, you can set another color or brightness right from the comfort of your sofa. The remote has a good operating range and works very well with no lags.

What we also like about this light is that it's quite straightforward to install. It's waterproof and can fit inside most tanks with ease. The upgraded suction cups are high-quality and won't wear out over time. By the way, the RGB light beads have also undergone some improvements and now they are brighter than others and have a longer life span.

So, if you'd like to make a volcano in your fish tank with dazzling colors and blends, the MingDak light is up to the task. It will deliver you color therapy to help you relieve stress, relax, and unwind after a hard day.

Review of MingDak Background Fish Aquarium Tank Light
Last updated price $13.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07W13GGCT

 

What Are Aquarium Lights?

Many people overlook aquarium lighting, however, most fish come from the areas where they have been exposed to the natural light all day long. So improper or insufficient lighting can cause them to develop some behavioral problems - they become aggressive with tank mates and tend to hover near the surface because of poor oxygen in the water. The latter, in its turn, is the result of slow plant growth inside the tank. Just like fish, the plants inside your aquarium need enough lighting for proper photosynthesis. This is particularly true of the plants that grow close to the surface in their native habitat.

That's where aquarium lighting comes in handy. It shines just right to stimulate all aspects of aquatic life and replicate the natural environment for your fish and plants. Though, with so many different aquariums and lamps for them, it may be a daunting task to choose the right one for your tank. That's why we have selected the most effective LED aquarium lights available for sale today. They vary in design, setup, brightness, and illumination modes so that you can find a perfect option for your needs. Other crucial things that can help your fish stay healthy include aquarium heaters and filters. Also, if you often travel, you can't do without a good automatic feeder.

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Publish Date: 2020-04-13 16:28:56