Top 10 Best Aquarium Lights Product Review And Buying Guide [ 2022 ]

If it’s the first time you’ll be shopping for the best aquarium lights, chances are, you’re already overwhelmed. It’s not unusual to be confused given the wide range of choices available out there. On the other hand, if you’ve owned an aquarium for a while, you must have an idea of what you need. Still, you’ll find this a great place to start.

Best Aquarium Lights Review: Key Features, Pros, And Cons

Below is a table that lists down 10 of the best aquarium lights. It summarizes the basic features you need to know about. Make sure to scroll down further to read about product details. See the buying guide to learn more about what to look for when shopping for the best aquarium lights.

Image	Brand	Details
BEST OVERALL	Hygger	See Price
PREMIUM PICK	VIPARSPECTRA	See Price
BEST VALUE	MingDak	See Price
	Aquaneat	See Price
	Koval	See Price
	Beamworks	See Price
	MingDak	See Price
	NICREW	See Price
	COODIA	See Price
	Current USA	See Price

1. Hygger Full Spectrum Aquarium Light

The Best Overall pick in this list tastefully combines utility, aesthetic, and durability. First, adjustable brackets are available in plastic and aluminum alloy metal. Both are designed to last and fit fish tanks anywhere between 12 and 52 inches in length. Secondly, this product allows you to stay in control without having to check on your aquarium all the time. Thirdly, this unit comes with a timer and a remote control. Finally, it offers three light modes: white LEDs, blue+white+red LEDs, and Red+blue LEDs. In summary, this product is suitable for a wider range of artificial water environments.

2. VIPARSPECTRA Dimmable 165W 300W LED Aquarium Light

This model is among the best of the best aquarium lights. This product is designed to support coral reef fishes and plants. It provides the energy they require to survive under a controlled environment setup. Among its most desirable features is the constant amount and coverage of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) output. As a result, it can better support the energy production of primary producers, including corals, inside your aquarium.

In addition, it also boasts of an estimated lifespan reaching up to 100,000 hours of operation. Unit purchase includes 1 timer (165W), 1 wireless remote, 1 US power cord (6ft), and 2 hanging kits.

3. MingDak Submersible LED Aquarium Light

This product comes with a 10-level brightness intensity adjustment. Coupled with the availability of three lighting modes, you have more options to adjust your fish tank light. Simultaneously, it is designed to allow you to choose to turn on blue, white, or both colors. Considering these desirable features and price, this product is crowned the Best Value in this review of 10 of the best aquarium lights.

Versatility of use as main light, accent light, or even as a hood light is also what makes this one of the best LED lights for aquarium.

4. Aquaneat Aquarium Light White and Blue LED

In case you require basic lighting for your aquarium, this model is among the best aquarium lights that are qualified for the job. The inexpensive price tag comes with a high intensity bright white lighting effect.

However, the cheap price also comes with downsides. Perhaps, the most notable is the lack of capability to switch between white lights and blue lights separately. While this unit may be good enough as a freshwater fish tank light, it may be sufficiently lacking in functionality where saltwater aquariums are involved.

5. Koval Aquarium Lighting Fish Tank Light Hood

Aquarium LED lighting made sensible This is the top reason why this product makes it on this list of 10 very best aquarium lights. Full-spectrum LED provides a wide range of lighting that matches a broader range of aquatic environments.

Bright lights provide good display lighting. Moreover, it also supports planted aquarium requirements. However, brightness may not complement the needs of other plant and animal species.

6. Beamworks DA 6500K 0.50W Series LED

If you’re the type of buyer who does not want a load of hullaballoos to come with your purchase, you better check this out. The best aquarium lights that complement your personal preference are straightforward and rid of fancy features, like this model. But, if  that doesn’t bother you then this unit wouldn’t seem less desirable for lacking this feature. Although in case you have an existing external timer, you may use it with this unit if you wish to

While this product provides very bright lighting and is best suited for basic fish tank light requirements, some fish and plant species may not prefer a high level of lighting. Unfortunately, this model does not include a dimmable feature. That will allow you to make adjustments to light intensity.

7. MingDak LED Aquarium Light

This model, another submersible fish tank light from MingDak, is made up of white LEDs. It is a great way to add a main lighting system to your aquarium in case you require more lighting. Also, it helps light better penetrate the full depth of your tank.

However, it may be too bright for some species of aquatic life forms. One downside is that the light intensity is not dimmable. Another disadvantage is that there is no built-in timer. But, if you prefer to have a timer, it may be connected to a separate unit. Overall, this is among the best aquarium lights with bright light that you can place inside the tank.

8. NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted Aquarium Light

Definitely one of the best LED lights for aquariums, this product combines four LED lighting hues. As a result, it more closely resembles sunlight. This way, primary producers are able to create energy more efficiently for this closed ecosystem. In addition, aquatic plants also become more productive and provide more food.

9. COODIA Color Changing Dimmable RGBW LED Light

While this unit provides basic lighting functionalities, added fancy lighting settings add a jazzy display to your aquarium. Adjustable light brightness helps you choose the setting appropriate for your fish tank.

10. Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light

The best aquarium lights allow you to simulate natural sunlight at different times of the day. Settings let you simulate sunrise, full daylight, sunset, and moonlight. This model increases the ease of management of your fish tank lighting with this built-in feature.

How To Find The Best Aquarium Lights: Buying Guide

Shopping for the best aquarium lights cannot get any easier. Unless you deliberately seek the information you need to pick out exactly what suits your requirements, the risk of spending too much or spending for the wrong product is likely. If you’re not new to aquariums then, good for you.

If this is your first attempt to set up a conducive space for your aquatic plants and aquarium fishes to grow and live under good conditions, worry not because help is here. You will need patience to work your way up from asking, “Why do you need a fish tank light?” to “What makes the best LED lights for aquarium better?”

Purpose Of Buying Fish Tank Light

Of course, the top criterion is knowing exactly what you need an aquarium light for. Before you actually go on a shopping expedition to find the best aquarium lights, you need to be clear about what kind of fish tank light you’re looking for.

Aesthetics and display purposes are obvious reasons. Apart from making your aquarium attractive, you should seriously consider that light intensity affects the aquatic animals and plants inside. Lighting is the primary source of energy for this enclosed, man-made environment. In which case, light intensity should be a top consideration when you are shopping for the best aquarium lights.

Pay attention to the specific needs of the living things inside. Aquariums composed of tropical marine species of plants and fishes generally require higher intensity lighting over longer periods of time. Some experts argue that getting even the best LED lights for aquarium may not be able to provide a high level of energy required in this type of artificial environment. On the contrary, LED lights may be the best aquarium lights for freshwater aquariums since it does not cause surrounding water to become warm.

In general, you want your aquarium lighting to be able to simulate the lighting conditions in the natural environment where your aquatic plants and aquatic animals can be found.

Tank Size

Perhaps the most practical criteria you need to keep your eye on when shopping for the best aquarium lights is tank size. Check your aquarium dimensions before shopping for an aquarium lighting unit.

A necessary consideration when shopping for a high-performance fish tank light is aquarium depth. This factor becomes more important if you have a large fish tank. In which case, make sure to check out models of the best LED lights for aquarium that are actinic at the same time.

Actinic lights are capable of penetrating the water more effectively. That’s because actinic lights can reach the deeper parts of your aquarium. Actinic LED lighting is suited for large tanks with species of plants and animals that do not require high-intensity lighting. On the other hand, Actinic White or Blue Lighting is more appropriate for marine and reef aquariums.

Waterproofing Or Water Resistance

Make sure that you are only paying for the best LED lights for the aquarium you own. Additionally, you should think about how you will be using your unit. Take note that most of the aquarium lighting available in the market are water-resistant. What you need is a unit that is waterproof.

In case you are planning to submerge your lighting inside the tank, there are waterproof lighting units made for this specific purpose. So, make sure to buy exactly what you need it for. If you are unsure, ask your supplier for his best recommendation.

Light Management Options

Aquarium lighting does not come all packaged with just the basic requirements to keep your fish alive and well. There is a robust market out there and competition is tough.

Expect your choices to range anywhere from below basic to fancy when you shop for the best aquarium lights. If you haven’t been on the market to buy fish tank light for a while, you might be in for a surprise. For instance, you’ll find that there are units that are WiFi-enabled. There are also products that you can program to adjust lighting conditions depending on the time of the day and season.

What kind of light management options do you really need? Go back to your purpose, the needs of plants and fishes in your tank, and add your own wants. More specifically, ask yourself how you want your tank to look like. Taking these factors into consideration, you can’t possibly go wrong when shopping for aquarium lights.

Budget

It can be all too easy to lose track of your spending when shopping for the best aquarium lights. This is one of the top reasons why you should do your research well before buying a fish tank light.

Do your research to know the range of budget you need to get a decent aquarium lighting. Additionally, find a product that gives you the functionalities that you require. Or, go a little overboard but only if you have spare cash to spend. So, don’t forget to set a budget.

Remember, you don’t need the most expensive model of the best LED lights for aquarium out there. For as long as a cheaper alternative can provide you with the utility you require you should be okay with that. In any case, buying the more inexpensive option does not necessarily mean sacrificing your aquarium’s appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are Fish Tank Lights For?

A: A fish tank light may serve a primarily aesthetic purpose for you. However, for the living things inside, it can mean their survival. Moreover, fish tank lights provide the primary sources of energy for your aquarium.

Q: Can You Use Any Fish Tank Light For Either Freshwater Or Salt Water Aquarium?

A: There are many different types of species and natural environments in this artificial ecosystem. You should pick out the lighting option that best simulates the natural environment that your aquarium is patterned after.

Some fish tanks will benefit from the best aquarium LED lights. However, others require the best aquarium lights that emit the highest load of energy. For instance, aquariums that hold tropical marine wildlife will generally require bright light. On the other hand, species from temperate zones will thrive better in dimmer environments.

Fish tank lights are necessary for photosynthesis to take place. This is one area of major concern for aquarium LED lighting. LED, at least for now, is unable to support the greater photosynthetic requirements of larger aquariums.

Q: How Bright Should Aquarium Lights Be?

A: To supply an aquarium with its energy requirements, light must be turned on for 10 to 12 hours daily. However, fish tank light for larger aquariums may have to be kept on for longer and at brighter intensities. That’s because larger tanks have a higher energy requirement. Your personal aesthetic preference will also be a consideration.

In any case, the best aquarium lights with timer will come in handy. It can help you make sure that your aquarium is getting sufficient lighting for half of the day. Additionally, dimmer lighting may be maintained for the rest of the time.

Q: Do Different Colors Of Fish Tank Light Have Functions?

A: Yes. This is why makers of the best aquarium lights often include a full-spectrum light color. Other than providing more lighting options, such units also offer better functionality.

White light replicates the day time environment. Blue light, on the other hand, simulates the moonlight. This color lighting is useful if you are caring for nocturnal fish. Blue light also simulates the natural lighting found in deeper parts of the ocean.

Q: Should You Turn Off Aquarium Lights At Night?

A: No. You can leave your fish tank lights on 24/7. In which case, however, you will need a unit that has a moonlight setting. Most of the best LED lights for aquariums have this setting available.

There is only one condition that you need to meet. That is, you should keep your aquarium lights on for at least 10 up to 12 hours every day. Keeping the white light on for too long encourages the overgrowth of algae and bacteria. So, better make sure to dim it or switch off beyond 12 hours.

Q: Do Fish Prefer Any Specific Light Color?

A: Yes. For this reason, it is not enough that you install just about any of the best LED lights for aquarium sold in the market. It is just as important to take note of the fish and plant species that you have inside your aquarium. Your fish tank light should be able to resemble the lighting conditions in the natural environment where your aquatic plants and fishes belong to.

Q: Are LED Lights The Best Aquarium  Lights?

A: Not necessarily. Installing the best aquarium LED lights has its advantages. LED lights are energy-efficient, brighter, and have a longer lifespan. The best LED lights for aquariums will be suitable for freshwater aquariums that contain fish only. However, LED lights may not be suitable for planted aquariums. LED lights may not also be able to provide the energy requirements of marine or seawater aquariums. LED lights are unsuitable for larger tanks.

Conclusion

Contrary to what you might have first thought, scouring the market for the best fish tank light can be a tedious process. That goes most especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for. We just summed up 10 of the best LED lights for aquariums that are worthy of your time and attention to check out. Use what you learned here to find the best aquarium lights that suit your purpose and your budget.