In this article Show
LED lights are the most efficient, effective, and customer-friendly way to grow plants at home, with low energy usage, low heat, and color-optimized growth. But proper lighting is therefore essential for a successfully planted aquarium. For this list of the best LED lights for planted fish tanks, we tested seven products but ultimately chose the Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light as the best overall for this guide. Here are some others we tested, and keep reading to discover the full list and the features that sets them apart from others.
However, without proper lighting, your plants will not receive the energy they require to thrive and grow. On the other hand, picking the best LED lights can be tricky because there is so much out there, and it can be challenging to find the right one.
This article will show you the best LED lights for your planted aquarium that will enhance the beauty of your aquarium place and help plants grow.
So, let’s start with the question: What should be considered before buying LED lights for a planted aquarium? First of all, ensure that the light intensity is appropriate for the depth of your tank and the type of plants you have.
The light spectrum is an important consideration when selecting the correct type of LED light for a planted aquarium. It ensures that the plants receive enough light to complete the photosynthesis process.
The different modes in some models are also great features because you need an easy-to-control model. So, don’t choose LED lighting that makes achieving the desired combination in your planted tank challenging.
Materials should be considered used in LEDs units and might function well to keep the plants aliveWaveMakerlonger. Now, my friend, we are just getting started.
Also worth reading;
- 8 Best Canister Filters for 50-55 Gallon Fish Tanks (2024)
- 5 Best Reverse Osmosis (RO/DI) System for Aquariums (2024)
- 7 Best Overhead Filters for Different Sizes for Aquariums
- 7 Best Filters for 10 Gallon Aquariums (Updated 2024)
Best LED Lights for Planted Fish Tanks
Here are the best LED lights to get for your planted fish tanks today.
1. Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light
Because of its high level of durability, the Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light is an industry mainstay and a favorite among tank enthusiasts. This LED light emits infinite color spectrums, with a heavy blue component.
This product will eventually make your gravel and other corals look beautiful and your fish look mesmerizing. This gives the aquarium a spectacular appearance.
The adjustable docking mounts allow it to fit a variety of tank sizes. It can even be ordered for tanks up to 60 inches long. You can also wirelessly control the WaveMaker to simulate actual water movement.
This LED is the best system available, perfectly replicating the sunrise, sunset, daylight, and moonlight views. Various modes are regularly dimmed to create cloud cover effects, storm modes, and innovative evening modes.
There are several sizes to choose from, so don’t worry about what size this model of lights will fit. You must measure the length of your tank to determine the best light size for you.
Main Features
- Premium quality and exceptional efficiency.
- Ensures that light is distributed evenly throughout the aquarium.
- Water-resistant.
- Give corals the ideal color spectrum for growth.
- Adjustable mounts make it simple to install on a wide range of tank sizes.
- A gradual increase in light helps fish acclimate.
- Has a variety of appealing color modes for improved aesthetics.
What might be bothering you is that the cables from the light to the controller are not long enough, so you may have to arrange a multiplug.
2. Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED Klc Aquarium LED Light
If you’re looking for products to grow, such as a natural environment for fish. This LED is intended to light up an incredible sunrise in the aquarium. It has the same brilliant color as the noon, and finally to the sunset, which has the color of the red sun.
The spectrum is entirely adjustable, giving you complete control over the lighting levels in your aquarium.
This light kit includes a plethora of customizable features. They come with a handy remote control that allows you to control various weather patterns 24/7.
The remote also has four other buttons that activate day elements such as thunderstorms, cloudy days, sunny days, and moonlights. The manufacturer includes screws for rimless aquariums that allow you to screw it into place easily.
This LED will ensure healthy, rapid growth in your aquarium plants, and it is best used in a tank at least 12 inches deep.
Main Features
- Weather conditions can be customized.
- Remote Control is simple to use.
- Explicitly designed for freshwater planted aquariums.
- It is simple to program.
- The build quality is excellent, and it looks fantastic.
- Splash guard that is resistant to water.
The things that might be bothering you: The power cord is relatively short and consumes a lot of power to run.
3. Aqueon Aquarium Clip-On LED Light
The aquarium LED light from Aqueon is an excellent choice for any small fish tank. Its small size makes it easy to fit, and its soft-touch control allows you to change the lighting modes. It is one of the best-LED aquarium lighting for plants because it provides adequate plant growth.
The lamp can be quickly attached to the aquarium and placed in the desired position thanks to its convenient mounting. This clip-on features 60 bright LEDs and a three-way soft-touch LED control, making it ideal for freshwater aquariums up to 20 gallons in size.
The touch controls are located on the top of the lights, making them easy to access. This light’s installation is straightforward best LED; it simply clamps onto the side of your tank in one location. You’ll be glad to know that the light comes with up to 5 feet of cord, which is very convenient.
Main Features
- It is suitable for planted aquariums up to 20 gallons in size.
- With a mounting screw, it easily mounts on framed or frameless tanks.
- Compelling lighting.
- Excellent quality.
- Soft-touch control in both directions.
- It is simple to set up.
The things that might be bothering you: For larger tanks, they may not be able to reach or push light into the corners.
4. Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Light
The Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light for Aquarium is ideal for freshwater tanks. This set of lights is designed to be extremely bright to illuminate your entire tank perfectly.
It has a sleek design with very bright lights that will make your corals stand out. This lighting unit was designed primarily for decorative purposes by the manufacturer.
This light is ideal for a tank with easy-to-grow plants. It can be programmed with various weather patterns, including cloud cover effects, storm effects, and innovative evening modes such as lunar and dusk.
The ramping feature creates a more natural environment and aids in the reduction of stress in fish and plants.
The unit is advertised as being wholly water-resistant and requiring low-voltage for added safety. Installation is simple; adjust the mounting brackets to sit on top of the tank, and you’re done. It also has adjustable docking to accommodate a wide variety of tanks.
Main Features
- They provide energy-saving LEDs that are also safe to use.
- The arm mount bracket and sliding docking legs make installation and fitting simple.
- It is resistant to water.
- Controlling it is simple with a wireless IR remote.
- Weather patterns are programmable.
The things that might be bothering you: Users have complained that the water-resistant feature is not straightforward enough to prevent moisture intrusion and cause light damage.
5. Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights
The FugeRay Planted+ is another excellent Finnex led. It’s basically an improved version of the previous fixture. It has a slightly higher power output and more red LEDs to create a warmer appearance and possibly better plant growth.
So this LED light is one of the best options for small planted aquariums with fewer than ten gallons capacity.
It has a wattage of 5 watts and Lunar Blue Moonlight LEDs. It also has 660nm RED LEDs to encourage chlorophyll photosynthesis. It has a modern design that is ideal for rimless aquariums. It also has a dual-mode switch for creating a moonlight effect if desired.
When it comes to LED bulb longevity, the circuit boards are made of high-quality aluminum. The fixture itself acts as heat sync, allowing for ample cooling and superior heat dissipation. The clip light’s simple setup allows anyone to quickly fix it over the tank and adjust it due to its flexible materials.
Main Features
- It has an LED alignment that is evenly spaced.
- It is available with Lunar Blue Moonlight LEDs.
- It has 660nm RED LEDs to encourage chlorophyll photosynthesis.
- It is water-resistant.
- Durable.
The things that might bother you: There is no remote control included.
6. Hagen Fluval Plant Bluetooth Nano LED Aquarium Light
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth-controlled light that won’t break the bank, this is another excellent option from Fluval. Hagen’s aquarium LED light operates at a higher level of technology.
Using nanotechnology and programmable Bluetooth, Hagen Fluval will illuminate with a 24-hour light cycle.
The Hagan Fluval LED light is appropriate for small to medium-sized tanks. The light has an independent color control. The LED can be attached directly to the aquarium’s top to improve penetration.
You can also use lights with tropical settings, lake settings, and planted settings, as well as dimmed lights in the morning and bright lights in the afternoon.
The process of adjusting is straightforward, and it can be done manually. After adjusting, you can reposition them wherever you want.
Main Features
- App-controlled for precise color adjustments
- Great PAR output
- Easy height/length adjustments
- Solid build construction.
The things that might be bothering you: Some people don’t like the app-only control and want a remote.
7. Aqueon Betta LED Light
The Aqueon Betta LED Light is ideal for general illumination on small desktops up to 3 gallons in size. This small but versatile light had three LED illumination modes that used soft-touch operation – blue, white, and all on.
The light can be powered by a Micro USB-B cable or three AAA batteries, both of which are sold separately.
This LED light comprises a series of identical LED lights housed in a clip light molding. The lights are joined in an even pattern to meet the requirements of medium-light fish tanks.
The circuit board is made of high-quality aluminum to ensure lightweight durability, and the fixture serves as a heat sink. The clear white light looks great at night and brightens the betta fish tank.
Main Features
- There are three illumination modes: blue only, white only, and all on.
- To be used with either a Micro-USB-B cable or three AAA batteries.
- When using batteries, the device has a one-hour auto-off feature.
- The light can be placed on top of an aquarium with a clear lid, elevated legs, or clamped.
- To be used with aquariums that have clear lids.
The things that might be bothering you: Some argue that the only drawback is the array of bright lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LED lights suitable for planted aquariums?
Canister filters require less maintenance than power filters and sumps because the water is forced through the media rather than flowing over or around it.
What is the best lighting for an aquarium?
These versatile lighting systems, also known as Standard Fluorescent Lights, are the simplest way to illuminate an aquarium. Fluorescent lighting is an excellent choice for freshwater and saltwater fish-only aquariums.
What color light is best for aquarium plant growth?
The plant prefers bright light if the leaves have a vibrant color that isn’t green.
Should aquarium lights be turned off at night?
It is also beneficial to the plants to turn off the aquarium light at night. However, turning off the fish tank light at night can prevent algae growth, which is a significant issue in fish tanks.
Final Words
Since their introduction, LED lights have come a long way and now have a wide range of features. However, selecting the best-LED light for your planted aquarium depends entirely on your aquarium’s requirements.
It also gives you the most bang for your buck in value, power, and flexibility. So, before you choose, consider, and choose lights that will provide you with the best results.
