The 14 Best LED Aquarium Lighting 2019

Whether you are a new aquarium enthusiast or you’re more than proficient at managing your tank, lighting is confusing. Not just because all lighting is not made equal. But also there are so many factors to take into account.

What types of plants and fish do you have in your aquarium? How large is your tank? Don’t worry, after deep research this list is made up of LED aquarium lighting available!

In reviewing lights both budget and value are kept in mind. That way you don’t get to the end of a review and realize there wasn’t anything there for you!

Let’s break down what a good value really means when discussing aquarium lights. Keep these aspects in mind as you determine what works best for you and your tank.

Product name	Power	Dimmable	Full Spectrum	Water	Size (inch)
Hipargero LED Aquarium Light	30W	Yes	No	Saltwater	8.7x4.3x1.2	View on Amazon.com
Kessil LED Aquarium Light	40W	No	Yes	Any	5x5x10	View on Amazon.com
Smiful Underwater Crystal Glass LED Submersible Lights	6W	Yes	No	Any	7.5x1.5x1	View on Amazon.com
Beamswork LED White Blue Aquarium	0.5W	Yes	No	Freshwater	71.5x5.2x1	View on Amazon.com
COODIA Aquarium Hood Lighting	18W	Yes	No	Any	31.1x4.7x2.4	View on Amazon.com
MarsAqua Dimmable LED Aquarium Light	300W	Yes	Yes	Any	31.5x2.5x7.4	View on Amazon.com
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light	11W	Yes	No	Any	20x4x3/4	View on Amazon.com
Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light	23W	Yes	No	Saltwater	22.8x3.5x0.4	View on Amazon.com
VIPARSPECTRA LED Aquarium Light	165W	Yes	Yes	Any	16x8.5x2.4	View on Amazon.com
Mingdak LED Aquarium Light with Extendable Brackets	6W	Yes	No	Any	12.6x3.9x2	View on Amazon.com
Hygger Aquarium Light Clip Clamp Kit for Fish Tanks	21W	Yes	No	Any	14.6x2.6x0.4	View on Amazon.com
NICREW Deluxe LED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light for Planted Tanks	18W	No	Yes	Freshwater	16.4x2.4x0.4	View on Amazon.com
Mingdak LED Aquarium Light, Submersible Crystal Glass Lights	2.3W	Yes	No	Any	11.8x1x1	View on Amazon.com
Deckey Aquarium Fish Tank Extendable Light LED	25W	Yes	No	Freshwater	37.6x2x3.9	View on Amazon.com

Things to consider

As mentioned before, these lights are not made equal. But, there are a number of aspects that stick out repeatedly as high value. Keep an eye out for these features:

• Lightweight
• User-friendly
• Compatible with plant life
• Light intensity control
• Price

Although these aren’t the only options out there, these are the features seen repeatedly. Many aquarium owners prefer their lighting systems to be lightweight.

This is because they are often on the top of the tank and must be removed during cleaning. Anytime you have to clean your aquarium the last thing you want to do is fight with a complicated lighting system!

The same goes for lighting systems that are user-friendly. Easy to install, remove, clean, and reinstall systems are clearly a great choice. Many systems are made with that in mind.

Aquarium enthusiasts also prefer lights that are catered towards plant life for their living specimens. There is some research into how much light is best and this is where some of the lighting choices can get a little complicated.

Overall though, don’t lose sight of your budget. Odds are you already know that aquariums can quickly become expensive. But, you can find a great lighting system that meets your needs without breaking the bank!

Top 14 LED Aquarium Lighting

These are the top five picks after reviewing the many lighting systems available on the internet. They cover a wide range of saltwater, freshwater, and tank sizes. So rest assured there is something here for you and your tank!

1. Hipargero LED Aquarium Light (30w Saltwater Lighting with Cree Chips Touch Control)

• Cree blue, Cree Royal-blue, and Cree white lights
• Lamps use 90-degree acrylic lenses
• Touch control dimming
• High-quality hardware for long life

For a few other specifics, this light is designed to sit comfortably on tanks with a length of 10 – 18 inches. The lights are also adjustable which is great if you have corals in your tank.

Allowing the intensity to adjust as you introduce the new lighting system can help your plants acclimate. The touch control is a single button that relies on short of long pressing to change the settings.

Use a long press to strengthen intensity, or long press the “minus” option to decrease the intensity.

Things we liked!

This lighting system has a feature that isn’t usually seen in this price range, the temperature control fan. It’s an intelligent design that is also quiet. An added bonus!

The fans can barely be heard and operate slightly above the aquarium rather than directly into it. So you’re not blowing air into or extracting air from the aquarium. Many people have concerns about temperature control in lighting systems but this is definitely a plus on this one.

Things we didn’t like

The hardware, arm and bar section is metal. But, the body around the lights is plastic. This normally isn’t a problem but the rest of the system being metal makes it feel like you’re losing out.

That is the only downfall we could find with this system.

What makes this system stand out?

• Easy to setup (always appreciated)
• Very quiet
• Great for corals and saltwater plant life

2. Kessil A160WE Controllable LED Aquarium Light

• Mounted so no tank size restrictions with hardware
• Shimmer lights
• LED chips customized for aquarium enthusiasts

This is one of the more expensive lights on this list, but Kessil is a well-known name in aquarium lighting. It has two options for lighting availability, a tuna blue or tuna sun. While the blue is best for saltwater, the sun is an option for freshwater aquariums.

Things we liked!

The flexibility of this light is pretty spectacular. The blue and sun options are just the start. The light’s intensity can also be adjusted either manually or externally.

The nature of this light using a clamp rather than a strip of lights or a light bar makes it easy to move throughout the aquarium as well. So, if you do want to use multiple lighting options, although it’s not needed with this one, it is easy to maneuver throughout the tank.

Overall this is another well-loved product from Kessil. There are reports that this comfortably lights a 48” long aquarium with only two lights. This is a substantial amount of coverage for large tanks and for smaller or medium sized aquariums you will likely only need one lamp.

Things we didn’t like

We didn’t like that this is only the light. No system involved here. The mount and controller must be purchased separately. If it’s in your budget, this light is a great option.

What makes this system stand out?

The Kessil lighting, spectrum and LED chips are truly unique. The shimmer is instantly noticeable in aquariums and the color you see on corals when under the tuna blue is spectacular. The customization that went into the tuna blue and tuna sun lights being designed is noticeable compared to other lights in or out of this price range.

3. Smiful Underwater Crystal Glass LED Submersible Lights

• 16 colors with 4 different modes
• Dimming buttons on unit
• Waterproof for full submersion
• Brighter and energy efficient

The Smiful crystal LED submersible lights are what most aquarium beginners start with, or something very similar. The lighting system is completely submersible with suction cups to keep it in place. Although it’s not a prime choice for saltwater plant life or fish, it is a freshwater option that is affordable and accountable.

The light bar measures 7.5 inches making it great for tanks that are 7.7 – 15 inches in length. Each bar has 9 lights and they are very bright. There is also a timer so if you’re not interested in running your lights all the time that is another feature to take into consideration

Things we liked!

The options of colors and transition modes make this a favorite among aquarium lovers. Even if you have lights in place that are more focused on aiding your plant life’s growth, these lights give your tank some flare.

Things we didn’t like

One light bar is sufficient for something like a 10-gallon tank. However, anything bigger and you’ll probably want to start using multiple bars.

There is also some confusion between the transition modes. The strobe and fade options are very similar and although they probably won’t affect your fish, they probably don’t like it very much. The smooth mode was the best working of the transition modes.

The smooth transition mode rotated the lights through the entire spectrum of colors in a slow and well, smooth, manner. Unlike the fade mode.

What makes this system stand out?

So far on this list, this is the most colorful and interactive light option in these reviews list. It’s a great option for someone looking to jazz up their aquarium or play up the blue and red tones of their fish.

It would work as a great supplement to a white/blue light that supports plant life if you have living plants in your tank. The remote control is another great addition.

There are control buttons on the unit itself, but why bother when the remote is right there? The controls are also easier to cycle through on the remote than on the unit.

4. Beamswork EA 180 Timer .50W LED White Blue Aquarium

• The same model is made for varying sizes
• Easiest installation
• Day and Night mode available
• Freshwater recommended

The lights are bright and can comfortably reach down as far as 27 inches in depth and sets comfortably on up to 72 inch long tanks. But, there are other size options available. The great option in using Beamswork is that the brand is a well-known name that offers a variety of the same products in different sizes.

Things we liked!

The day and night mode are great options that support a fluctuation in light intensity. Although these will definitely not stop or slow algae growth, the light intensity control can work with your fish and plant life growth.

Things we didn’t like

This model does not include the timer module. The timer module is a plug-in device that is purchased separately but it’s not expensive. For less than twenty dollars you can get the timer module and control when your lights are on and when they cycle off.

What makes this system stand out?

The Beamswork EA 180 Timer .50W Aquarium light white blue system is an option that is versatile enough for beginners and long-time aquarium enthusiasts. It brings a blend of quality features with a well-trusted name in aquatic lighting. If you find yourself struggling to make a decision and this is in your price range, it’s a good buy.

5. COODIA Aquarium Hood Lighting for Aquariums 28-35 Inches

• Sits easily over the hood of your tank
• Color changing and different lighting modes
• Great for plant growth
• Bright LEDs
• Dimmable
• Ideal for saltwater or freshwater tanks

This is a set of bright lights that have no problem reaching into some deeper tanks. The extender also allows it to sit comfortably on a tank as long as 35-inches. Installation is easy as it simply sits on top of the tank and plugs in.

If your tank is smaller there are shorter options as well. Making it a versatile choice for beginners.

Things we liked!

There are a few things we really liked about this light:

• 16 color options
• High LED quantity
• Casing is aluminum
• Lightweight
• Full system packaged together (no hardware or timers to buy)

Things we didn’t like

It isn’t unexpected that the light system isn’t waterproof. There has only been one truly waterproof system on this list, and it’s not recommended to try submerging any system that doesn’t highlight that it’s fully waterproof.

This was a question and complaint seen by other users. Don’t try to submerge lights that aren’t fully protected by a waterproof barrier!

The only other thing to keep in mind is that the power cord runs down the side of the unit, rather than the back. You can easily maneuver the cord to face a wall so it’s less of an eyesore.

What makes this system stand out?

This light delivers the need for high quality LED lighting to support plant and fish life with the combination of features that many aquarium enthusiasts are looking for. The color flexibility, size flexibility, and high-quality LEDs make it a top choice for many aquarium owners.

6. MarsAqua Dimmable 300w LED Aquarium Light

MarsAqua is known for manufacturing some of the top LED lights in the market, giving aquarist value for their investment. The company boasts of over five years of experience in manufacturing LED lights that are ideal for reef aquariums.

The MarsAqua Dimmable 300w LED Aquarium Light is a great option for reef tanks as well as plant tanks. The input voltage of this LED aquarium light is between 85V and 265V. The working temperature of the light is between -20 degree Celsius and 40 degree Celsius.

The penetration of the light is highly efficient, sufficient lights spectrum, and the output is optimized for PAR. This product features two different lights (blue and white), and it comes with two off/on switches to enable you to control the lights separately.

Aquatic growths are very effective when exposed to fourteen hours of light and eight hours off, and these lights are designed to meet these needs in an efficient way.

Things We Liked

• It is designed with high-quality materials and might last longer if handled properly
• Two switches to control the lights separately
• It works at a temperature from -20 to 40 degree Celsius

Things We Didn’t Like

• Tricky mounting process

7. NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light

If you are looking for the budget LED aquarium lightings, then NICREW is one of the best options you have. The NICREW is one of the most affordable brands in the market when it comes to LED aquarium lighting. NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light is a fish tank light with extendable brackets, and it comes with blue and white LEDs.

The two lighting systems it comes with will enable you to fulfill the necessity of energy-efficient lighting system. With the help of the white LED, there’ll be a brighter and sufficient output which will shine brighter than a fluorescent bulb. The lunar LED – which is the 18-LEDs blue light mode – delivers a gorgeous moonlight appearance and it is energy-efficient.

If you are looking for a LED aquarium lighting for freshwater and saltwater aquarium, then you should try this light as its fixtures may meet the fundamental requirements of saltwater and freshwater tanks. The size ranges from 11-inches to 54-inches, and the wattage is from 6 watts to 32 watts. It is ideal for aquariums with glass covers.

Things We Liked

• Night and day mode
• Adjustable metal bracket mounts
• Great materials

Things We Didn’t Like

• Light can be too bright

8. Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light

Looking for LED marine aquarium lighting? Then the Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light is worth giving a try. This product comes in different sizes (from 18 inches to 60 inches) and the bigger the size, the more the wattage and LEDs.

This LED aquarium light comes with twenty-four hours on/off functionality. It also comes with a moonlight color that is adjustable. It also allows you to adjust the duration, as well as the brightness, in an effortless manner.

The light is very thin, and it is very easy and simple to manage, and its brightness is not compromised despite how thin it is. This aquarium LED light is the culmination of dual actinic LED spectrum and dual daylight LED. This light is designed to be suitable with saltwater aquariums.

It also features a Ramp Timer Pro that comes with a wireless remote. In addition, it has an internal memory that stores your preferences, and it can be applied automatically.

Things We Liked

• Affordable
• Easy to program and mount
• Energy-efficient
• Amazing design

Things We Didn’t Like

• Can only be controlled with remote 

9. VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control 165W LED Aquarium Light

VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control 165W LED Aquarium Light features a dimmable full spectrum for coral reef grow fish tanks. This full spectrum LED aquarium light has an amazing design. The colored lights are in a crisscross style amongst the while bulbs.

This might seem random or odd, but the company claimed that the layout is a result of extensive research, and it’s optimized to help maximize growth and health of corals and plants. The LEDs have separate channels: one for the white bulbs and the other for the blue bulbs, and this gives you the freedom to control the lights independently.

It also features a built-in timer that lets you program the off and on times, it also lets you program a separate intensity for each channel. It comes with a remote control that makes the programming process much easier.

Things We Liked

• LEDs last for one hundred hours
• Can enhance the growth of health of anything
• Diming options
• Highly versatile

Things We Didn’t Like

• Only available in one size

10. Mingdak LED Aquarium Light with Extendable Brackets

This Mingdak LED Aquarium Light with Extendable Brackets is another great lighting option for your aquarium. It features an amazing thin black case design with an adjustable mounting bracket that appears to be stronger than most extendable bracket fixtures. But the legs have no clip, this means you have to be very careful when handling your tank.

The light comes with blue and white lighting options. It also comes in various sizes. This LED aquarium light is super bright (as said by a lot of customers), energy-efficient, and may last you for a very long time if you handle and maintain it very well.

It also features a nightlight and daylight mode: the daylight mode uses both the white and blue lights to light up your tank, while the nightlight mode utilizes only the blue lights to light up your tank. The lighting system of this LED aquarium light meets the fundamental lighting requirements for fish only aquariums.

Things We Liked

• It’s cost-effective
• Sufficient lighting
• Energy-efficient
• Adjustable mounting brackets.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No splashguard (you might need a canopy)
• The brackets do not have standard clips

11. Hygger Aquarium Light Clip Clamp Kit for Fish Tanks

The Hygger Aquarium Light Clip Clamp Kit for Fish Tanks has a lot of unique, amazing features. The Hygger Aquarium Light features two different lighting modes: Lunar LED (which is the blue light mode with 6 LEDs) provides an energy-efficient lighting that looks like the moonlight cycle. The Daylight LED (which consists of 6 LED blue light mode and white light with 24 LED) provides brighter light than most fluorescent bulbs.

This LED aquarium light is available for different fish tanks ranging from 10 inches to 25 inches with wall thickness below 13mm. It also features a 360-degree rotation, soft alloy light arm that gives you the freedom to adjust the light in any position and angle.

The LED is surrounded by acrylic, which ensures safety and waterproof. The wattage of this LED aquarium light is only 13 watts, making it a great option if you are looking for an energy-efficient light. It is also inexpensive considering its features.

Things We Liked

• Super bright light
• 30,000 hours of service time
• Versatile in sizes
• 360-degree rotation

Things We Didn’t Like

• No remote control

12. NICREW Deluxe LED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light for Planted Tanks

The NICREW Deluxe LED Aquarium Light is a full spectrum aquarium light that is designed for planted tanks. This LED aquarium light features a durable aluminum alloy for faster cooling – which enhances the lifespan of the product.

This light also features two lighting modes: blue and white LEDs. It provides a combination of blue and white LEDs for optimal viewing, plant growth, and photosynthetic activity.

It also comes with mounting legs that are highly adjustable, this makes it highly flexible for fish tanks of width ranging from 20 inches to 24 inches. The rich 445nm blue LEDs and super bright 7500K white LEDs come together in an astonishingly sleek fixture that is dialed-in for freshwater aquariums.

This LED aquarium light is particularly designed for freshwater aquariums, this means it is not suitable for saltwater fish tanks. It also comes with color-temperature settings which give you ultimate control.

Things We Liked

• Designed for both amateur and experienced aquarists
• Well-balanced lighting spectrums
• Adjustable mounting legs for more flexibility

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not compatible with saltwater fish tanks

13. Mingdak LED Aquarium Light, Submersible Crystal Glass Lights

If you are looking for a great way to spice up your nighttime aquarium viewing, then this Mingdak LED aquarium might be a great option as it boasts of some amazing, unique features. This Mingdak LED aquarium underwater light is a fully submersible fish tank light that comes with crystal glass lights.

This LED aquarium light is designed for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. This Mingdak LED Aquarium Light also features full-spectrum RGB LEDs, and it gives you the freedom to customize the colors. You can adjust the colors separately, this means you can create a lot of “custom color blends.”

It also comes with adjustable legs which can be adjusted to fit aquariums ranging from 16 inches to 22 inches. If you are going to submerge this light in your aquarium, then you will have to use the suction cups that come with it.

It also comes with a wireless remote which controls the on/off switch, color transitions, colors, and brightness. The sleek design of the light gives it an appealing look when submerged in a tank.

Things We Liked

• Pocket-friendly
• Sleek design
• Highly customizable

Things We Didn’t Like

• Suction cups aren’t strong
• Not super bright

14. Deckey Aquarium Fish Tank Extendable Light LED

The Deckey Aquarium Fish Tank Extendable Light LED is designed for both saltwater and freshwater tanks. This makes them a great option if you are looking for LED lighting for any kind of plant or coral. This aquarium light has two different light colors and it features two lighting modes: nightlight (blue light only) and daylight (blue and white).

This LED fish tank like comes in different sizes: 12-20 inches, 19-28 inches, 28-36 inches, and 37-45 inches. It also comes with adjustable brackets that can be extended to fit the size of your aquarium. The light is beneficial for growing aquarium plants – making it a great option for the aquarium of a beginner with fish and other low light plants.

It also has a switch button for you to switch between moonlight, daylight, and off. This LED aquarium light is not waterproof, so make sure it doesn’t fall into the water. You can place it on the top of your aquarium over a clear glass or plastic canopy to avoid damages by water.

Things We Liked

• Inexpensive
• Comes in various sizes
• Unobtrusive aesthetic

Things We Didn’t Like

• No splashguard

How to Choose LED Lighting for your Aquarium

LED lighting systems are great for a number of reasons. They are typically energy efficient and are much safer than older light systems.

But how do LED lights work? Well, it is pretty simple. LED light systems are a connection of diodes. When these are powered by electricity they produce a bright light.

The light comes from small packets of energy. The difference here is that older lighting systems would also create heat.

Heat is not a great thing to bring into your tank as it can cause disruptions in your beneficial bacteria growth, as well as a number of other unwanted issues.

So, you’ve decided that LED is the way to go, and it really doesn’t narrow down the options that are available. What do you need now?

Size

First, consider the size of your tank. For smaller aquariums, you want to be sure that the lighting system fits your tank comfortably.

Most lights will acknowledge what dimensions the lighting system sits at. Measure your tank at home to ensure you have the right fit.

Where this gets tricky is if you have a rather large aquarium. You have a few options, either buy a lighting system that is meant for large tanks or implement multiple smaller systems.

Many aquarium enthusiasts use large tanks as a way to play and experiment with lighting systems. Bringing in different light intensities and colors throughout their tank, but this is all for fun. If you’re a beginner, you will probably spend more time worrying about proper fit.

Consider your plant life

It makes sense that different plants have different needs. But, they also have different needs that vary throughout their life cycle.

During a growth phase, the light intensity is vital to control. Additionally, if you have corals there are different intensities that aid their color and growth too.

If you have a variety of plant life, there is a solution. Many LED lighting systems for aquariums have a feature that allows you to set the intensity.

Rather than changing or manually adjusting your lights, changing the intensity is as easy as a few clicks on a remote. These lighting systems usually offer the benefit of timers and color changing as well.

Using LED lighting for a visual effect

LED lights are great for a visual effect. But keep in mind the purpose is to sustain a healthy tank.

Getting sucked into the options of spectrum and intensity is easy. A little research in your plant life and aquarium needs will at least narrow down your options.

Having a little direction can set a lot of boundaries so you aren’t wasting your time.

Choosing Features and Setting a Budget

Features that you prefer or work best for your tank should be on a “must-have” list. As we work through the reviews you will see some that nearly hit the mark, and others that miss it completely.

Remember the key features we listed in our values section: lightweight, user-friendly, compatible with plant life, light intensity control, and of course, price.

However these features are fun additions to consider as well:

• Timer system
• Night/Day lighting options
• Color changing LED options
• Color transitions (effects like strobe or blend)
• Water submersible

Of all the options available, these are preferences, not usually necessities. Aquarium enthusiasts find themselves willing to use supplemental lighting systems to achieve color schemes or transitions. However, features like timers or night options are part of the main system if it’s something you need!

Budgeting

The great thing about LED lighting systems is the flexibility in price. No doubt, you will be able to find something that works well for you and is great for your tank.

When you’re setting your budget to think first about what your maximum spending on lighting is, and consider what price range you would prefer to stay within. From there you can find a system that has only the features you want.

If you are a beginner, don’t feel pressured to buy into all the fancy lighting options. You can always upgrade to a “bells and whistles” system later and may at that time even want a bigger aquarium. Instead, focus on getting features that benefit your aquarium and the life in it!

Lighting Benefits for your Aquarium

Here is a short list of a ton of benefits for your tank that comes with using an LED lighting system:

• LEDs have a long lifespan
• Lights are bright, encouraging fish engagement
• LED lights do not emit toxic gases
• Most often are easy to clean
• Water resistant
• Energy efficient
• Units are made up of many lights, so the whole system doesn’t stop because of one light going out.

Don’t they sound great? Although there are a few setbacks of using LED lights they are minuscule in comparison to the long list of benefits here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are LED aquarium lights good for growing aquarium plants?

The light emitted by LED aquarium lights is extremely vital for the development of plants in aquariums. Nevertheless, you need to choose the intensity of the light wisely as different plants require different light intensity.

How long does a LED aquarium light last?

This depends on the make as well as other factors. LED aquariums lights can last between fifty thousand (50,000) to one hundred thousand (100,000) hours. This also depends on how you use and maintain the light.

Conclusion

The clear top pick here is the COODIA Aquarium Hood Lighting Color Changing Remote Controlled Dimmable RGBW LED Light for Aquariums. Its slim design, lightweight system, and high-quality LEDs make it a versatile choice.

These features also ensure that the focus is on the health of your plant life and help build your aquatic life’s engagement. The remote control is a great addition too.

The light intensity is controllable, dimmable, with different modes and for some flare, 16 different colors. Overall, it’s a great value and reasonably affordable.

A design feature that allows it to set on top of your aquarium and extend to larger aquariums is another great bonus. So, if you do upgrade your tank, you don’t have to say goodbye to a completely fine lighting system.

There are also smaller versions available going as small as 11-inches. If you’re working with a smaller size it doesn’t rule out this lighting system as an option for you.