Not all the fish need the same types of light. Different lights are suitable for various tasks, species, or goals.
Now, let’s talk about lighting types. Some people like Metal Halide (MH) lighting. Its light seems to be an intense blue. They are suited for planted tanks with plants that need lots of light, but some people say they carry a risk of algae blooms.
However, when talking about the most practical all-around aquarium lights, LEDs are top of the list. Let's see which are the best available choices currently on the market.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CRV Aquarium LED Light | Best Overall |  |
| MingDak LED Aquarium Light | Budget Pick |  |
| Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CRV Aquarium LED Light
Pros:
- Suitable for 10-gallon aquariums
- Fully customizable LED sunrise & sunset
- Perfect light for plants
- Eco-friendly
- Safe for fish, corals, invertebrates, and plants
- Reliable and sturdy
- Remote included
Cons:
- Short LEDs means the light doesn’t reach the bottom of the tank
- A little larger than other LEDs
- The power adapter can get warm
Though the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CRV LED Aquarium Light is a bit more expensive than other LEDs, the investment is worth it. If you want a plant-friendly spectrum light for your fish, this is it. I prefer the natural white LEDs, and this one delivers a true white color.
The 24/7 coverage light provides full-spectrum color, including blue and red-which mimics natural sunlight. The lights are larger than other LED lights, which is why they provide better coverage.
2. Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Naturally simulates the sunlight and weather changes
- Energy efficient
- Perfectly bright for planted aquariums
- Sleek and elegant design
Cons:
- It may be too bright for plants
Over the last several years, one question I’m often asked is what the best light is for a freshwater aquarium. While there are many factors to consider, such as water depth, plant species, and water temperature, I’m a firm believer in the promise of LED technology.
Of course, everyone is looking for a bright and vibrant tank but with naturally generated light. The Current USA Satellite LED Plus is the best LED aquarium light for showcasing your freshwater fish. Not only is it compact, but it simulates sunlight and is energy-efficient!
3. BeamsWork EA Full Spectrum LED
Pros:
- Full-color spectrum
- Easy to clean
- 1-year warranty
- Affordable
- Two modes available: day & night
Cons:
- Not very suitable for all species of fish, more adequate for terrarium or plants
This light from Beamswork is a great choice for budget-conscious aquarists. Their colors are spectacular, and they can easily light up a 10-gallon aquarium.
4. MingDak LED Aquarium Light
Pros:
- Available in different sizes
- Creates a gorgeous underwater paradise
- Build-in mounting suction cups
Cons:
- It might not be bright enough for some users
Ever dreamt of having a nicely lit aquarium right in your home? This is the next best thing. This LED light gives your fish tank a beautiful and aesthetic glow. Perfect for a 20-gallon tank, but can be used in larger tanks as well.
5. Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED
Pros:
- Accommodates up to 48 inches long
- Set it and forget it
- The light changes through all of the visible colors
- Attractive appearance
Cons:
- The controller has been reported to malfunction
We have a lot of respect for the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED. The 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED boasts the ability to function in a maintenance-free way.
Aside from the programmed cycle, customers think this is a solid product for the money and have great things to say about the 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED timer. Even more, the unit is also super easy to install.
6. Koval Aquarium Fish Tank Light
Pros:
- Nearly 5-star rating on Amazon
- Compact and easy to install
- 3 control modes
- Includes 35+ inch extendable trough fit for most tanks
- Energy efficient
- Available in various sizes
Cons:
- Short-lived power adapter
- Reportedly flimsy trough
Koral Aquarium Lighting does exactly what it says it does. Good LED aquarium lights for fish tanks are tough to find.
As many experienced fish lovers know, tanks come with a variety of lights and can be confusing to set up and somewhat of a pain to maintain over time. The Koral brand aquarium lighting comes with what you need and nothing you don’t. You don’t need to worry about whether it’s compatible with your existing equipment, as it does match most of them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best LED aquarium lighting?
There are so many aquarium lights on the market that it can be hard to choose. In our opinion, the best LED lights are the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CRV Aquarium LED light. They are fully customizable, stimulate sunrise & sunset, and provide the full-spectrum color.
It is a great choice for those species that require different feeding, activity, or rest times to various natural light patterns.
Is LED light good for fish tanks?
Great question and the simple answer is yes. LEDs are very energy efficient, which means they not only run cooler than traditional fluorescent lights but also save you money on your electric bill. I like to use cool white and red lights during the day and then put my tank in night mode.
LEDs are also known to generate less light pollution in your home than traditional lighting. The last thing you want to do is blast your aquariums with a bright light that can interfere with terrestrial plants and animals. Not to mention, it’s not a great thing to view your aquarium under those fluorescent lights anyway.
What color light is best for a fish tank?
I spoke to a marine biologist that told me that, fundamentally, the wavelength of light that is most essential for live plants and fish is red. But blue is also necessary. Plus, almost all fish, turtles, and plants seem to thrive with other colors of light added to the spectrum.
What is the best LED light company?
There are many manufacturers out there that have developed LED lights for aquariums. I would say they are all just as good as each other. They all tend to make affordable products that do not break the bank. So you have a lot of options in basic light fixtures and accessories that would work well for any tank.
It’s easy to get carried away with the frills and other accessories that aquariums and their accessories can have. I would recommend focusing on the basics before going overboard. I like LED lights because they are affordable, sustainable, and immersive.
Conclusion
LED is king when it comes to aquarium lighting. The best LEDs are full-spectrum, can be dimmed, and are energy efficient. Some LEDs offer great power but aren’t dimmable. Still, others offer full spectrum but require a large fixture.
We've created the guide at hand to help you choose the best option available. Make full use of it and enjoy a nice & healthy aquarium.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CRV Aquarium LED Light | Best Overall | |
| MingDak LED Aquarium Light | Budget Pick | |
| Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light | Upgrade Pick | |