The 10 Best LED Aquarium Lighting for Plants (Review)

All life on earth needs light. Aquarium plants also need lighting. If they have enough light, their life becomes active, and they feel great. If there is not enough light, the plants will grow poorly and may get sick. A light that is too bright is also dangerous: plants may get burned, or the temperature of the water in the aquarium may increase, and it will have to be changed more often than usual.

In order for novice aquarists not to make unforgivable mistakes, remember that inside the aquarium is a real biological environment in which life develops. Lighting allows not only fish, but also plants, to develop correctly, but its quantity should not be insufficient or, on the contrary, excessive. All this leads to unpleasant consequences.

The best LED aquarium lighting for plants does not overheat the water, has a certain spectrum of radiation, and evenly distributes light over the entire area of the aquarium.

At a Glance: Our TOP-3 Favorite Picks

You can illuminate the underwater biosphere with different sources. There are a huge variety of different types of lamps. The most suitable for creating optimal conditions of the aquatic environment – while maintaining the vital activity of underwater inhabitants – are LED lamps. We have selected the best products by analyzing customer reviews, as well as by price-quality ratio. In this chart, we picked the top 3 lights for planted aquariums.

The Best LED Lighting for Planted Aquarium Reviews

1. Finnex Stingray 2 Aquarium LED Light

This lamp is characterized by a smooth aluminum design, making it almost invisible. The material from which this lamp is made is resistant to corrosion and moisture, making it extremely durable.

Stingray 2 can provide users with three different colors in their aquarium — 7,000,000 daylight LEDs are used to illuminate the entire aquarium. In addition, there are red LEDs and acting blue LEDs that simulate nighttime in your aquarium. This feature adds a great atmosphere and gives your aquarium a stunning look by changing the existing color. The Stingray kit includes transparent plastic legs that can slide along the cap guide.

Key benefits:

• Moisture-resistant Conformal LED coating makes it durable and long-lasting.
• The 120°optic angle provides even color blending and coverage.
• It also gives a modern look to any aquarium.

2. Aqueon Freshwater Aquarium Clip-On LED Light

Improve the life of your aquarium inhabitants with the Aqueon Freshwater Aquarium Clip-On LED light. Thanks to its convenient mounting, the lamp can be quickly attached to the aquarium and in the desired position. The lamp consists of 21 bright LEDs and is ideal for freshwater aquariums up to 20 gallons. The product provides optimal LED for a bright and thriving aquarium.

Key benefits:

• LED light designed to brighten up your aquatic environment.
•  Provides optimal lighting for a bright and thriving aquarium.

3. Kessil A160WE Controllable LED

The Kessil wide-angle aquarium controller is designed for lighting tanks with freshwater plants. Bright color can be an excellent primary nutrient light in any aquarium.

The color ranges from a natural 6000K to white and then to a pinkish 9000K at the other end of the spectrum. With the controller, you can regulate both the intensity and color temperature of the Kessil a360we.

Key benefits:

• Spectrum Kessil LED chips are manufactured in-house with spectrums customized for aquarist needs.
• Does not require much space.
• Stylish design.

4. Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Light for Aquarium

LED lighting is designed specifically for freshwater aquariums. The white and blue LEDs can work together, as well as in different color modes. You can adjust the light and create effects such as dimming, moonlight and lighting in the evening twilight.

The Current USA Satellite Freshwater Aquarium LED is ideal for beginner aquarists. The system is easily installed on the aquarium. The LED light is easy to set up and use safe, low-voltage LEDs.

Key benefits:

• Easy to adjust + install.
• Uses low voltage.
• Created especially for freshwater aquariums.

5. Koval Aquarium Lighting Fish Tank Light Hood with Extendable Brackets

This Upgraded Colorful Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light with Extendable Brackets is great for your aquarium(s). It not only helps algaes to grow more luxuriant, but also makes your aquatic plants have vivid color and adds ornamental value to your aquariums.

The luminaire generates a powerful luminous flux that promotes plant growth and good photosynthesis. It has a pleasant, soft glow with a yellow tint. The box is waterproof, has a detachable cord and convenient controls for the lamp.

Key benefits:

• Full spectrum LEDs.
• High-quality LEDs, can be used at least 50000 hrs.
• Low energy dissipation.

6. Fluval Fresh and Plant 3.0 LED Light Fixture

Create a natural environment in your aquarium with live plants with a variety of customizable options for the Fluval Fresh & Plant 3.0 Full Spectrum Performance LED lamp. The lamp also has 24-hour light cycle settings. Thanks to this function, this product can simulate sunrise, noon, sunset and night. The lamp can be used with a controller or via Bluetooth on your smartphone.

For this purpose, the FluvalSmart technology application is provided. You can use it to configure a wide range of parameters. The smooth packed shell provides efficient heat transfer and improved protection against water and humidity penetration.

Key benefits:

• You can set up a 24-hour light cycle (sunrise, noon, sunset and night).
• Includes optional preset habitat light configurations like Lake Malawi, Tropical and Planted.
• Six unique band waves for full spectrum results.
• Easy to assemble.
• High-output LEDs provide improved light output and spectral quality, while consuming the same amount of energy as previous generations of lamps.

7. Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, Cliplight

This modern, thin lamp is equipped with several LEDs. The lamp includes several high output LEDs that work together for high light output. The FugeRay has a more uniform scattering of LEDs, ideal for refugium purposes, as well as for aquariums with medium lighting. Red LEDs promote photosynthesis of chlorophyll.

This lamp will last you at least 40,000 hours. The LED spread is 120 degrees. The boards in these LED lamps are made of high-quality aluminum, and the device itself performs the function of heat synchronization, providing sufficient cooling and excellent heat dissipation. The tilt of the lamp can be adjusted, thanks to flexible materials. The power cord is 59 inches.

Key features:

• Hood construction: aluminum/plastic.
• Wattage: 5 watts.
• Ultimate planted LED clip light.
• Lunar Blue Moonlight LEDs.
• True 660 nm red LED’s, daylight and blue LEDs.

8. BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater

This high-quality, energy-saving LED light from the Beamworks DEF SPEC series can easily replace fluorescent light. The lamp is made using 10000K, Actinic, red and green LEDs. Thanks to the extendable brackets, the lamp size can be adjusted. The power supply unit (driver) is compatible with a power supply from 110 to 220 V. Users outside of North America may need an adapter to install the outlet correctly.

Key features:

• Lumen: 4000.
• LEDs: 80x 0.50W.
• Config: 51x 10000K, 16x Actinic 460 nm, 7x Red 620 nm, 6x Green 520 nm.
• Timer ready, 2 mode day/night.

9. Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium Replacement Canopy

This lamp is designed for 14/16 size aquariums. This lamp allows you to light your aquarium in the best possible way. The lamp can simulate a 30-minute sunrise and sunset, and there is also a 60-minute moonrise and sunset function. These features will allow your aquarium inhabitants to really feel at home in their natural habitat.

Key benefits:

• Sunrise and sunset effect w/controller.
• Features an integrated 24-hour timer with 3 settings.
• Helps brighten your aquarium.
• Easy to assemble.
• Waterproof.
• The lamp is equipped with a 24-hour timer and can shine bright white and blue.

10. Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED KLC Aquarium LED Light, Automated Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light

This Finnex LED lamp simulates sunrise and sunset directly in your aquarium. The lamp has a 24/7 function that changes the temperature of the light. So, the dawn is imitated by cool light, the light of a warmer temperature imitates morning, the sparkling light-noon and the light that passes to the sunken sunset of the red sun and ends with starlight-cold and blue.

Key benefits:

• Sunrise and sunset effect w/controller.
• 7K/multi-color blend for plant growth.
• Hands-free: simulates fired red sunrise to blue starry night.
• Water-resistant.
• Four customizable color channels, dimmable, weather modes.

Buyer’s Guide — LED Plant Lights

What light do planted tanks need? An aquarium, like any closed ecosystem, needs proper lighting. There is a misconception that you can put a container for fish on the window. Some believe that sunlight is the most natural and correct for the underwater world. This mistake only leads to the death of aquarium fish and the decay of aquatic vegetation. The rays of sunlight in the red spectrum and the warm spectrum are detrimental to the aquarium biosystem. This has been proven experimentally.

The most suitable fixtures for this are LED aquarium lights. It is necessary to select them according to the strength of the luminescence and the spectrum of color rendering so that the devices are equally well suited for aquarium plants, mollusks and fish brought from different parts of the planet. Otherwise, improper lighting can cause problems.

Results of Incorrect Illumination:

• Too bright and prolonged lighting causes abundant growth of algae, which leads to rapid contamination of the reservoir; i.e. the water begins to bloom. The cycle of illumination of plants should be close to nature; that is, it should be 10-12 hours. However, some specifically increase the luminosity period to encourage faster growth of aquarium flora. Too long or short periods of light disrupt the natural biorhythms of plants, causing them stress. For this reason, plants often begin to get sick.
• Difference in conditions for plants and fish. Certain types of plants for aquariums are in need of long-lasting and bright light for normal growth. But this mode can already harm the fauna; that is, fish. As a result, many fish that are used to living in natural conditions in shaded areas begin to fade, losing the brightness of their color. They hide from the bright light among seaweed and rocks, instead of swimming and pleasing the observer.
• Lack of lighting also negatively affects the health of flora and fauna of your aquarium. Light is the main parameter on which the development of the flora depends completely. If you try to compensate for the lack of lighting with fertilizers and carbon dioxide, then be prepared for failure. The consumption of CO2 by plants directly depends on the intensity of total daylight, and no fertilizers can affect this. The reason is simple — the photosynthesis reaction can’t happen without the energy that plants get from light. As a result of this reaction, they begin to convert CO2, minerals and water into organic tissues. If the light does not fall on the plants, then carbon dioxide and all sorts of fertilizers remain unclaimed. Plants will slow down in development or simply die

The necessary illumination for plants in tanks can be provided the best by an LED light. The only problem is that different plants and animals need different amounts of light for normal life and growth. The best one provides photosynthesis and oxygen production, which is known to occur only in this light. But even here, it is necessary to understand that different kinds are needed for the growth of different types of plants. ^[1]

How to Choose the Best Planted Aquarium Light

There are several factors to consider before purchasing a lamp for your aquarium. The most important criterion is the ratio of the size of the tank and the light intensity. Each aquarium has its own requirements; some plants thrive in low light and some need high or medium light. Therefore, you should make sure that the best LED for a planted aquarium is appropriate for your tank.  Since different plants require different light levels, you need to determine what level (low, medium or high) your flora needs. 

Light intensity for planted tanks is usually measured as photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), and its ranges (relative to lighting requirements) are defined as follows:

• Very high: >80 μmol
• High: 50 — 80 μmol
• Medium: 30 — 50 μmol
• Low: 15 – 30 μmol

How many LED watts needed per gallon planted tank?

Amount of radiation required for photosynthesis and plant growth:

• Low-light plants (moss ball, Anubias, ferns…): PAR 15-30.
• Medium-light plants (most mid-background stem plants): PAR 35-65.
• High-light plants (Dutch, needle-leaf, red plants): PAR 65-120+.

Based on the PAR of many planted tank LED lights on the market, we have the following table:

Plant type	PAR @ 12-inch depth	Watt/GAL
Low-light plants	15-30	0.4-0.5
Medium-light plants	35-65	0.5-0.7
High-light plants	65-120	0.7-1.1

Color spectrum

The color spectrum created by LED is another crucial property that should not be overlooked. The correct spectrum should include as many colors as possible. This ensures that the plant will receive light that will contribute to the best photosynthesis process. For example, a white LED lamp 6500K or 7000K creates lighting close to natural daylight.^[2]

Coverage

This indicator depends on the size of the tank on which you will install the lamp. In addition, you must consider the density of the population of flora that will grow in the aquarium. The LED lamp should provide a good uniform distribution of light to effectively stimulate the growth of plants.

The Kelvin/Lumen rating

This is one of the most important functions. You need to make sure that the model you are choosing has the right rating in terms of Kelvin or Lumen. These two units are important in measuring the different outputs of the LEDs in terms of both the color temperature and the total visible light.^[3]

For most planted aquariums, having the light operating at around 6500K to 7000K should be ideal to keep the plants growing. It would also help make the unit work as a natural light source.

Features

One of the features of some models is different modes. Some lamps can simulate sunrise, sunset, and even night. As for the management functions, you need a model that is easy to control. You don’t need to have a complex model that makes it difficult to get the right combination of light.

Timer

Novice aquarists often ask, “Why do I need a timer?” and “What kind of timer is needed in the aquarium?” The light timer turns on the light in the aquarium in the morning and turns it off in the evening. An aquarium is an artificially created, natural microenvironment that lives by its own rules and laws.

The task of the aquarist is to ensure the normal existence of this environment, and the timer for monitoring the devices in the aquarium significantly helps in this. Its operation facilitates the maintenance of a small reservoir, making it easier to care for it. In particular, the light-off timer in the aquarium provides a schedule of “correct daylight hours” for underwater inhabitants, and plants and fish grow and develop normally, look beautiful and healthy.

Easy installation

The installation process is always important for the user. When purchasing a lamp, make sure that you can install it correctly. Read reviews or watch a tutorial video before you buy a lamp.

The durability of the LEDs

You should make sure that the model you choose has the best durability. Durability depends on the material used to make the device and the type of LEDs used. At first, some LEDs may work fine, but later they may burn out in a short time.

Ventilation and splash protection

The ventilation of the model is another factor to keep in mind. LEDs generate heat that accumulates during operation, so it is important that this heat be released. LED lights must not have any contact with water.^[4]

READ MORE: TOP-10 plants for Goldfish

RELATED ARTICLE: Aquarium Water Changing Guide

FAQ

READ MORE: Aquarium Plants Fertilizers

Article sources:

1. ​ “Beginner Aquarium Plants That Anyone Can Grow — Aquarium Tidings.” Aquarium Tidings, 13 Mar. 2018, aquariumtidings.com/easy-aquarium-plants/.
2. ​ Peterson, Tarla. “The Art of Aquarium Keeping Communicates Science and Conservation.” Frontiers, 11 Jan. 2018, frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2018.00017/full.
3. ​“4 Things You Need to Know About Aquarium Care — Aquarium Tidings.” Aquarium Tidings, 13 Mar. 2018, aquariumtidings.com/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-aquarium-care/.
4. ​“Aquarium.” Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com/science/aquarium.
5. ​ “Aquarium LED .” Aquascaping Wiki, 28 Dec. 2020, aquasabi.com/aquascaping-wiki_lighting_aquarium-led.