I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Aquarium Lights For Planted Tanks (2023)

I recently purchased this aquarium light and it has been a wonderful choice. The set-up was simple, involving attaching the suction cups and placing it in the tank. The light offers a variety of different displays that both myself and my fish are pleased with. One of the best features is that it does not leak light when turned off.

I inherited an aquarium from my father and have gone through several lighting systems over the years. However, this is by far the best aquarium light I have come across. While it may take some time to get used to the options for blue or white lighting, once set, it works great. The timer feature is a standout, allowing you to set the LED to turn on for a certain period of time and then turn off automatically. This eliminates the need for constant monitoring.

The only downside I have found is that the suction cups can sometimes slide down. However, since the light is submersible, there is no risk of electrocution when retrieving it. Overall, this is a great light to have for your aquarium.

I must mention that the suction holders are not reliable and tend to fall off every couple of days. To solve this issue, I tied the light in place using tie wraps. The set-up process was easy, and I appreciate that I can still override the timer setting using Alexa on a smart plug if needed.

I initially purchased an 11" light for my 24" long aquarium, and half of the LED lights in the hood cover rusted out. This light turned out to be the perfect solution to increase the light in the tank. The silicone rubber feet did an excellent job of securing the light onto the aquarium wall, and the illumination provided was more than adequate. The controller is easy to use with options for light color (white or blue) and brightness, which is a great feature. Additionally, the timer function is convenient, allowing for 6, 10, or 12-hour settings.

I have had a positive experience with Hygger throughout this issue. They were responsive and exchanged the faulty lights promptly. It turns out that there was a firmware mistake causing the Dusk function to malfunction. Hygger discovered this issue during their tests on a returned light and promptly informed me about it. They also informed me about the availability of the batch with the new firmware. The updated version now works perfectly. This light has been great for my wife's plants, providing ample visual light. I am also impressed with Hygger's excellent customer service.

My wife and I purchased the Hygger light for her new 20-gallon planted tank. We already had the same model in the 48in/72W variant, so we opted for the 26W light due to its brightness. However, we encountered a problem with the programming. The larger light we had experienced similar issues, so this was quite frustrating.

The first 26W unit we received could not be programmed properly. Unfortunately, the package did not include a manual, so we had to rely on the one from our nearly 4-year-old unit. Despite my familiarity with the programming, I still struggled to set the desired time and duration for the light. I wanted the light to gradually ramp up and down, simulating dawn and dusk. While the dawn setting worked fine, I couldn't get the dusk setting to ramp down halfway and then switch off completely.

After much frustration, I decided to return the light for a replacement. The new unit came with a manual, but the issues persisted. The manual itself was incomplete and poorly translated, making it difficult to understand. It would greatly benefit from a comprehensive rewrite by a fluent English speaker, along with the addition of a troubleshooting section.

The sunset and sunrise settings are essentially mirror images of each other. The light should increase to about 50% brightness over an hour and then reach 100% brightness over 15 minutes. The sunset setting should decrease to 50% brightness over 15 minutes, hold for an hour, and then gradually decrease to off over 15 minutes. However, our light only decreases to about 2% brightness and holds that for an hour.

I am still awaiting a reply from Hygger regarding this issue. Despite its potential to be a 5-star light, the poor programming methods have significantly hindered its performance. It is disheartening considering the light is made in China.

The XYZ Aquarium Light offers an array of features that enhance the overall lighting experience for your 20-gallon tank. With the ability to switch between blue and white multi-color lights, this light fixture creates a stunning visual environment for your aquatic pets. While the lighting power is impressive, some limitations in the timer function and brightness adjustment may pose minor inconveniences. Let's delve deeper into the pros and cons of this aquarium light.

Pros:

1. Versatile Lighting Options: The option to switch between blue lights and white multi-color lights is a standout feature. With the blue lights, the ambiance is transformed, especially when paired with glow fish, creating a visually captivating environment.

2. Powerful Lighting: The XYZ Aquarium Light boasts impressive brightness levels. Even the lowest white light setting is incredibly bright. For those who prefer a dimmer lighting effect, a simple solution is placing a paper towel over the light to reduce its intensity.

3. High-Quality Build: The durability and overall quality of the light fixture are commendable. Its solid construction ensures longevity, making it a reliable choice for aquarium enthusiasts.

Cons:

1. Limited Timer Function: One drawback of the XYZ Aquarium Light is its limited timer function. To schedule the lights to turn on at a specific time, you have to manually press the timer button at the desired time, which can be inconvenient. Once the timer is set correctly, it's best not to tamper with it, limiting the use of other features.

2. Lengthy Brightness Adjustment: Adjusting the brightness levels can be time-consuming. Toggling through the brightness settings requires ten clicks up and ten clicks down, which can be repetitive and tiresome. If not using the timer function, this can become a drawback, leading users to rely solely on the timer for on/off control.

3. Control Limitations: While the overall functionality of the light is impressive, the control interface could be improved. Some users may find the control system slightly cumbersome, although the performance of the light itself outweighs this minor setback.

Despite its limitations in the timer function and brightness adjustment, the XYZ Aquarium Light offers a visually stunning lighting experience for your 20-gallon tank. The ability to switch between blue and white multi-color lights creates a captivating ambiance, while the powerful lighting ensures optimal visibility. If you value versatility and durability in an aquarium light, the XYZ Aquarium Light is an excellent choice.

I recently upgraded to the newer Nicrew model and I must say, it is a significant improvement. The metal casing not only adds durability but also gives it a sleek and modern look. The full spectrum lights provide ample brightness for my plants to thrive. One feature that really stands out is the built-in 24/7 cycle, which eliminates the need for additional timers or smart plugs. It's incredibly convenient to just set it and forget it.

I was initially skeptical about the lower price compared to other brands like Fluval, but this light has all the features I look for. The remote control is user-friendly and allows for easy light adjustments and quick selection of different modes. It's as simple as turning on the light, choosing the current time on the remote, and activating the 24-hour mode. This feature simulates a natural sunrise, midday brightness, and a gradual sunset, creating a pleasant environment for both plants and fish.

The color and intensity of this light are truly impressive, replicating a natural day-to-night cycle. The remote control makes it easy to adjust the lights based on the time of day. If you prefer manual control, simply turn off the 24/7 mode. Personally, I have been enjoying the default light cycle settings, as they have yielded excellent results for my planted tanks.

One unexpected surprise was the automatic cycling feature. When I set it up at 10 pm and pressed the corresponding button on the remote, I thought it would make a nice night light. To my amazement, I woke up to daylight! The light automatically cycles on its own, providing a seamless transition from night to day. This feature has truly impressed me and has added an extra level of convenience to my daily routine.

I have been using the Hygger LED light for over 2 years now, and I must say that I am extremely satisfied with its performance. All three lights that I purchased are still going strong, and they have become my go-to lights for any future aquarium builds.

One of the standout features of this light is its brightness. The full spectrum light provides ample illumination for my plants, resulting in excellent growth. Additionally, the slim and lightweight design of the light makes it easy to install and maneuver.

Another impressive aspect of this light is its ability to stay cool to the touch. Even after hours of operation, the light remains cool, eliminating any concerns about heat damage to my plants or aquarium.

I particularly appreciate the 24-hour mode feature, which allows for a natural day-night cycle. The light gradually increases in intensity during the day, simulating sunrise, and then gradually dims towards the evening. The final 30 minutes of the cycle are dedicated to blue-only LEDs, creating a calming ambiance. It's worth noting that the timer on this light functions perfectly, unlike some other Hygger products I have read about.

While there are a few downsides to this light, they are relatively minor. The instructions provided with the light can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the 24-hour timers. However, with a little bit of time and effort, it is possible to figure out the settings and make the most of the light's features.

The slide-out legs for mounting the light are functional, but not the most aesthetically pleasing. However, they do the job and provide stability for the light.

The RGB modes, while neat, may not be useful to everyone. They add a touch of color variety to the aquarium, but for most users, the full spectrum light will suffice.

One small drawback is that the light does not have a memory function if power is lost. However, this is a minor inconvenience as it is easy to reset the light to the desired settings manually.

The lights are bright and provide good illumination for plants. The tank clarity has significantly improved, allowing for better visibility of fish and any algae growth. The timer feature is convenient, although there is a slight delay in the brightness when turned on and a cool down period when turned off. This may be beneficial for the well-being of the fish, but some may find the brightness overwhelming. Overall, the lights offer great value for money and the timer function is a useful addition.

For planted tanks, this light is highly recommended. It has proven to be effective in promoting plant growth, with thriving plants observed over several months. The only issue encountered is some yellowing of the duckweed on the water's surface, which may be due to the close proximity of the light. However, this is not a major concern as the submerged plants have flourished. The light is made of durable materials such as aluminum and heavy-duty plastic, ensuring its longevity.

In a 5-gallon nano aquarium, this light is perfect for illuminating the tank. The red lights specifically aid in plant growth and the brightness is impressive. The build quality of the product is commendable, featuring aluminum and heavy-duty plastic construction.

For a 4-gallon cube aquarium, this light has made a significant difference in plant growth. Plants that previously struggled now thrive, thanks to the increased illumination. It is worth noting that some algae growth may occur on the glass due to the strong light, but this can be managed with regular maintenance.

I recently purchased a light for my 55-gallon tank, and I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. The stores were selling similar lights for $175-$200, but I found this one for around $60, which was a steal. I opted for the larger light that measures over 48 inches to ensure full coverage over my tank, and I must say it sits well and looks great.

Although I haven't had the chance to try out the timer feature yet, I can say that the light itself is impressive. It provides excellent brightness and has different modes that I really enjoyed. I needed a light that would promote plant growth in my bioactive setup without generating too much heat for my gecko, and this light fits the bill perfectly. It's bright enough to help my plants thrive and allows me to view my enclosure easily.

Upon using the timer function, I was blown away. The light ramps up slowly when it turns on and ramps down when it's time to go off. It functions just as well as a high-end light, if not better. I also noticed a significant difference in the growth of my plants within just a month of using this light. I highly recommend it.

Considering the price, this light is a great deal. However, I would suggest sizing up if you have a larger tank. I purchased the 24 to 30 size for my 20-gallon high tank, and it fits perfectly.

I had put off buying this aquarium light for a couple of years due to personal reasons, but I regret not purchasing it sooner. It is truly awesome. I love that it is adjustable to the width of my aquarium, and it is surprisingly lightweight. The light output is not only brilliant but also adjustable in terms of brightness and color temperature. I particularly enjoy the choice between daylight and nightlight mode, as the cool blue in nightlight mode is very soothing. The timer works well, although it's not a feature I personally use often.

I am absolutely thrilled with this little light. Although it is designed for small tanks, I decided to give it a try on my 40 breeder and it exceeded my expectations. The light features two modes, controlled by a switch on the back, offering blue night lights and a bright white/blue combination. I must say, the combination of white and blue over black sand creates an incredibly cool and visually appealing effect.

One of the standout features of this light is the convenient clamp on the side, which helps to keep it securely attached to the rim. The lamp itself is connected to the clamp by a bendable neck that holds its form at any angle without any issues. However, it's worth noting that the clamp is designed for smaller tanks and may not fit around the rim of larger tanks, such as my 40g. Nevertheless, the brightness of the light and its overall performance make it a suitable option even if it can't be clamped on.

In terms of functionality, I've never had any issues with overheating, which has been a problem with other LED lights I've used in the past. The lamp is surprisingly thick and sturdy for its size, making it a durable fixture that doesn't feel too heavy.

Moving on to the long-term performance of this light, I feel compelled to write this review as I have been using it for a few months now. Initially, I purchased it for a 3.5-gallon tank but later moved it to a 5-gallon tank, and I must say, it has been working great. My low-light plants and floating plants have thrived under this light, and within a couple of weeks, I had a full carpet of pearl weed and an abundance of floating plants. It has even outperformed a more expensive light that I bought for my 4-gallon tank. While I can't speak to its ability to grow red plants, it certainly excels with easy low-light plants.

In addition to its impressive performance, the light is also aesthetically pleasing. The brightness of the light, especially the blue mode, adds a vibrant and attractive touch to my tank. Furthermore, the light fits perfectly on my 5-gallon Marineland tank, as mentioned in a previous review. I particularly appreciate the switch being located on the base of the light, as opposed to along the cord like the stock light. This allows me to hide the cord and maintain a clean and organized appearance.

I recently purchased the Nicrew Classic Plus light for my 56-gallon aquarium, and I must say, it's another excellent product from Nicrew. This is actually the second Nicrew light I've purchased, as I was so impressed with the Classic model I bought for my 15-gallon tank. Both lights are well-built and provide excellent output.

The Classic Plus features a solid aluminum construction with extendable brackets, which is a great addition. It even comes with two types of brackets – one for thin-framed aquariums and another for thicker frames. This versatility is a nice touch and shows that Nicrew has put thought into accommodating different tank setups.

One feature I particularly like is the switch that allows you to switch between full spectrum and blue-only lighting for a nighttime effect. Although I personally use timers for my lights, I can see how this feature can enhance the ambiance of an aquarium if that's the look you're going for.

Now, let me take a moment to highlight the exceptional customer service I received from Nicrew. When I received my second light, I unfortunately found that the transformer was dead. I contacted customer service, and they were incredibly helpful and responsive. Due to the fulfillment process through Amazon, they couldn't send me a transformer separately. However, they came up with a clever solution – they offered to send me a return package from someone else's order, reasoning that it was unlikely to be returned due to a dead transformer. I agreed to this arrangement, as it seemed like a pragmatic solution.

Unfortunately, the package got lost in transit due to UPS's error. Nicrew had nothing to do with this mishap, but they still felt responsible and apologetic. To make up for the inconvenience, they sent me a thoughtful gift – a high-quality algae scraper. It's worth noting that the tracking slip revealed a long and convoluted journey that UPS took with the package, causing significant delays and frustration.

When the return light finally arrived, I discovered that the previous customer hadn't included the transformer I needed. Once again, I reached out to Nicrew, explaining the situation. They immediately expressed their remorse and apologized for the wasted time, even though most of the delay was caused by UPS. Without hesitation, they decided to send me a brand new light and told me to keep the two lights they had already sent, which were fully functional except for the transformers. This means I now have three working lights, although I can only use one at a time.

Throughout this entire experience, the Nicrew representative was incredibly kind, responsive, and attentive. They promptly replied to all my messages, even during their nighttime hours due to the time zone difference. They also proactively checked on the progress when I hadn't reached out for a couple of days while waiting for UPS.

I must say, despite the initial hiccups, my overall experience with Nicrew has been exceptional. Their commitment to resolving issues and going above and beyond to satisfy their customers is truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing the Nicrew Classic Plus light or any other Nicrew product you may be interested in. You can trust in their quality products and outstanding customer service.

The programming and remote control of this aquarium light may initially be challenging to understand, but with some experimentation, it becomes quite intuitive. Finding recommendations for the color ratio may require some digging, but eventually, you can come to a conclusion. It is important to adjust the proportions according to the light sensitivity of your fish.

In the case of the reviewer, their red plants, such as the red lotus and repens, are thriving after playing around with the settings over the past few months. The reviewer mentions not using CO2 and having a basic planted 20-gallon tall tank.

For the 24-hour setting, there are specific proportions recommended for each time of day:

– Sunrise (P1): White 20, Red 30, Blue 15, Green 15

– Daylight (P2): White 35, Red 35, Blue 35, Green 20

– Sunset (P3): White 20, Red 20, Blue 15, Green 5

– Moonlight (P4): White 0, Red 0, Blue 35, Green 5

– Nighttime (P5): All lights off

To set the time accurately, you need to press the 24-hour button and quickly follow these steps:

1. Press P1.

2. Use H/+ (hours) and M/+ (minutes) to select the starting time for the sunrise.

3. Press the save button (with an arrow symbol) to adjust the brightness of the white color using H/+ and M/+.

4. Press save to move to the next color and repeat steps 3 and 4 for all colors and times of day.

It is recommended to leave at least an hour between each start time for the fade setting to work properly.

Considering the price, this aquarium light offers great value. It provides a wide color spectrum and is easily customizable. One notable advantage is that it retains all color and phase settings even after a power loss. However, the time resets to 12:00 am in the event of a power loss, which can result in the lights not turning on at the desired time.

Unfortunately, this is a common issue with most timer-equipped lights on the market. The reviewer suggests that manufacturers include the option to install a small watch battery to retain time memory during power outages. This would be a worthwhile upgrade, even if it meant a slightly higher price.

While there are alternatives like WiFi smart plugs and Alexa routines, they may not retain memory or provide the same level of automation for sunrise, sunset, and night light changes. For the reviewer's tank, they had to dim the lights to 50% to prevent algae blooms, which is suitable for their 16-gallon Fluval Spec tank with various plant species.