I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Led Light For Reef Tank (2023)

I recently purchased the NICREW LED lighting system for my micro reef refugium, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. This lighting system is perfect for my application as I am growing caulerpa prolifera. Within just two days of adding the new caulerpa, I noticed significant growth and could even see tiny bubbles of oxygen leaving the plants. It is truly remarkable.

The controller that comes with the NICREW LED lighting system is basic but functional. It allows for percentage control of both the white and blue LEDs, giving me the flexibility to adjust the lighting according to my needs. The only drawback I found is that the clock needs to be re-programmed every time the controller loses power. However, this can easily be resolved by using a UPS battery backup for your tank. It's a minor inconvenience in my opinion, and the on/off/spectrum% settings are still saved even if there is a power outage.

I have purchased several different NICREW LED lighting models for my saltwater aquariums in the past, and for FOWLR tanks (Fish-Only), this particular model is hands down the best deal available. Not only does it come with the light itself, but also with a timer. The brightness levels can be easily set for both the white and blue LEDs in the timer's configuration. In my setup, I am using 100% blue and 15% white for a beautiful "blue reef" style. I highly recommend this lighting system.

I also found that this lighting system works exceptionally well for my anemones in my Fluval 13.5 gallon tank. The original lamp got damaged, and this NICREW LED light has been a great substitution. It provides ample brightness and the control box is easy to use. The settings are straightforward and easy to understand, making it a breeze to customize the lighting for my nano saltwater tank.

I recently had to replace the original light on my 28-gallon nano cube, and I decided to go topless and try out this fantastic light. Let me tell you, it packs quite a punch for the price! The mounting, build quality, integrated timer function, and light color and intensity are all top-notch. I have mine running in the LPS preset, with only the timer adjusted to my specific needs. I also made a slight adjustment to the moonlight color. Overall, this light is perfect for my 28-gallon tank and far superior to the stock light. I absolutely love it!

While I haven't had the chance to use the remote yet, as I'm in the process of transitioning from fish to strictly coral, I am already quite happy with these lights. They are much quieter than my previous lights, which is a huge plus. I'm considering getting more of these lights for my other two tanks as well.

One of the standout features of these lights is the simplified timed lighting function, which makes it easier to provide the right amount of light for live plants and prevent algae growth. These lights are fantastic, especially if you're growing plants in your aquarium. They can be used in various-sized tanks without any hassle. Additionally, the lights can be set as master and slaves, meaning you can control them all with just one timer. The fact that they are above tank lights also allows you to have plants that grow out of the aquarium and receive the daylight they need.

In terms of power, these lights are exceptionally powerful. Just take a look at the pictures, and you'll see for yourself. Once I programmed and adjusted the settings to my liking, they worked seamlessly. Talk about getting a bang for your buck! While they recommend using three lights for my 120-gallon tank, I found that the two I currently have are more than enough.

I have been using four of these lights over my two 40 breeders, with two lights over each tank. I also have two ecotech radion xr15 g5 pros over my 75-gallon tank right beside the 40 breeders. I must say, the spectrum of these lights is incredibly similar to the ecotech lights running coral lab ab+ or the lps profile. To control each channel (blue/white), I have connected each light to a different power supply. This allows me to have separate timers for each channel, so I can have the blues turn on first, followed by the whites, and then have the whites turn off for the last few hours. The lights have been perfect for my rbta, zoas, mushrooms, and lps corals. Not only do they provide optimal conditions for my corals, but they also look aesthetically pleasing. I did have to modify the plastic top rim of my 40 breeder to make these lights work, but with a little more time, I could have found a workaround. Overall, I highly recommend considering these lights, especially given their affordable price of $50. It's a great deal!

I'm not easily impressed, but for $50, you're getting a high-quality LED light with all the necessary hardware. I had to make my own brackets to fit my setup, as I originally bought these lights as moonlights to hang under my t5 lights. However, I am confident that they would work well for growing LPS corals too. The top settings provide a strong and intense light output. I will definitely be buying these lights again for my smaller reef tank!

Writing Amazon reviews isn't something I usually do, but I felt compelled to write one for this fantastic light. Mine is set to around 50% brightness since it's close to my nano tank, and even at that level, it provides a pretty bright light. The only drawback is that the color strength and timing customization is limited without the remote. However, I highly recommend purchasing the remote. It's worth the extra investment, especially considering the low price of the light itself. I'll leave a link here so you can easily find it. If you're in need of a nano light, this is the one! With the combination of the affordable price and the remote, you get a high-quality light that comes with a sturdy and adjustable light stand. The light also includes a built-in diffuser between the LEDs, resulting in a more even spread of light. I suggest adding the NICREW Dual Channel Aquarium Light Timer, LED Digital Dimmer for ClassicLED G2 Fish Tank Light to your cart as well. This will give you a Grade A nano light setup. Happy reefing!

I recently purchased two of the 48” HE Electronics EDGE Wireless fixtures for my 120-gallon saltwater tank, and I must say, they have exceeded my expectations. These light fixtures provide excellent illumination for the entire tank, and the ability to connect them together through the app is a convenient feature. The app itself comes with several pre-programmed settings that can be used, or you can customize your own lighting preferences. Personally, I opted for the Caribbean Sea lighting setting, which looks stunning in my tank.

One thing to note is that these lights do not have the option to be suspended from the ceiling. However, considering the numerous other features and the overall performance, this is a minor drawback.

Setting up the lights was a breeze, thanks to the helpful video instructions and user-friendly app. I was able to connect the lights to the app effortlessly, and it was preset to the Hawaii setting, which created a beautiful cloudy, greenish look in the tank. It's important to mention that these lights use Bluetooth connection instead of WiFi, so you need to be within a few feet to make changes. Despite this limitation, the app works well and is incredibly easy to use.

As someone who rarely writes reviews, I felt compelled to share my thoughts on these lights. Finding quality lights for a 72" tank can be challenging, and they often come with a hefty price tag. However, these HE Electronics EDGE fixtures in the 36" version proved to be an excellent solution for my 125-gallon tank. The lights were securely packaged, and the build quality exceeded my expectations. The finish of the lights is visually appealing, and they are incredibly sturdy, unlike many other lights that tend to flex or sag.

The setup process was quick and straightforward, with a helpful quick setup guide provided. While the instructions on using the app were limited, this is a common occurrence with app-controlled lights, regardless of the brand. It took me some time to figure out all the settings and functionalities, but the effort was well worth it. Once you become familiar with the app, it is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

What sets these lights apart is the unbeatable price point for such high-quality fixtures. Although there are limited reviews for these lights, I believe they are priced low to encourage people to try them out. In my opinion, they are worth double the price, considering the competition. The fact that the lights can be controlled simultaneously as if they were one unit is another significant advantage, particularly for setups requiring multiple lights.

This lamp is a fantastic choice for a 10-gallon nano reef tank. Once you familiarize yourself with the settings, you will be amazed by its performance. It is undoubtedly one of the best budget-friendly full-spectrum LEDs available in the market. The light provided by this lamp truly makes the corals pop, and it also enhances the activity levels of the fish in the tank.

Moreover, this lamp offers a variety of settings, making it suitable for shallow reef tanks like mine. The brightness of the light is impressive and is sufficient for growing soft corals. I have been using it on my 20-gallon long tank, and I am extremely satisfied with its performance.

However, I would not recommend this light for any type of tank, especially not for a reef tank. It lacks a timer or remote control, which can be quite inconvenient. Additionally, the fan built into the light stopped working after less than six weeks of use, causing the tank to overheat. This has left me feeling very disappointed, as it turned out to be a total waste of money.

The lights I purchased for my reef tank have exceeded my expectations. Despite being priced affordably, they have performed exceptionally well. The color rendition of my corals is outstanding, and the blending of the individual diodes is superior to many other lights on the market. Additionally, the lenses prevent the light from being too bright and blinding when I am in the same room as the tank.

While the control and mounting of the lights are not the strongest aspects, they are still functional and included in the package at such a reasonable price. The control is easy to use, although it lacks some advanced features. The mounting is adequate, although it does feel a bit flimsy. Nevertheless, considering the price point, it is impressive that the lights come with mounting included.

Unfortunately, there is no PAR data provided in the listing, so I took it upon myself to measure the PAR levels in my own tank. I found that at a distance of 12.5 inches under the light, the PAR reading was around 350 directly under the fixture. Within a 6-inch radius of that, the PAR was approximately 275. At a depth of 17 inches, the PAR measured around 250, with the surrounding 6-inch area reaching about 210. At the bottom of my 45-gallon cube, 26 inches under the light, the PAR directly under the light was 170, while the rest of the sandbed measured between 100 and 150.

In terms of longevity and coral growth, I cannot yet provide an assessment as it requires more time. However, based on their performance thus far, I am optimistic. Overall, these lights are a fantastic purchase, offering great value for the price. They are well-designed and well-made, delivering excellent spectrum and color mixing. The menu and touch controls are user-friendly, and the dimmer and night modes are convenient features. The cooling system is effective, and the fan operates quietly. The light also provides an even spread without excessive spillage. The cord length is ample, and the stand allows for easy adjustment.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. When powered on, the lights flash all the colors on high for a couple of seconds, regardless of the mode they were in when turned off. Additionally, during sunset and sunrise, the color mix slightly changes due to the limited dimming increments. The light is not waterproof and lacks proper sealing, so caution must be taken to prevent water damage. Lastly, there is a small flashing light on the outside that continuously flashes every 2 seconds, despite the option to turn it off in the menu not functioning.

I recently purchased the reef bulb and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. This versatile light is capable of growing a wide range of corals, from Xenia to shelf SPS. The growth I have witnessed in just 18 months is truly remarkable, as shown in the picture of the pink leather coral.

I initially bought this bulb for my nano tank and it has proven to be a great investment. Not only does it provide excellent lighting for the corals, but it also adds a visually appealing touch to the tank. I simply placed it in an old deep dome that I had lying around and it fit perfectly.

Impressed with its performance, I decided to purchase three more for my 40G Long Frag Tank. The SPS, LPS, and Softies in the tank all respond well to this light, and I only need to supplement with some blue LED lights for nighttime illumination.

One of the standout features of this reef bulb is its heat output. It generates just the right amount of heat to promote coral growth, but I would caution against placing it too close to the tank if you don't have a chiller. However, for saltwater coral reef growers, this is an excellent choice.

Personally, I am in love with this reef bulb. It provides great lighting for my 10-gallon bare bottom nano tank, and my corals thrive under its glow. The light quality is exactly what I was looking for, and it far surpasses the performance of my previous Aqueon full spectrum LED strip.

As a beginner in the saltwater aquarium hobby, finding affordable yet effective lighting has been a challenge. I am pleased to have found this reef bulb, as it ticks all the boxes for me. It is not overly expensive, high-tech, or filled with unnecessary features. It is perfect for my low-tech 55-gallon tank with nano reef fish.

I have been using three of these lights on my 220-gallon freshwater planted tank for almost a month now, and I am very pleased with the results. These lights emit a significant amount of par, which has greatly benefited the growth of my plants. While the light does not spread as much as I would like, raising them higher above the water's surface has helped with the coverage. I have also noticed that after adding these lights and increasing the Co2 levels, my plants have been growing and pearling excessively. The lights themselves are also very quiet, which is a bonus.

Update: It has now been six months since I started using these lights, and I still love them. They are incredibly bright, to the point where I have had to turn down the intensity. My plants have been growing out of control with the help of these lights.

This light is excellent considering its price. I have found that by minimizing the white LEDs and adding more blue ones, the light becomes even better. Its wider dimensions provide better coverage compared to its competitors. I have even managed to use just one light on a 36" wide tank by placing less light-demanding corals on the corners. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it comes with a CE approved power supply in its own enclosure, addressing the safety concerns raised in a black box LEDs review from BRS. The two fans do produce some noise, but they keep the light cool. Although the light only ships with four wires and hooks, which is not enough to hang it right out of the box, a quick trip to the hardware store and a $6 investment solved the problem. The LED emits a bright and sharp color that mixes very well, without any disco light effect. The only noticeable color separation is in the edges of dark shadows. The corals show much more color, especially in the green and red spectrum, compared to t5 lights. So far, my corals seem to be thriving under this light. I would highly recommend it.

I currently have one of these lights over a 65-gallon tank, and I am planning to buy another one. I have been using one for over a year now in a mixed LPS and SPS mixed reef, and even my SPS corals have been growing under just one light. This light is powerful and effective, especially considering its affordable price. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend this light.

I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of the ARKNOAH LED light. The color temperature is slightly warmer than the MARS AQUA light that I also own, and it even has a subtle purple/pink hue. I did find that I needed to increase the settings by about 10% to achieve the same par level as the MARS AQUA, but considering the price point, this is a minor inconvenience. The light itself looks visually appealing and provides ample par for my needs.

I have been using these lights for my tank for 3-4 years now, and I have no regrets. They have proven to be durable and long-lasting, only requiring replacement after a significant period of time. This makes them a great deal in my opinion, especially considering their effectiveness in promoting coral growth.

Around two years ago, I purchased three sets of these lights for my aquarium, and I have had no issues with them whatsoever. They have performed flawlessly, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of reliable lighting for their aquarium.

I currently have this light installed on my Boi cube Frag tank, and I am pleased to report that all my frags are thriving and growing well. This further demonstrates the effectiveness of the ARKNOAH LED light in providing the necessary illumination for optimal coral growth.

In terms of functionality, this light serves its purpose perfectly. It effectively illuminates the top of my aquarium, allowing me to easily observe and appreciate my invertebrates and other aquatic life. It is a good quality light that arrived promptly after being shipped. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend it to others without hesitation.

I recently purchased the Great Lights for my aquarium and I must say, I am highly impressed with the quality and performance of these lights. Here is an objective review of the product:

Pros:

1. Impressive light intensity: The Great Lights provide a high level of light intensity, which is ideal for coral growth. Despite not having a PAR meter, I have noticed significant positive responses from the corals at the bottom of my 21-inch deep tank.

2. Extensive control options: The lights offer fine-tuning capabilities for Whites, Blues, and Violets, all of which can be manually controlled. This level of customization allows for optimal lighting conditions for different aquatic species.

3. Sturdy build quality: The Great Lights are built to last. They possess a solid construction that feels sturdy and durable. Additionally, the lights have an aesthetically pleasing design, making them a great addition to any aquarium setup.

Cons:

1. Short power cable: One drawback I noticed was the short length of the power cable. However, I contacted the seller regarding this issue and they assured me that they are addressing it. In the meantime, purchasing a longer power cable was an inexpensive solution.

2. Manual controls: To have the lights come on and go off as desired, a timer is necessary. While this is not a major inconvenience, it is worth mentioning for those who prefer automated lighting schedules.

The Great Lights have truly enhanced the colors within my aquarium. I have noticed details that were previously unnoticeable, such as the presence of baby snails. The lights bring out vibrant colors, making the aquarium visually appealing. Additionally, their affordability makes them an attractive option for those planning to transition to a saltwater setup in the future.

The difference in lighting between the Great Lights and my previous setup is astounding. The coverage provided is exceptional, and the blues in particular make the corals truly stand out. The ability to daisy chain the lights is a convenient feature, reducing the number of outlets required. Furthermore, the noise level from the fans is negligible. Considering the price, I believe these lights offer great value for money, especially when on a budget with a family.

As of now, the Great Lights have proven to be bright and have a pleasing shimmering effect on the rocks and sand in my aquarium. The lights come in a well-designed housing and feature straightforward analog dimmer knobs. While some may argue that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are unnecessary, I find their absence to be a positive aspect, as it keeps the lights affordable. Only time will tell if these lights will last, but for now, they are functioning flawlessly.