Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Fresh Water Aquarium Lights
1. AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light 12" 20" 24" 30“ 36" 48" Multi-Color Fres...
User Ratings: 73 3
AQUANEAT First Impressions
"So far A+ rating."The ramp timer also seems to help the fish and shrimp a lot, especially newer ones. Both are quality lights, well built with excellent output. I am running 20 something aquariums and have multiple lights running in my fishroom. I changed my review and contacted Hygger. That said, I tried it out today and it's gorgeous! I added a moon light separately and all is good. Best of all you see the true color of your plants and fish.
- AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light 12" 20" 24" 30“ 36" 48" Multi-Color Fresh Water Light
- Fits aquarium tank from 18" to 24" in length with adjustable mounting brackets
- Light body without docking brackets: 17” L x 2.7” W. Tank thickness: No limit to rim size
- Configuration: Total 42 LEDs, 30 pcs 6500K white LED, 6pcs blue LED, 3 pcs pink LED, 3 pcs Green LED
- Mode: all lights on and all lights off
- Super bright and energy efficient LEDs, suitable for all freshwater NOTE: KEEP THE LIGHT AWAY FROM THE SPLASHING WATER
- Manufacture: AQUANEAT
- Editor's Impressions Of The AQUANEAT
- Brightness [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
AQUANEAT Final Thoughts
"No remote."The Nicrew comes with 2 different brackets to make sure it fits your aquarium. Overall build quality is really good. It has multiple settings, dimmer and a TIMER! My main display has been running with ecotech radions. It's so bright, I was concerned that I would bleach the corals at the 1 setting. It should be much further down the cord so that it can be hidden if desired. They truly stand behind their products for the full 1 year warranty.
Overall Score
4.5
(717 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Fresh Water Aquarium Lights
2. Honpal LED Aquarium Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs,Fish Tank Light for Fresh Wa...
User Ratings: 67 7
Honpal First Impressions
"Then the bars slide out."We just run the bright lights during the day. Also note this is an initial impression review. That said, I tried it out today and it's gorgeous! However, each brings a distinct look to the tank. They inquired about the issue with the item and then they replaced it right away. This light is amazing, especially for the price. You'll have to DIY it, and even then it might not look great.
- Honpal LED Aquarium Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs,Fish Tank Light for Fresh Water and Salt Water
- Energy efficient and high quality LEDs. 7.5W,42 LEDs(39 White Light+3 Blue Light)
- Black shell with adjustable metal brackets to fit aquarium tank from 11.5 inches to 19.6 inches.
- Two lighting modes: White+Blue LEDs for daylight and Blue LEDs for nightlight.Ideal for fresh water and seawater.
- This light is conducive to the growth of aquatic plants.It also can create a special lighting effect and atmosphere for your fish tanks.
- Three position waterproof design ,white+blue, off and blue.Easy to use, just put it on the top of fish tank and plug into the power.
- Power: 7.5W
- Voltage: 100-240v 0.3A 50/60hz
- Output: DC 12V 1A
- Manufacture: Honpal
- Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 4.9 x 0.78 inches; 15.2 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Honpal
- Brightness [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.5']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.4']
- Affordability [star rating='4.4']
Honpal Final Thoughts
"Mainly wanted timer."♂️Rgbw, Multiple settings, 3 stage timer. I would highly recommend this light for anyone looking. This is another awsome product from hygger. Overall, this LED light gives new fish tank owners the best bang for the buck. I now own 2 of these lights and I love them. So these lights obviously can produce SPS required PAR light levels. This will also give you the blue lights while the whites are on throughout the day.
Overall Score
4.3
(377 Points)

3. Aquaneat Aquarium Light White and Blue LED 12" 20" 24" 30" 36" 48" Fresh Water Fish Tank Light
User Ratings: 75 3
AQUANEAT First Impressions
"Well worth it I think!"The purple hue bugged me that much I returned it. The daytime lights are MUCH brighter than the lights my Top Fin hood has built in. Both are quality lights, well built with excellent output. It's been a few years since I left this review and thought I'd leave an update. However, each brings a distinct look to the tank. So these lights obviously can produce SPS required PAR light levels. It does give a nice look though if that's what you're going for.
- Aquaneat Aquarium Light White and Blue LED 12" 20" 24" 30" 36" 48" Fresh Water Fish Tank Light
- Fits aquarium tank from 18" to 24" in length with adjustable mounting brackets
- Light body without docking brackets: 17” L x 2.7” W. Tank thickness: No limit to rim size
- Configuration: total 42 LEDs, 36pcs 6500K white LED, 6pcs blue LED
- Mode: all lights on and all lights off
- Super bright and energy efficient LEDs, suitable for all freshwater. NOTE: KEEP THE LIGHT AWAY FROM THE SPLASHING WATER
- Manufacture: AQUANEAT
- Editor's Impressions Of The AQUANEAT
- Brightness [star rating='4']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.8']
- Affordability [star rating='3.9']
AQUANEAT Final Thoughts
"My cats love it!"So these lights obviously can produce SPS required PAR light levels. I like that it has a timer built into the control module too. My only concern is that the lowest setting is very bright. I contacted NICREW they were great with customer service. Even the torch, frogspawn and brain at the bottom of the tank is doing well. I actually thought the tank had constant algae blooms before I got this light. So if you set it to white only, it will default to ALL lights on.
Overall Score
4.6
(358 Points)

4. Aquaneat LED Aquarium Light Color Adjustable 12" 20" 24" Fish Tank Light Marine FOWLR Blue and White...
User Ratings: 63 5
AQUANEAT First Impressions
"I'm very pleased."They truly stand behind their products for the full 1 year warranty. As long as you seal it before using it, it should perform well. All of the LEDs appear to illuminate and the lights dim smoothly. Thanks u so much Hygger for all the amazing equipment u offer. Both are quality lights, well built with excellent output. I think the blue lights are meant to be an evening light. Its sold in different lengths and worked great for this light.
- Aquaneat LED Aquarium Light Color Adjustable 12" 20" 24" Fish Tank Light Marine FOWLR Blue and White
- Color adjustable with 3 group of LED lights, each group can be turned on and off separately
- Group 1: only 26 pcs white lights on if you do not like blueish tank; Group 2: 3 blue lights on for night mode; Group 3: another 3 blue lights on
- There are totally 7 combinations you can set to meet all your need. With the design which blue and white can be controlled separately, you can adjust the color of your tank. If you want more blue, turn on all the blue lights.
- Fits aquarium tank from 11" to 14" in length with adjustable mounting brackets
- Suitable for Fresh Water Tank: bright, energy efficient and long lasting full spectrum LEDs emit enough light for your fresh water fish. NOTE: KEEP THE LIGHT AWAY FROM THE SPLASHING WATER
- Manufacture: AQUANEAT
- Editor's Impressions Of The AQUANEAT
- Brightness [star rating='3.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.3']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
- Affordability [star rating='3.6']
AQUANEAT Final Thoughts
"I'll elaborate in a bit."It's not too bright and not too dim. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. All of the LEDs appear to illuminate and the lights dim smoothly. Its sold in different lengths and worked great for this light. This light is amazing, especially for the price. This one beats them all and now Im going to have to get back into some stem plants. It does give a nice look though if that's what you're going for.
Overall Score
4.3
(221 Points)

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Fresh Water Aquarium Lights
5. Marineland Advanced LED Strip Light for Salt & Fresh Water Aquariums
User Ratings: 62 11
MarineLand ML90619 First Impressions
"But I didn't need them."The ramp timer also seems to help the fish and shrimp a lot, especially newer ones. Wanted to return it but decided to keep it for my quarantine tank. However, each brings a distinct look to the tank. But now was an opportunity to upgrade. I am very pleased and plan to get the smaller version for my betta tank. But I will stick with the Nicrew classic LED PLUS as it also has full spectrum. I bought the smaller one without realizing it.
- Marineland Advanced LED Strip Light for Salt & Fresh Water Aquariums
- Daylight LED Lamps provides brighter output than two typical fluorescent bulbs
- Lunar LED Lamps replicate the moon light cycle
- Integrated timer allows you to control the daytime and lunar settings automatically
- Adjustable mounting legs for flexibility in 18-24” aquarium widths
- Energy efficient for up to $50 in annual savings* and up to 5 year lifetime**
- Refer to the PDF attached below for Manual
- Manufacture: Marineland
- Product Dimensions: 51.5 x 6.67 x 3.25 inches; 6.42 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The MarineLand ML90619
- Brightness [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.1']
- Affordability [star rating='3.3']
MarineLand ML90619 Final Thoughts
"It worked."What happens when you mix a lot of blue with a little red. The entire process took only a few days. For the price you will not find a better light on the market. Just got this light today, and WOW! Wanted to return it but decided to keep it for my quarantine tank. It's not an issue now that I understand it, but I thought it was broken at first. The Nicrew comes with 2 different brackets to make sure it fits your aquarium.
Overall Score
4.1
(157 Points)

6. Aquarium Lighting LED Fish Tank Hood Light Lamp for Freshwater Saltwater Marine Full Spectrum Blue a...
User Ratings: 83 5
PERSUPER First Impressions
"5 betta tank."Best of all you see the true color of your plants and fish. Thia works fantastic for my 75 G salt tank. Therefore you cannot use this fixture on a customer timer. Overall build quality is really good. If necessary, I'll just buy one more and I'm sure I'll be fine. However, each brings a distinct look to the tank. The timer mode utilized seems like the only timer mode I wouldn't really ever want.
- Aquarium Lighting LED Fish Tank Hood Light Lamp for Freshwater Saltwater Marine Full Spectrum Blue and White Decorations Light (11-18IN)
- Energy Saving & LED Light: super bright, energy-saving, durable LED fish tank light, bring amazing and natural effect to your aquarium, easy to use, external controler, adjust the effect and mode the of fish tank from outside with just a simple click.
- Water-Proof Hood: ABS black shell with adjustable mounting metal bracket, and it works all great for the tank with the length 11-18 inch.ensures that maximum light output is focused inside the marine aquarium, while five colors of 120-degree dispersion
- Variable light Modes:Our LED aquarium light are controllable—the user can shift color and intensity throughout the day to simulate dawn and dusk. full spectrum LED fluorescent lightning mode, blue LED luminous lamp multi-color light could be run at the same time, and it coud provide the promising lightning condition both for fresh water and sea water(Cool white light 6000 k-Yellow light 15000k)
- Better Plant Growth: While fish only aquariums can use basic lighting, our advanced LED aquarium lighting can simulate natural light cycles and weather, producing great output that benefit the plant growth of your fish tank.
- Built in Adjustable Frame: our absolute maximum light possible while avoiding any heating of the aquatic environment. The adjustable width aquarium frame mounts with extendable brackets to safely support and position the fixture of different tank sizes.
- Manufacture: PERSUPER
- Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Size: 11-18IN
- Editor's Impressions Of The PERSUPER
- Brightness [star rating='4.7']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
- Affordability [star rating='4.5']
PERSUPER Final Thoughts
"Love this light!"It's not too bright and not too dim. Mainly keeping montiporas, Xenia, birds nest, gorgonians, various sinularia. When I disassembled it- I found the light had no seal on either end cap. There IS a purple hue to this fixture. Trust me u will not be disappointed! The adjustable brightness levels are awesome too. Overall a good competitor to Nicrew.
Overall Score
4.6
(30 Points)

7. Number-one LED Aquarium Light, 12V 18.9inch Waterproof Fish Tank Light with Timer Auto On and Off, W...
User Ratings: 85
Number-One First Impressions
"So we used tape."Cycling through brightness levels is awkward as well. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. No pictures because the camera on the phone couldn't pick it up. You just position it over the glass strip where the old strip light used to sit. I actually thought the tank had constant algae blooms before I got this light. Programming the lights was a breeze, and it lights up my tank well. They truly stand behind their products for the full 1 year warranty.
- Number-one LED Aquarium Light, 12V 18.9inch Waterproof Fish Tank Light with Timer Auto On and Off, White and Blue LED Light Bar Strick for Fish Tank, Adjustable 3 Mode Lights
- 【Quality and Safe Materials】- The led aquarium light uses a transparent acrylic tube, with a smooth surface, good light transmission, easy to clean, energy saving, long life and low heat. The material is durable and will not cause any pollution. Its operation is a low-voltage DC 12V working voltage, which is safe enough and harmless to people or fish.
- 【3 Lighting Modes】- The fish tank light has white light, blue light or white blue light, which can make the color of all objects in the tank bright, creating a wonderful aquarium landscape. The color of the light can be enhanced by the switch. It is very suitable for night viewing, excellent night light and water tank illuminator.
- 【Bult-in Timer】- The fish tank light has built-in timer and 3 timing durations, led fish tank lights will come on and go off at the same time every day and light up for 6 hours,10 hours or 12 hours.No need to buy extra timer.
- 【IP68 Waterproof】-The three-layer encryption design, the aquarium led light IP68 waterproof, can be completely submerged. Low energy consumption, safe and reliable. Suitable for fresh water, brackish water or brackish water facilities.
- 【Easy to Use】- This aquarium light is designed with 2 powerful suction cups and a rubber protective cover to prevent collision and damage. Can be installed on fish tanks, aquariums and any container filled with water.
- Manufacture: Number-one
- Material: Abs
- Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 18.9 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches
- Color: Black
- Style: Antique
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: No
- Editor's Impressions Of The Number-One
- Brightness [star rating='3.8']
- Quality [star rating='4.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Number-One Final Thoughts
"Except the programming."The timer works well, and I love that there are different intervals. The corals look beautiful and the color spectrum is great. Seems to be doing pretty well for my planted tank also! When I added this light my plants where not looking well at all. I think the blue lights are meant to be an evening light. But I will stick with the Nicrew classic LED PLUS as it also has full spectrum. However, each brings a distinct look to the tank.
Overall Score
4.8
(10 Points)

Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Lights
8. NICREW SkyLED Aquarium Light Planted Tanks, Full Spectrum Freshwater Fish Tank Light
User Ratings: 77 5
NICREW First Impressions
"Pretty easy to program."I am running 20 something aquariums and have multiple lights running in my fishroom. If necessary, I'll just buy one more and I'm sure I'll be fine. The purple hue bugged me that much I returned it. I'd use it for a frag tank or maybe even a coral QT. The person I sold them to had one start smoking and burnt out the white channel. I would highly recommend this light for anyone looking. I contacted NICREW they were great with customer service.
- NICREW SkyLED Aquarium Light Planted Tanks, Full Spectrum Freshwater Fish Tank Light
- 6500K white LEDs and full spectrum RGB LEDs promote and support low-to-mid light level plant growth
- Improved in-line switch to reduce light damage by preventing moisture
- Extendable mounting brackets allow easy installation on a variety of aquarium widths
- LED strip light with independent White and RGB LED control
- A glass or acrylic canopy is highly recommended to extend the life of the unit by preventing moisture from affecting it
- Manufacture: NICREW
- Editor's Impressions Of The NICREW
- Brightness [star rating='4']
- Quality [star rating='3.5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.1']
- Affordability [star rating='3.6']
NICREW Final Thoughts
"Very nice light."This lights had the reviews i was looking for. I'm very happy with the light performance. Has all the functions I need and want, and I am happy with this purchase. The second pic is my old Top Fin light for comparison. I have a very big 55 gallon corner tank that had a big hood on the top. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. Also note this is an initial impression review.
Overall Score
4.5
(646 Points)

9. Nilipal LED Aquarium Light 50W Fish Tank Light Full Spectrum Built-in Timer and Dimmer with Adjustab...
Nilipal Z200 First Impressions
"Looks great."I initially planned to put this light on a 10 gallon with some javaferns and moss. All my plants doubled in size in a month as shown in the pictures. My only complaint is the missing seal. I've had other Nicrew lights on other tanks and they have all performed well for me. Another note, there are more blue LED than red LED. It's a simple design, easy and intuitive to set up, adjustable and fits great. It's the best bang for your buck for a minimal reef light.
- Nilipal LED Aquarium Light 50W Fish Tank Light Full Spectrum Built-in Timer and Dimmer with Adjustable Bracket for Freshwater Planted Fish Tank
- ▲Optimal Full Spectrum - Nilipal 50W LED aquarium light uses 292pcs WRGB led chips, can provide true full spectrum lights that has the similar effect as natural sunlight and therefore offers a very good growing habitat for Fish, Reptile and Plants. Can be used as Vivarium and Terrarium Light
- ▲Built-in Dimmer and Timer - Nilipal 50W LED aquarium light has buit-in dimmer and timer, very easy to use
- ▲Super Bright - Nilipal 50W LED aquarium light is suitable for 16-24 inch planted tank, can ideally replace the typical single or dual tube fluorescent lights and more energy saving.
- ▲Adjustable Aluminum Bracket - Stylish and modern look with low profile aluminum housing design, ensuring excellent heat dissipation, Nilipal led aquarium light uses full aluminum stand, you can easily adjustable the height and length
- ▲One Year Warranty - All our led aquarium lights have 1 year warranty and we offer a 30- day money back guarantee for a full refund, if you are not satisfied with the products and return them within 30 days. We have friendly customer service so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions
- Manufacture: Nilipal
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 10 x 14 inches; 3.42 Pounds
- Editor's Impressions Of The Nilipal Z200
- Brightness [star rating='5']
- Quality [star rating='4.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
- Affordability [star rating='4.6']
Nilipal Z200 Final Thoughts
"I love it."If necessary, I'll just buy one more and I'm sure I'll be fine. The daytime lights are MUCH brighter than the lights my Top Fin hood has built in. I purchased this item for my daughters Aqua plant tank. This light has some great intensity to it. This light is amazing, especially for the price. Most lights make it still so dark you can't see. I have to once again sing praises for this light and company.
Overall Score
5.0
(1 Points)

10. DONGKER LED Aquarium Light, 110V Clamp Aquarium Light Fish Tank Clip Light Aquarium Lighting LED Cli...
User Ratings: 59
DONGKER First Impressions
"So far A+ rating."I really like that I can get a 24-hour effect with the timer. This is another awsome product from hygger. I really wanted to like this light, but ultimately it didn't work for me. Even the torch, frogspawn and brain at the bottom of the tank is doing well. It's not an issue now that I understand it, but I thought it was broken at first. Most lights make it still so dark you can't see. The corals look beautiful and the color spectrum is great.
- DONGKER LED Aquarium Light, 110V Clamp Aquarium Light Fish Tank Clip Light Aquarium Lighting LED Clip Light Super Slim for Plants Illuminating
- Dimensions: 13 x 7.5 x 3.5cm.
- 24 LED: The 24 LED lights allows for bright illumination at a low energy cost.
- Long Life: Fashionable ultra-slim design and long service life.
- Suitable for: Suitable for fish tank within 5mm thickness.
- SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE: To Provide You With the Highest Quality Service, If You Have Any Question, Please Feel Free to Contact Us.We Will Provide After-sales Service Until You Are Satisfied.
- Manufacture: DONGKER
- Editor's Impressions Of The DONGKER
- Brightness [star rating='3.6']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
DONGKER Final Thoughts
"But for a DISPLAY."They did well enough during the time I had them. I am going to have to order more for my 55s after seeing what this one can do . This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. Sadly I can't really use it yet because the glass canopy I ordered hasn’t arrived. Trust me u will not be disappointed! This is the second Nicrew light I have purchased for my aquariums. Cycling through brightness levels is awkward as well.
Overall Score
4.6
(3 Points)
