Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Hanging Aquarium Lights

1. S SMIFUL LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light Waterproof RGB Color Changing Remote Control Underwater...

User Ratings: 68 7

S SMIFUL First Impressions

"No issues out of the box."

You just position it over the glass strip where the old strip light used to sit. I've had these lights for three weeks and so far they are AWESOME. When I disassembled it- I found the light had no seal on either end cap. As long as you seal it before using it, it should perform well. I eventually saw the tracking slip and it was terrible. I purchased 2 of these lights for my 90 gal reef tank. Trust me u will not be disappointed!

  • S SMIFUL LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light Waterproof RGB Color Changing Remote Control Underwater Submersible LED Lights Strip Background Decorate Glofish Betta Plant Lighting
  • >>> Colorful LED Lights --- Use of 21 RGB LED lights with 16 color 4 modes and controled by wireless remote, can make your fish tank a colorful landscape. Can be widely used in fish tanks, cisterns, rockeries, pet cages and others. Bright LED Bar can make your tank look like part of oceans, and your fish and reptiles seen where they're swimming or moving.
  • >>> Light dim adjustable --- There are two button(Rise / Down) in the left-top of the remote to adjust the brightness for this light.
  • >>> Color change speed adjustable --- Choose one of the mode "flash","strobe", "fade" or "smooth", then press the brightness adjust button to rise or down the color changing speed.
  • >>> IP68 Waterproof --- This LED light Bar could be submerged entirely under the water or put it out of the water, but the Power Adapter, Switch and Remote are Non-submersible! This light bar is very easy to attach to the fish tank with 2 suction cups (included), make it very easy to place on fish tank. This item can be put in the bottom of fish tank, on the top of fish tank and any where you want put in the fish tank to decorate your fish tank.
  • >>> Brighter and Safer --- 5050 LED lights chip is 20% brighter and is designed for reliable, long-term performance, energy saving and safe. And the explosion protection acrylic glass give a more clear and safer light for your aquariums.
  • Output: DV 12V
  • Input: AC 100-240V
  • LED Light Type: 5050
  • Manufacture: Smiful
  • Product Dimensions: 15 x 1.5 x 1 inches; 2.4 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The S SMIFUL
  • Brightness [star rating='3.3']
  • Quality [star rating='3.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

S SMIFUL Final Thoughts

"Using on 37 gal cube."

I am running 20 something aquariums and have multiple lights running in my fishroom. This is the second Nicrew light I have purchased for my aquariums. We just run the bright lights during the day. Like most led strips, this is low profile and thin. When I added this light my plants where not looking well at all. I actually thought the tank had constant algae blooms before I got this light. Therefore you cannot use this fixture on a customer timer.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(2125 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Hanging Aquarium Lights

2. MingDak LED Aquarium Light, Wireless Remote Control Fish Tank Light,RGB Colored Changing,Brightness ...

User Ratings: 73 3

MingDak First Impressions

"Actual length of the 7."

I just put half inch molding around the lights so they don't move. This light has some great intensity to it. I am very pleased and plan to get the smaller version for my betta tank. It does give a nice look though if that's what you're going for. I like that it has a timer built into the control module too. Programming the lights was a breeze, and it lights up my tank well. Wanted to return it but decided to keep it for my quarantine tank.

  • MingDak LED Aquarium Light, Wireless Remote Control Fish Tank Light,RGB Colored Changing,Brightness Adjustable,Underwater Submersible LED Light
  • UP GRADE LIGHT: Up graded RGB light beads brighter than others, long life span and energy saving;Upgraded suction cups give you endless possibilities on how to use these light;Water resistant can be fully submersible.
  • AQUARIUM BACKGROUND LIGHT: Install led light behind aquarium, background lighting create a stunning sunset, a vivid shores of a reef,or highlight submerged caves, takes your underwater view to a hole new level.
  • FISH AQUARIUM LIGHT: Submersive or above water mount ,brightly illuminate your fish with dazzling colors you choose, each color is individually adjustable for endless custom color blends.
  • AMBIANCE LIGHT: The brilliant lighting colors put yourself in the mood to focus, be creative, or simply relax and unwind, experience color therapy both day and night. Set the ambiance for any room or aquascape.
  • REMOTE CONTROL: With 16 solid colors and 4 various light modes, wireless remote control allows you to dial-in whatever color your want, Change intensity, adjust the color changing speed,turn light on/off on-demand.
  • Manufacture: MingDak
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MingDak
  • Brightness [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='3.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

MingDak Final Thoughts

"I'd recommend it."

I purchased 2 of these lights for my 90 gal reef tank. When I disassembled it- I found the light had no seal on either end cap. Will purchase from them again in the future, highly recommended. It illuminates my 20g long fish tank entirely and perfectly. It's not too bright and not too dim. I have seen no flickering or pulsing of these lights as reported by other reviewers. I am running 20 something aquariums and have multiple lights running in my fishroom.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(1861 Points)

3. NICREW Multi-Colored LED Aquarium Air Stone Disk, Round Fish Tank Bubbler with Auto Color Changing L...

User Ratings: 65 6

NICREW PT0291 First Impressions

"5gal tanks."

Trust me u will not be disappointed! This one beats them all and now Im going to have to get back into some stem plants. I now own 2 of these lights and I love them. For the price range of this light that is truly outstanding customer service. I have to once again sing praises for this light and company. Most lights make it still so dark you can't see. It's not an issue now that I understand it, but I thought it was broken at first.

  • NICREW Multi-Colored LED Aquarium Air Stone Disk, Round Fish Tank Bubbler with Auto Color Changing LEDs
  • Diameter: 2 inches
  • Promoting underwater supplemental oxygen
  • Slow color changing LED light
  • It fits for most aquariums, fish tanks, pools and other similar occasions
  • Package: Round Bubbling Stone Disk with suction cup, 3/16 in. tube and power adapter. Pump is not included
  • Manufacture: NICREW
  • Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.1 x 2.1 inches; 6.38 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The NICREW PT0291
  • Brightness [star rating='4.6']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

NICREW PT0291 Final Thoughts

"It turns everything blue."

I got my light today couldn't wait to put it on my blackwater tank. No bad algae, Corals show great expansion, nice growth, and good coloration. It's been a few years since I left this review and thought I'd leave an update. I can set it for 3-12 hours so helps save me sometime before work in the morning. I'm very happy with the light performance. I just put half inch molding around the lights so they don't move. All my plants doubled in size in a month as shown in the pictures.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(1822 Points)

4. MLJ LED Aquarium Light, 7-44 Inch Waterproof Fish Light White with Blue, RGB Underwater Lamp Submers...

User Ratings: 71 5

MLJ First Impressions

"I couldn't be happier."

My plants have been pearling by late evening since installing the light. As long as you seal it before using it, it should perform well. The remote that comes with the light leaves a lot to be desired. But I will stick with the Nicrew classic LED PLUS as it also has full spectrum. I am so in love with this lights and looking forward to start a new planted tank. Suprized how well it lights up this tank. I just set them up today so I will adjust and update this review accordingly.

  • MLJ LED Aquarium Light, 7-44 Inch Waterproof Fish Light White with Blue, RGB Underwater Lamp Submersible LED Light for Fish Tank
  • Waterproof--With waterproof IP68 rating, this LED light Bar could be submerged entirely under or above the water.
  • Multi-size--7-44 Inch, we offer different size for different fish tank type. Can be widely used in fish tanks, cisterns, rockeries, pet cages and others. Bright LED Bar can make your tank look like part of oceans, and your fish and reptiles seen where they're swimming or moving.
  • RGB Light--Up graded RGB light beads brighter than others, long life span and energy saving. Ultra bright and full spectrum RGB LEDs for showing vivid colors of aquatic plants and fish, can make your fish tank like a colorful landscape.
  • 24 Buttons RGB Remote Control for Color Changing-- You can choose between 2 flashing modes (slow flashing and fast flashing), 16 different colors and 4 flash modes (Flash / Strobe / Fade / Smooth) to create a charming atmosphere in the aquarium. If you are using the remote control for the first time, please remove the insulating foil and install a suitable button battery.
  • Easy to Use-- Firm suction cup is comfortable and essential. Rubber protective cap to prevent collision and damage. Made of a highly transparent and explosion-proof acrylic lampshade, it is durable and easy to clean. With low voltage of 12V, the LED aquarium light is safe and won't cause any harm to people or fish.
  • Manufacture: MLJ
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MLJ
  • Brightness [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.8']

MLJ Final Thoughts

"Looks great."

Seems to be doing pretty well for my planted tank also! Sealed very well and the shipping was next day. It's the best bang for your buck for a minimal reef light. Best of all you see the true color of your plants and fish. My main display has been running with ecotech radions. Suprized how well it lights up this tank. The entire process took only a few days.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(1025 Points)

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Hanging Aquarium Lights

5. VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Dimmable 165W 300W LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum for Grow Coral Reef M...

User Ratings: 75 4

VIPARSPECTRA First Impressions

"I did not."

I'd use it for a frag tank or maybe even a coral QT. The last pic is the blue setting on the NICREW light. The 300w light is 16lbs, so I wouldn't trust using drywall anchors to mount it. I thought they were fairly easy to set up. So my ALL Blues run alone one hour before and an hour after. No bad algae, Corals show great expansion, nice growth, and good coloration. This light is even better than I expected!

  • VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Dimmable 165W 300W LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum for Grow Coral Reef Marine Fish Tank LPS/SPS
  • VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series V165 LED Aquarium Light is scientifically engineered to keep the balance of the PAR output and coverage.
  • Internal timer allows you to turn the light on or off automatically and separately. Dimmable feature can be used to adjust two channels brightness individually.
  • V165 is full spectrum with our proprietary layout, which is contributed by thousands of ReefCentral members, has had years of success.
  • Suitable for all photosynthetic corals, be sure to acclimate your tank or new corals to the new light by slowing increasing its exposure/intensity to the light.
  • 1 year local warranty plus 30 days satisfaction or return guarantee.
  • Full spectrum that mimic natural light to help corals/fish achieve the best balance.
  • Built-in-Timer with two on/off settings one for blue and the other one for white.
  • Two channels brightness can be adjusted from 0% to 100% separately.
  • Manufacture: VIPARSPECTRA
  • Product Dimensions: 16 x 8.5 x 2.4 inches; 9.3 Pounds
  • Batteries: 1 Product Specific batteries required. (included)
  • Editor's Impressions Of The VIPARSPECTRA
  • Brightness [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='4.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

VIPARSPECTRA Final Thoughts

"Switch has 3 settings."

Just got this light today, and WOW! It has multiple settings, dimmer and a TIMER! They truly stand behind their products for the full 1 year warranty. What happens when you mix a lot of blue with a little red. My only concern is that the lowest setting is very bright. The daytime lights are MUCH brighter than the lights my Top Fin hood has built in. I really wanted to like this light, but ultimately it didn't work for me.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(846 Points)

6. COODIA Aquarium Hood Lighting Color Changing Remote Controlled Dimmable RGBW LED Light for Aquarium/...

User Ratings: 72 6

COODIA First Impressions

"Its awesome."

There IS a purple hue to this fixture. I have a very big 55 gallon corner tank that had a big hood on the top. Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price. This light is amazing, especially for the price. Cycling through brightness levels is awkward as well. I purchased three of these for my 240 gallon reef tank and they work incredibly well. My standard 10 gallon tank's hood finally crapped out on me.

  • COODIA Aquarium Hood Lighting Color Changing Remote Controlled Dimmable RGBW LED Light for Aquarium/Fish Tank, Extendable (for Fresh and Salt Water)
  • Multiple colors and multiple lighting modes.This light is also beneficial to grow plants.
  • With extendable bracket to adjust the length to fit your fish tank,fits tank 19 inch--28inch in length
  • Dedicated and professional power supply design, more energy-efficient,over 10000 hours lifespan
  • 2.4G remote technology is updated on July 15, no longer requests point the remote straight to the receiver. You can even control the light through a wall. High bright LEDs and dimmable with remote control
  • Easy to use, just put it on the top of fish tank and plug into the power. Ideal for freshwater and seawater
  • Manufacture: COODIA
  • Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.4 x 22.4 inches; 1.81 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The COODIA
  • Brightness [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

COODIA Final Thoughts

"These lights are great."

So I contacted customer service and asked them to send me a new transformer. Mainly keeping montiporas, Xenia, birds nest, gorgonians, various sinularia. It's a simple design, easy and intuitive to set up, adjustable and fits great. The person I sold them to had one start smoking and burnt out the white channel. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. I would highly recommend this light for anyone looking. I purchased this item for my daughters Aqua plant tank.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(778 Points)

7. MQ 8-20 in Submersible LED Aquarium Light, Color Changing Fish Tank Light with Remote Control, IP68 ...

User Ratings: 68 5

MQ First Impressions

"But I didn't need them."

But now was an opportunity to upgrade. This one beats them all and now Im going to have to get back into some stem plants. I'm very happy with the light performance. If necessary, I'll just buy one more and I'm sure I'll be fine. My only concern is that the lowest setting is very bright. For the price these lights are incredible. Compared to the original Classic, the Plus model is a very nice upgrade.

  • MQ 8-20 in Submersible LED Aquarium Light, Color Changing Fish Tank Light with Remote Control, IP68 Crystal Glass LED Lights Bar, for Fish Tank 10-35 inch
  • Colorful Visual Effect- 24 keys controller can provide 16 colors and 4 modes (smooth/flash/strobe/fade) for your fish tank. Multi Color Changing LED Lamp gives bright light effects and a totally different vision.
  • Lighting Brightness Adjustable - Two buttons (Rise / Down) in the left-top of the remote used to adjust the brightness for this light. It can make your fish tank a colorful landscape.
  • Energy saving - 5050 LED lights chip make the fish tank lights 35% brighter than others. 5050 SMD lamps are safe, low heat and long-lasting. Can be widely used in fish tank, turtle tank, reptile tank, pond and so on.
  • IP68 Waterproof – The fish tank light can be fully submerged in water and work underwater. 2 Strong Suction Cups allow you to fix the submersible fish tank light to the specific place as you wish.
  • Safety Design - With low voltage of 12V, the LED aquarium light is safe and won't cause any harm to people or fish. And the explosion protection acrylic glass give a more clear and safer light for your aquariums.
  • Waterproof: IP68 Waterproof for the LED bar
  • Light Color: 16 color with 4 modes
  • LED Light Type: 5050
  • Manufacture: MQ
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MQ
  • Brightness [star rating='3.8']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='4']

MQ Final Thoughts

" just in case."

You just position it over the glass strip where the old strip light used to sit. I have the tank set up as a riverine system, but fairly well planted. The adjustable brightness levels are awesome too. The timer mode utilized seems like the only timer mode I wouldn't really ever want. I've had these lights for three weeks and so far they are AWESOME. Now thanks to this light they are not only surviving but thriving also. Overall, this LED light gives new fish tank owners the best bang for the buck.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(684 Points)

8. Aquarium Bubble LED Lights RGBW, TOPBRY Remote Controlled Air Stone Disk, with 16 Color Changing, 4 ...

User Ratings: 66 8

TOPBRY BP-004 First Impressions

"Looks great."

The timer mode utilized seems like the only timer mode I wouldn't really ever want. The following Monday they shipped a new power supply. The person I sold them to had one start smoking and burnt out the white channel. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. For the price you will not find a better light on the market. Best of all you see the true color of your plants and fish. I think the blue lights are meant to be an evening light.

  • Aquarium Bubble LED Lights RGBW, TOPBRY Remote Controlled Air Stone Disk, with 16 Color Changing, 4 Lighting Effects for Fish Tank Decorations
  • 【Remote Control】11 LED RGBW Lights, 16-Colors Changing Effects and 4-Lighting Modes: FLASH/STROBE/FADE/SMOOTH, you can set up the effects you want at anytime, makes your aquarium and the fish more beautiful.
  • 【Adjustable Brightness】There are 7-levels brightness can be adjusted. You can find the most suitable brightness, don't worry about being too dark or too bright.
  • 【Round Disc Design】-Round disc shapes can stay steady at the bottom of the tank bubbler, maximizes the outlet area of the air stone, provides you with a amazing underwater effect.
  • 【Sealed Design】- Easy to install. Great design for underwater work, making fully submerged in fish tanks, fit for aquarium, fish tank, pool, etc.
  • 【Air Bubble Function】Built-in air bubble stone, you could connect the air pump to creates air bubbles for improving oxygenation and gas exchange. (AIR PUMP IS NOT INCLUDED)
  • Manufacture: TOPBRY
  • Part Number: BP-004
  • Item Weight: 15.2 ounces
  • Color: Black
  • Batteries Included?: No
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The TOPBRY BP-004
  • Brightness [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.7']

TOPBRY BP-004 Final Thoughts

"It is plenty of light."

It should be much further down the cord so that it can be hidden if desired. The person I sold them to had one start smoking and burnt out the white channel. When I disassembled it- I found the light had no seal on either end cap. We've got wide 13 gallon tank that is about 23 inches long. The built-in schedule will restrict you which is super annoying. The remote that comes with the light leaves a lot to be desired. Overall build quality is really good.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(608 Points)

9. MingDak Aquarium Air Bubble Light,Aquarium Air Bubbler Decorations,Volcano Ornament/LED Air Stone ...

User Ratings: 59 8

MingDak First Impressions

"I'm very pleased."

My plants have been pearling by late evening since installing the light. I have the tank set up as a riverine system, but fairly well planted. The built-in schedule will restrict you which is super annoying. I'm very happy with the light performance. The timer works well, and I love that there are different intervals. Trust me u will not be disappointed! Overall, this LED light gives new fish tank owners the best bang for the buck.

  • MingDak Aquarium Air Bubble Light,Aquarium Air Bubbler Decorations,Volcano Ornament/LED Air Stone Light for Fish Tank
  • Package Included: Air Stone Disk Round with 3 suction cup, 3/16 inch air tube and power adapter.Not Included Air Pump
  • Bubble Disk: Built-in air stone supplies more tiny air bubbles which can increase dissolved oxygen rate
  • Color-Changing Light: Auto Slowly changing colors one by one. It is a beautiful decoration in your fish tank.(NO REMOTE INCLUDED)
  • Color-Changing Light: Auto Slowly changing colors one by one. It is a beautiful decoration in your fish tank.
  • Suitable for most aquariums, fish tanks, pools and other similar occasions. CAN'T WORK WITH REMOTE
  • Manufacture: MingDak
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MingDak
  • Brightness [star rating='4.3']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.3']

MingDak Final Thoughts

"Switch has 3 settings."

It's the best bang for your buck for a minimal reef light. When I ordered my second light it arrived with a dead transformer. Overall, this LED light gives new fish tank owners the best bang for the buck. It's so bright, I was concerned that I would bleach the corals at the 1 setting. I can set it for 3-12 hours so helps save me sometime before work in the morning. The last pic is the blue setting on the NICREW light. Suprized how well it lights up this tank.

Overall Score
4.1

[star rating="4.1"]
(558 Points)

10. DXCEL LED Aquarium Air Bubble Light Fish Tank Air Curtain Bubble Stone Disk with 6 Color Changing LE...

User Ratings: 66 7

DXCEL First Impressions

"- no color control."

It's so bright, I was concerned that I would bleach the corals at the 1 setting. They immediately sent out the package via UPS but UPS lost it. Few months ago I decided to try my hand at propagation coral. Compared to the original Classic, the Plus model is a very nice upgrade. This light is even better than I expected! It's so bright, I was concerned that I would bleach the corals at the 1 setting. I have a very big 55 gallon corner tank that had a big hood on the top.

  • DXCEL LED Aquarium Air Bubble Light Fish Tank Air Curtain Bubble Stone Disk with 6 Color Changing LEDs
  • Can connect to air pump for air bubble billow effect (Air pump not included)
  • IP68 waterproof rate, excellent sealed design, can be fully submerged in water
  • 6 colour changing LEDs and an air stone combined in a single decor piece (2 inches diameter)
  • Built-in air stones create air bubbles for improved oxygenation and gas exchange
  • Creates a decorative array of bubbles and colorful column of air in your aquarium
  • Attach airline tubing (sold separately) to Air Inlet on the LED Bubble Ring.
  • Make sure Airstone is securely in place.
  • Connect Airline Tubing to an Air Pump (Air pump is not included).
  • Manufacture: Dxcel
  • Part Number: DX-001
  • Material: Stone
  • Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches
  • Color: Black
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Batteries Included?: No
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The DXCEL
  • Brightness [star rating='4.1']
  • Quality [star rating='4.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.8']

DXCEL Final Thoughts

"They are pretty clear."

It has multiple settings, dimmer and a TIMER! I just set them up today so I will adjust and update this review accordingly. Sadly I can't really use it yet because the glass canopy I ordered hasn’t arrived. So these lights obviously can produce SPS required PAR light levels. The purple hue bugged me that much I returned it. They truly stand behind their products for the full 1 year warranty. Overall, this LED light gives new fish tank owners the best bang for the buck.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(519 Points)

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