Editor's Choice - Our Favorite LED Aquarium Lights

1. NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs

User Ratings: 80 3

NICREW ZJL-60A First Impressions

"- no color control."

As long as you seal it before using it, it should perform well. Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price. I'm very happy with the light performance. This light does a great job and grows plants in a rapid rate. Most lights make it still so dark you can't see. I purchased 2 of these lights for my 90 gal reef tank. No bad algae, Corals show great expansion, nice growth, and good coloration.

  • NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs
  • Super bright, energy-efficient and long-lasting LEDs promotes healthy, vibrant growth of fish and aquatic plants, to produce brilliant lighting to your aquascape
  • Two lighting modes: White & Blue LEDs for daylight and Blue LEDs only for nightlight, created especially for freshwater aquariums
  • Adjustable metal brackets to fit aquarium tank from 18 inches to 24 inches, light body without adjustable mounting brackets: 16.2 in L x 4 in W
  • Compatible with NICREW Single-channel timer and Single-channel timer Pro, gradually turn the light on to simulate sunrise, and to dim the light to simulate sunset
  • 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 ZJL-60A
  • Brightness [star rating='4.7']
  • Quality [star rating='3.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

NICREW ZJL-60A Final Thoughts

"Except the programming."

Its sold in different lengths and worked great for this light. This light is definitely amazing build quality and brightness for the price! Overall build quality is really good. The purple hue bugged me that much I returned it. Programming the lights was a breeze, and it lights up my tank well. The Nicrew comes with 2 different brackets to make sure it fits your aquarium. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(11082 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated LED Aquarium Lights

2. hygger Full Spectrum Aquarium Light with Aluminum Alloy Shell Extendable Brackets, White Blue Red LE...

User Ratings: 79 3

hygger First Impressions

"It is awsome!"

The plants love it and it's easy on the eyes. The timer mode utilized seems like the only timer mode I wouldn't really ever want. So I contacted customer service and asked them to send me a new transformer. Even the torch, frogspawn and brain at the bottom of the tank is doing well. All my plants doubled in size in a month as shown in the pictures. I am going to have to order more for my 55s after seeing what this one can do . I have a very big 55 gallon corner tank that had a big hood on the top.

  • hygger Full Spectrum Aquarium Light with Aluminum Alloy Shell Extendable Brackets, White Blue Red LEDs, External Controller, for Freshwater Fish Tank
  • 【Ultra Bright Led Light】this aquarium led light is DC12V/14W, 5730 large leds, super bright, makes the aquarium water look more sparkly clean.Suggest for fish tank 18 inch to 24 inch in width, support low-to-mid light level plant growth. Input: AC100-240V/60HZ. Suitable for freshwater aquarium, not for saltwater use
  • 【Adjustable Brackets】the fish tank light comes with 2 metal and 2 plastic mounting brackets, which are both freely extendable. You can easily to install this led fish tank light on most aquarium tanks, with cover or no, with rims or rimless
  • 【3 Light Color Modes】this aquarium light has 3 light modes: White LEDS, Blue+white+red LEDS, Red+ blue LEDS, it's very easy to shift the color by press the second button for 1 to 3 times on the controller. Color changes will make your one aquarium change to 3 different wonderful views
  • 【Brightness & Timing】 you can adjust the light brightness from 100% to 10% according to your prefer or the light needs of the plants, 5 levels of brightness in total. Besides, on the external controller, you can set the lighting time to 3, 6 or 12 hours by pressing the third button for 1 to 3 times
  • 【Durable Aquarium Light】low profile mounting bracket fish tank light, with aluminum alloy metal shell,has a nice feel and fast heat dissipation. With high-quality leds, energy efficient, can last up to 20000 hours of lighting
  • The whole light shell is aluminum alloy metal, nice touch feel, fast heat dissipation.
  • Comes with 2 kinds of extendable mounting brackets.
  • External controller has memory function when timer is off in case of power-down.
  • Manufacture: hygger
  • Product Dimensions: 16.2 x 3.2 x 2.4 inches; 1.39 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The hygger
  • Brightness [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

hygger Final Thoughts

"Well worth it I think!"

Also note this is an initial impression review. You'll have to DIY it, and even then it might not look great. So my ALL Blues run alone one hour before and an hour after. That said, I tried it out today and it's gorgeous! This one beats them all and now Im going to have to get back into some stem plants. So these lights obviously can produce SPS required PAR light levels. Also note this is an initial impression review.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(4193 Points)

3. NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum LED Fish Tank Light for Freshwater Plan...

User Ratings: 81 2

NICREW N10372 First Impressions

"Then it'll be 10 stars."

Suprized how well it lights up this tank. The remote that comes with the light leaves a lot to be desired. There IS a purple hue to this fixture. I like that it has a timer built into the control module too. My only concern is that the lowest setting is very bright. For the price you will not find a better light on the market. Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price.

  • NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum LED Fish Tank Light for Freshwater Plants
  • Aluminum alloy shell is stylish and incredibly durable; energy-efficient LED lighting to extend the operational life span
  • The full-spectrum array combines white, blue, red and green LEDs to be brighter than the most lights, producing a fine-tuned color spectrum for aquatic plants
  • Adjustable docking mounts provide an easy way for quick adaptability to fit both rimless and framed aquariums length 18 - 24 inch
  • Ideal for freshwater or saltwater fish and medium-high light level plants
  • This product is recommended for use over glass or acrylic canopy-covered aquariums
  • Manufacture: NICREW
  • Product Dimensions: 17.52 x 4.57 x 2.52 inches; 1.54 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The NICREW N10372
  • Brightness [star rating='4.9']
  • Quality [star rating='4.1']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

NICREW N10372 Final Thoughts

"So we used tape."

Thia works fantastic for my 75 G salt tank. Another note, there are more blue LED than red LED. As long as you seal it before using it, it should perform well. I added a moon light separately and all is good. It should be much further down the cord so that it can be hidden if desired. I like that it has a timer built into the control module too. The daytime lights are MUCH brighter than the lights my Top Fin hood has built in.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(3801 Points)

4. MingDak LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light Under Water Light Submersible Crystal Glass Lights White...

User Ratings: 72 4

MingDak First Impressions

"Best thing I did!"

You'll have to DIY it, and even then it might not look great. Therefore you cannot use this fixture on a customer timer. Programming the lights was a breeze, and it lights up my tank well. This lights had the reviews i was looking for. That said, I tried it out today and it's gorgeous! I am going to have to order more for my 55s after seeing what this one can do . I initially planned to put this light on a 10 gallon with some javaferns and moss.

  • MingDak LED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light Under Water Light Submersible Crystal Glass Lights White Light/Blue Light
  • Output 12V/0.5A Brighter than 5V/1A
  • Great for night viewing,Great night light and tank illuminator,cool White LEDs add a shimmering effect to your reef
  • Mingdak's fish tank litht bar brings the light to the inside of your aquarium. The in-frame mounting allows you to see the light without seeing the fixture
  • All are fully submersible and come with suction cups to give you endless possibilities on how to use these systems.Super water resistant
  • Safe and low voltage:LED lights is 20% brighter and is designed for reliable, long-term performance
  • Manufacture: MingDak
  • Product Dimensions: 7.09 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches; 5.29 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MingDak
  • Brightness [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.9']

MingDak Final Thoughts

"The blues are beautiful."

This will also give you the blue lights while the whites are on throughout the day. It's not an issue now that I understand it, but I thought it was broken at first. I have to once again sing praises for this light and company. Another note, there are more blue LED than red LED. For the price you will not find a better light on the market. This light is definitely amazing build quality and brightness for the price! This will also give you the blue lights while the whites are on throughout the day.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(3761 Points)

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling LED Aquarium Lights

5. Marineland LED Light Hood for Aquariums, Day & Night Light

User Ratings: 66 6

MarineLand 32994 First Impressions

"I'm very pleased."

For the price these lights are incredible. I am very pleased and plan to get the smaller version for my betta tank. No pictures because the camera on the phone couldn't pick it up. Also note this is an initial impression review. I was skeptical about only having 3 lighting types at first. I added a moon light separately and all is good. I am very pleased and plan to get the smaller version for my betta tank.

  • Marineland LED Light Hood for Aquariums, Day & Night Light
  • DOMED HOOD Sleek design with energy-efficient LED light bar
  • NATURAL EFFECT White LEDs create a shimmering illumination that mimics sunlight’s natural underwater effect
  • HINGED Includes two sets of hinges to fit most popular frame sizes – for easy access during maintenance
  • SIZE Measures 24 inches by 12 inches
  • Manufacture: Marineland
  • Product Dimensions: 24 x 12.25 x 3.63 inches; 2 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MarineLand 32994
  • Brightness [star rating='3.8']
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.4']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.9']

MarineLand 32994 Final Thoughts

"I hope this light lasts."

Trust me u will not be disappointed! 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 very pleased and plan to get the smaller version for my betta tank. It's not too bright and not too dim. Thanks u so much Hygger for all the amazing equipment u offer. No pictures because the camera on the phone couldn't pick it up.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(2723 Points)

6. 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)

7. Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light | with Loop IR Controller for Wireless Lighting & Wave Pump Contr...

User Ratings: 67 8

Current USA 4101 First Impressions

"I love this light."

‍♂️Rgbw, Multiple settings, 3 stage timer. Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price. I just set them up today so I will adjust and update this review accordingly. I really wanted to like this light, but ultimately it didn't work for me. PAR readings were taken with an apogee par meter. It's not too bright and not too dim. Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price.

  • Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light | with Loop IR Controller for Wireless Lighting & Wave Pump Control
  • BRIGHTER, MORE COLORS- Your aquarium is full of spectacular colors, why not bring them all to life. Introducing the new Orbit Marine LED. Now packed with even more ultra-bright LEDs in a far wider color spectrum, it will make your corals and fish look even more spectacular. And it’s now in the LOOP, providing both light and pump control, taking your aquarium experience to a whole new level.
  • SUPER COLOR- Producing eye-popping color rendition and brilliant shimmer effects, the Orbit Marine produces a limitless number of color spectrums. A higher ratio of actinic blue spectrum LEDs balanced with full spectrum creates the perfect color combination for fish, inverts, live rock and corals to fluoresce and look amazing. Wide angle dispersion lenses evenly spread light over your entire tank while ensuring superior color blending.
  • MULTIPLE MODES- With modes that dim periodically to create cloud cover effects, storm modes that will blow you away complete with lightning strikes and innovative evening modes that include lunar and dusk – it’s sure to add excitement and intrigue to any aquarium.
  • EASY INSTALLATION- Extendable brakets allows this LED light to fit most aquairum fish tanks 18-24 inches wide.
  • REALISTIC EFFECTS- From start-up to sundown, the Orbit Marine gradually mimics the effect of a slow sunrise, bright daylight, dimming sunset and moonlight. Built-in lighting programs create a 24-hour natural biorhythmic lighting cycle, while on-demand dynamic weather effects gently roll clouds across your reef.
  • Manufacture: Current USA
  • Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 3.5 x 0.44 inches; 2.15 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Current USA 4101
  • Brightness [star rating='4.4']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.7']

Current USA 4101 Final Thoughts

"I love it."

Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price. Sadly I can't really use it yet because the glass canopy I ordered hasn’t arrived. The entire process took only a few days. Overall, this appears to be a good light for the price. Sadly I can't really use it yet because the glass canopy I ordered hasn’t arrived. But now was an opportunity to upgrade. If necessary, I'll just buy one more and I'm sure I'll be fine.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(1954 Points)

8. 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)

9. MingDak Submersible LED Aquarium Light,Fish Tank Light with Timer Auto On/Off, White & Blue LED Ligh...

User Ratings: 73 3

MingDak First Impressions

"What a pain!"

Wanted to return it but decided to keep it for my quarantine tank. Few months ago I decided to try my hand at propagation coral. I think the blue lights are meant to be an evening light. It's a simple design, easy and intuitive to set up, adjustable and fits great. PAR readings were taken with an apogee par meter. Another note, there are more blue LED than red LED. I contacted Nicrew support over the weekend and received a reply within hours.

  • MingDak Submersible LED Aquarium Light,Fish Tank Light with Timer Auto On/Off, White & Blue LED Light bar Stick for Fish Tank, 3 Light Modes Dimmable,6W,11 Inch
  • 3 LIGHTING MODES: The white, the bule or the white & blue light brings out the color of everything in tank,creates a wonderful aquascape. It is the best choice for main light, accent light,or replacement aquarium hood light.
  • GOOD FOR PLANT & FISH: Ultra-bright 7000-7500k White LEDs and rich 460nm blue light are sufficient to grow your plant thriving.It also lights your fish in a way that really changes their color to stand out.
  • BUILT-IN TIMER: The fish tank light has built-in timer and 3 timing durations, it 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.
  • BUILT-IN DIMMER: There are 30 super bright leds in the 11 inch fish tank light, if you have over bright issues, you can adjust the brightness with the built-in dimmer for each white light and blue light.
  • WATERPROOF AND EASY TO MOUNT: It is submersible and with moveable suction cups, mount the light on tank bottom or at the top, attach it into the tank any angle or even outside the tank.
  • Manufacture: MingDak
  • Item Weight: 7.7 ounces
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The MingDak
  • Brightness [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='4.7']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.7']

MingDak Final Thoughts

"It does not feel cheap."

That said, I tried it out today and it's gorgeous! All my plants doubled in size in a month as shown in the pictures. For the price you will not find a better light on the market. The timers are exactly what I needed to create sunrise and sunset effect. I now own 2 of these lights and I love them. This tank is 15 years old with lps and sps corals. When I ordered my second light it arrived with a dead transformer.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(1836 Points)

10. 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)

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