Best Aquarium Lights of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Aquarium lights are essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquatic environment. They provide the necessary light spectrum for the growth of plants and the well-being of fish and other aquatic creatures. There are a variety of options available, including LED lights, fluorescent lights, and metal halide lights. LED lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. Fluorescent lights are also energy-efficient and emit a bright light that promotes plant growth. Metal halide lights are powerful and provide a high-intensity light that is ideal for aquariums with deep water or large tanks. With the right aquarium lights, you can create a stunning underwater world for your aquatic pets to thrive in.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light Cover #TOP 1
AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hygger Clip On Aquarium LED Light Cover #TOP 2
Hygger Clip On Aquarium LED Light
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hygger 24/7 Submersible Aquarium LED Light Cover #TOP 3
Hygger 24/7 Submersible Aquarium LED Light
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Aquarium Lights

AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light

GYF-101
Black
18"-24"
AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light Cover
AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum for 18 Inch to 24 Inch Fish Tank Light Fresh Water Light

The AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light is a great choice for freshwater aquariums ranging from 18" to 24" in length. With adjustable mounting brackets, this light is flexible and easy to install. The light body measures 17” L x 2.7” W and has no limit to rim size. It features a total of 42 LEDs, including 30 6500K white LEDs, 6 blue LEDs, 3 pink LEDs, and 3 green LEDs. The light has two modes: all lights on and all lights off. It is super bright and energy efficient, making it a great choice for all freshwater aquariums. However, it is important to keep the light away from splashing water.

What We Like
Bright illumination
Open design prevents moisture
Easy setup and installation
Affordable price
Energy-efficient LED
What We Don't Like
Switch location can be inconvenient
Flimsy brackets for support
#TOP 2

Hygger Clip On Aquarium LED Light

Black
Hygger Clip On Aquarium LED Light Cover
hygger Clip On 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light, 14W Sunrise-Daylight-Moonlight and DIY Mode, Adjustable Timer / Brightness Fish Tank Light with 7 Colors for Planted Tank

The Hygger Clip On Aquarium LED Light is a versatile and high-quality lighting option for your fish tank. With a default 24/7 natural mode and a DIY mode, you can easily adjust the lighting to your liking. The clip style bracket makes installation a breeze, and the light can be used on different thicknesses of glass. The light is soft and has a high color rendering index, protecting both your eyes and your fish. With a long service life of at least 50,000 hours, this light is easy to maintain and a great choice for any aquarium enthusiast.

What We Like
Excellent light quality
24/7 automatic mode
Easy to use controller
Color options for ambiance
Sturdy and functional design
What We Don't Like
May not fit all tank shapes
Some noise from the controller

Hygger 24/7 Submersible Aquarium LED Light

8in 6W
Black
8in 6W
Hygger 24/7 Submersible Aquarium LED Light Cover
hygger 24/7 Mode Submersible Aquarium LED Light, Full Spectrum Hidden Fish Tank Light with 3 Rows Beads 7 Colors Auto On Off Sunrise-Daylight-Moonlight, Adjustable Timer Brightness 6W

The Hygger 24/7 Submersible Aquarium LED Light is a versatile and high-quality lighting option for your fish tank. With a default mode that includes sunrise, daylight, and moonlight settings, as well as a DIY mode that allows you to customize the time, brightness, and color, this light can meet all your aquarium lighting needs. It also features a professional white background paper that can be used to create a hidden atmosphere behind the tank, and it is IP68 waterproof for safe submersion. The soft light and high color rendering index protect both your eyes and your fish, and the long service life of the lamp beads ensures durability.

What We Like
Natural light simulation
Easy installation
Customizable brightness and colors
Timer function
Affordable pricing
What We Don't Like
Non-rotatable design
Potential water leaks
#TOP 4

hygger 18W 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light

HU-XI-201
Black
hygger 18W 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light Cover
hygger 18W 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light, Sunrise-Daylight-Moonlight Mode and DIY Mode, Adjustable Timer Adjustable Brightness Fish Tank Light with Extendable Bracket 7 Colors for Planted Tank

hygger Aquarium LED Light offers a 24/7 Natural Mode with sunrise, daylight, and moonlight settings for your fish tank. In the DIY Mode, you can customize the time, color, and brightness to suit your preferences. The light features a separable adapter for easy replacement, an extendable bracket for flexible installation, and high-quality lamp beads with a long lifespan. With soft lighting and a high color rendering index, it protects your eyes and fish from discomfort. The power-off memory function retains your settings even after a restart.

What We Like
Easy to set up
Bright, full-spectrum light
Multiple timer options
Low profile design
Durable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Controller may not be waterproof
Light intensity fixed in 24/7 mode
#TOP 5

Hygger 957 Planted Aquarium Light

Black
72W(48"-55")
Hygger 957 Planted Aquarium Light Cover
hygger Auto On Off 48-55 Inch LED Aquarium Light Extendable Dimable 7 Colors Full Spectrum Light Fixture for Freshwater Planted Tank Build in Timer Sunrise Sunset

The Hygger 957 Planted Aquarium Light is a game-changer for your fish and aquatic plants. This LED light features a programmable, gradual 24-hour light cycle settings with sunrise, midday, sunset, and night modes to create optimal conditions for your aquarium. The build-in timer enables customization of the intensity and color of light, daytime to nighttime schedules, memory function, and much more. The sunrise and sunset functions prevent light shock to fish, and the IP68 water-resistant rating protects the device from humidity and water intrusion. This aquarium LED fixture contains 140 white, 23 blue, 12 red, 11 green, and 62 RGB LEDs, making it perfect for freshwater planted tanks between 48 and 55 inches wide.

What We Like
Customizable light settings
Built-in timer and dimmer
Bright illumination
Good customer support
Retains settings after power loss
What We Don't Like
Programming can be tricky
Some lights may have issues

AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light for 18-24 Inch Fish Tank

TXF-301
Multicolor
18"-24"
AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light for 18-24 Inch Fish Tank Cover
AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light for 18 to 24 Inch Fish Tank, Auto On Off with Timer, Full Spectrum, Adjustable Brightness, Daylight Moonlight Mode, for Fresh Water Low-to-Mid Light Plants

AQUANEAT Aquarium Light offers a built-in timer with 3 timing modes, allowing you to set the light to turn on and off automatically. You can adjust the brightness to 5 different levels, providing a gentle and fish-friendly light for your freshwater plants. The Daylight Moonlight feature lets you create different lighting effects for your tank. Its slim design saves space and is easy to install. The LEDs are super bright, energy-efficient, and long-lasting, with no need for bulb replacements. Enjoy a hassle-free lighting experience with AQUANEAT Aquarium Light.

What We Like
Very bright light
Good value for money
Built-in timer feature
Multiple brightness settings
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Limited timer functionality
Durability concerns
#TOP 7

DaToo Submersible Aquarium Light

DTL-18A
DaToo Submersible Aquarium Light Cover
DaToo 4W 7.5inch Submersible Aquarium Light Underwater Fish Tank Light LED Aquarium Light Bar with Timer Auto On/Off and Dimmer Adjustable Brightness, 1 Yr Warranty

DaToo Aquarium Light is a 7.5-inch submersible LED light bar designed to enhance the beauty of your aquarium. With its blue, white, and blue-white lighting modes, you can create a natural and vibrant environment for your fish and plants. The built-in timer and dimmer allow you to easily control the lighting schedule and brightness, eliminating the hassle of manual adjustments. The high brightness LED chip provides a soft and natural light source, while the durable acrylic housing ensures long-lasting performance. This fully waterproof light comes with a one-year warranty, offering peace of mind and protection for you and your aquatic pets. Experience the charm of a perfect aquarium with DaToo Aquarium Light!

What We Like
Effective suction cups
Various color options
Easy installation
Adjustable brightness
Great timer feature
What We Don't Like
Weak suction for some tanks
Not as bright for large tanks
#TOP 8

SEAOURA Led Aquarium Light

SR-616
Black
SEAOURA Led Aquarium Light Cover
SEAOURA Led Aquarium Light for Plants-Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light with Timer Auto On/Off, 18-24 Inch, Adjustable Brightness, White Blue Red Green Pink LEDs with Extendable Brackets for Freshwater

The SEAOURA Led Aquarium Light is a full spectrum fish tank light designed to enhance the growth of fish and aquatic plants in freshwater tanks. With its DIY mode, you can easily customize the lighting settings by choosing the desired timer running for 6, 10, or 12 hours, adjusting the brightness level from 1 to 10, and selecting different color modes such as white, red, green, pink, or blue. The high-quality SMD2835 led chips provide soft and beautiful lighting with a color rendering index of up to 89%. The extendable metal bracket and adjustable brightness make it suitable for tanks ranging from 18 to 24 inches. With a memory function, the light will resume its previous settings after a power failure. Overall, the SEAOURA Led Aquarium Light is a user-friendly and versatile choice for both beginners and experienced fish tank enthusiasts.

What We Like
Sunrise & Sunset Mode
Full Spectrum Lighting
Customizable Settings
Silent Operation
Easy Setup
What We Don't Like
Button functions can be confusing
Limited timer range
#TOP 9

hygger LED Aquarium Light with Timer and Custom Mode

HG978-26w
48"- 54"
hygger LED Aquarium Light with Timer and Custom Mode Cover
hygger Advanced LED Aquarium Light with Timer, 24/7 Lighting Cycle & DIY Mode, Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light for 48-54 in Freshwater Planted Tank

The hygger Advanced Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light is a sophisticated lighting system for your 55~75 gallon fish tank. With 24/7 light cycle, customize mode, and built-in timer control, you can easily replicate natural living conditions, create a spectacular atmosphere, and bring out the colors of your fish and plants. This aluminum-made light is waterproof and safe to use, making it ideal for planted tanks as well. The adjustable mounting legs make it easy to install in aquariums with widths between 48 and 54 inches.

What We Like
Full spectrum lighting
Built-in timer feature
Adjustable light intensity
Affordable price
Enhances fish colors
What We Don't Like
Limited customization options
Shorter legs for height adjustment
#TOP 10

Fluval Plant 3.0 LED

14521
32 W
Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Cover
Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Planted Aquarium Lighting, 32 Watts, 24-34 Inches

The Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Planted Aquarium Lighting, 32 Watts, 24-34 Inches, also known as Fluval LED Lighting, is a versatile lighting solution for your aquarium. With its programmable 24-hour light cycle settings, you can create a natural sunrise, midday, sunset, and night lighting effect that mimics the natural environment for your plants and fish. The six unique band waves provide a full spectrum of light, promoting healthy plant growth and enhancing the colors of your fish. The optional pre-set habitat light configurations, such as Lake Malawi, Tropical, and Planted, make it easy to set up the perfect lighting conditions for your specific aquarium setup. The 120-degree light dispersion ensures full area coverage and uniform lighting, while the extendable mounting brackets allow for easy installation on a variety of aquarium widths. With Fluval LED Lighting, you can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your aquatic pets.

What We Like
Highly configurable lighting options
Super bright illumination
Three-year warranty
Excellent for plant growth
Easy app control
What We Don't Like
Quirky app usability
No integration with smart systems
Best Aquarium Lights Feature Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Aquarium Lights for Your Pets

If you are looking for the perfect lights for your aquarium, you have come to the right place. Picking out the right light for your fish tank can sometimes be confusing and tricky, especially if you're new to the aquarium hobby. It can have a lot of implications on the way your tank looks, and yes, it also affects the life inside.

Here we have prepared a list of our favorite lights based on the customer's preference, reviews, functionality, price, and quality. You can't get so many amazing options on one side and the tips to choose one.

You might be thinking about why it isn't easy to choose the lights for your aquarium.

Well, the answer is quite simple. All the life in your aquarium, including fish and plants, needs a proper amount of light to grow. The other reasons are the aesthetics and maintenance of the aquarium.

Check out the list of best aquarium lights given below!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Aquarium Lights

Choosing the right light is only difficult because of tons of options in the market, but it can be changed from specie to specie. As a beginner, you might not understand the relationship between light and the fish species. Some fish types live in light zones while the others are under the shadow of plants. Here we have enlisted some key factors to understand before installing the light in your aquarium. So, let's get into it!

Types of Lights

There are three general types of light being used in aquariums; fluorescent, LED, and metal halide lights. Fluorescent lights are now not very popular as LED lights.

LEDs are energy-efficient lights that can last for years. These lights are available in various colors and have very low heat emission, unlike the fluorescent lights.

Metal halide lights are also very popular but have high heat emission values. LED lights are way too popular for smaller aquariums, while metal halide gives a very classy look in the large ones. However, you need to adopt different methods to minimize the water heat.

You can choose any three types according to your budget and preference.

The Aquarium

The choice of proper lighting depends on many questions. What is the size of the aquarium? What type of fish do you have? Does the aquarium have plants? Do you have multiple fish species in one aquarium? The answer to these questions can whittle down your choice list. If you are not familiar with many of these things, you can ask a professional for help.

Control System

Like other living organisms, aquatic life also has specific light and dark periods to maintain its life. While setting up the system, install a timer to keep the lights on for particular hours. This automatic system will keep you tension free even when you are out of place. Usually, 8-10 hours/day are recommended for the freshwater planted tanks.

Conclusion

In the aquarium, the setting of lights is as much important as any other thing or your fish. You cannot neglect this investment to save your time, money, and energy. Setting up the whole aquarium can be a daunting experience initially, but the proper guideline can resolve this issue for you. We hope that the information mentioned above will help you in a better way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I leave my fish tank light on during the day?

It is recommended to provide 10 to 12 hours of light for your aquarium each day. This duration is sufficient for the lighting needs of animals and plants. Using a timer or purchasing lights with integrated timing can make it easier to manage the lighting schedule. However, it's important to be cautious as excessive light can promote algae growth.

2. What is the best light for a fish tank at night?

For nocturnal fish, blue lights can be left on all night. If you want to observe your fish at night, red LED lights are recommended as only some reef fish can see red light. Using a timer can help manage the lighting schedule.

3. What color LED lights for aquarium?

Red, blue, and green LED lights are commonly used for aquarium lighting. These colors enhance the colors of objects inside the tank, making aquatic plants, red fish, shrimp, and red-leaved stem plants appear more vibrant.

4. Should aquarium lights be warm or cool?

For aquariums with plants, light sources with a color temperature of 6500K-7500K are recommended. Fish, on the other hand, do not require light biologically. If the aquarium only has fish, light sources with a color temperature of 5500K-6500K can be used.

5. How much should I keep the LED light on in my fish tank?

Most fish and aquarium plants thrive when the fish tank lights are left on for 10 to 12 hours a day.

6. Should you turn off aquarium filter at night?

It is not advisable to turn off the aquarium filter at night as it provides important aeration and helps remove waste from the tank. Turning off the filter every night can disrupt the balance of the tank and harm both the fish and the beneficial microbe colonies.

7. How many hours should a fish tank light be off?

In general, aquariums require 8 to 12 hours of light each day. A good starting point is 10 hours of light provided by aquarium lights.

8. What color light do fish like best?

Fish are attracted to green and white lights the most. These colors are brighter and can attract fish from a greater distance. Green light is particularly popular among nighttime anglers.

9. What LED colors do fish like?

Green light is known to attract fish and is a popular choice among nighttime anglers. When choosing LED lights for night fishing, green is often considered the best option.

Editor's Notes

During our aquarium light research, we found 24 aquarium light products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 108,471 customer reviews through our big data system to write the aquarium lights list. We found that most customers choose aquarium lights with an average price of $30.81.

The aquarium lights are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aquarium lights, including AQUANEAT, hygger, DaToo, SEAOURA, Fluval. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,066 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Aquarium Lights Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand AQUANEAT hygger hygger hygger hygger AQUANEAT DaToo SEAOURA hygger Fluval
Material Plastic Aluminum Plastic, Metal Aluminum Aluminum Plastic Silicone, Acrylic Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - Plastic
Light Source Type Light Emitting Diode LED LED LED LED LED LED LED - Light Emitting Diode
Color Black Black Black Black Black Multicolor - Black - Red, Green, Blue, White
Shade Material Plastic Aluminum Plastic Aluminum Aluminum Glass, Acrylic Acrylic ABS, Metal, Plastic - -
Power Source Corded Electric - Corded Electric Corded Electric Corded Electric Corded Electric Corded Electric - - -
Shape Rectangular - - - Rectangular - Rectangular Shell - Rectangular
Finish Type Polished Aluminum - - Aluminum - - - Natural Painted
Item Weight 0.86 Pounds - 9.17 ounces 0.75 Kilograms 4.34 pounds - - - 1160 Grams -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy