LED reef lights are considerably better nowadays. The conventional halogen lights had great illumination but were bulky and posed a serious fire danger. Modern LED technology has significantly improved safety while providing additional advantages for breeding tanks, hard corals, and soft corals.
These lighting kits now offer a wide range of features that could greatly improve your system. Remember to carefully arrange the list of inhabitants while creating a new reef tank.
Some fish do not get along with different coral species, and some corals need a lot of space, which limits the number of non-coral occupants.
The perfect LED lighting kit should be simple to install and provide several configuration options.
In this article, We’ll go through the best LED lighting for reef tanks. We’ll discuss what they’re good and bad at, and which ones we recommend. This article aims to provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about which LED lighting system is best for you.
Best LED reef lights
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
hipargero Aquarium Lights
| • Brand: Hipargero • Color: Black • Product Dimensions: 8.7″D x 4.8″W x 1.6″H • Special Feature: Dimmable • Light Source Type: LED |
WILLS Aquarium Light
| • Style: Modern • Brand: WILLS • Color: Black • Product Dimensions: 15.7″D x 8.2″W x 2.7″H • Special Feature: 55 Premium SMD Chips |
NICREW 100 Watts Reef Light
| • Brand: NICREW • Color: Blue, Green • Product Dimensions: 1.2″D x 15.1″W x 11.2″H • Special Feature: Dimmable • Light Source Type: LED |
SMATFARM Aquarium Light
| • Color: Black • Material: Aluminum, Plastic • Finish Type: Aluminum • Light Source Type: Energy Efficient • Shade Material: Aluminum |
CURRENT USA Orbit Marine IC
| • Brand: CURRENT • Color: Black • Product Dimensions: 5.1″D x 49″W x 4.1″H • Special Feature: Dimmable • Light Source Type: LED |
VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control
| • Color: Black • Material: Iron • Finish Type: Painted • Light Source Type: LED • Shade Material: Aluminum |
What’s the best LED lighting for a reef tank?
Below are the best LED lights.
Hipargero Aquarium Lights-100 watt 5 Channels Sunrise Sunset Moonlight Reef Lights for Corals SPS LPS Saltwater Tank (Black)
This LED Aquarium Light is an undeniably excellently made product that excels in the qualities that really matter.
This device makes use of Cree LED lights, which are a good representation of American manufacturing capacity.
These lights proved to be far superior compared to regular everyday aquarium lights. The product’s professional design was infused with balanced blue and white light proportions.
The dispersal of light remains incredibly accurate through the use of quality 90-degree three-in-one acrylic lenses. Additionally, the light output and color uniformity are exceptional.
The saltwater-oriented lighting system’s intensity can be easily adjusted from 0% to 100%.
This is really helpful when trying to care for specific kinds of aquatic animals. This product is not going to let you down.
When it comes down to the lights’ organic value, the corals benefit greatly from them. The perfect blue lighting aids in the optimal production of vitamin D3.
The corals’ ability to absorb calcium is subsequently increased, giving them an even brighter appearance.
You should note that other animals, including platypus, benefit greatly from this. The tank’s proper light diffusion ensures all of these health benefits.
HIPARGERO did their math correctly, allowing for adequate lighting throughout the entire tank.
The light can be adjusted easily even in confined spaces thanks to its ultra-thin body design, which has a height of only 1.2 inches.
I would recommend using 10- to 18-inch tanks and glasses with a maximum length of 0.8 inches.
Pros
- Hipergero does an excellent job of recreating the appearance of the deep blue sea to imitate a natural environment.
- You can effortlessly adjust the light’s intensity with a user-friendly control panel.
- Coral thrives under the blue saltwater lights because they help them produce the essential vitamin D3 that they require.
- If you prefer other animals that live in saltwater as opposed to corals, this product is ideal for those as well.
Cons
- Touch-sensitive controls can be a little tricky if you’re not a big fan of them.
- If you’re fond of nano tanks, the mount might be too long for them when operating.
WILLS Aquarium Light, Remote Dimmable Fish Tank Light with 3 Dimming Modes, 55 Premium SMD Chips, LED Touch Screen & Timer for Saltwater Freshwater Coral Reef Plant
If you desire simplicity, this full spectrum LED light is easy to install and effective.
A basic two-spectrum option is available, and multiple lights can be networked together. Each block has distinct control over the blue and white light spectrum, which can be the same across numerous units or different between blocks, depending on the needs of your tank.
Notwithstanding its simplicity, it provides sufficient lighting for the majority of corals.
Even though it may not have as many features as other models, lighting doesn’t have to be complex.
This system includes built-in fans to extend the lifespan of the LEDs.
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Basic features.
Cons
- May require several units.
- No programming.
NICREW 100 Watts Reef Light
This is one of the market’s least expensive LED coral lighting bars, with several interesting features.
It is available in 5 sizes, ranging from 18 to 60 inches, and has sliding, locking legs for accurate adjustments.
This NICREW saltwater aquarium light features RGB LEDs, 10,000K white LEDs, and 445nm and 460nm blue LEDs.
A good fusion is produced by a higher proportion of actinic blue spectrum LEDs balanced with the full spectrum for reef installations.
Soft coral and LPS corals can both be supported by a single Nicrew Classic LED reef light, while two lights are advised for low-light SPS corals.
Even two of these lights will still be less expensive compared with a single unit from several of its competitors.
It includes a dual-channel timer that ramps lights up and down 15 minutes before “sunrise” and 15 minutes after “sunset”. Nevertheless, as you could anticipate from an inexpensive product, there are no sophisticated options for changing light intensity throughout the day.
Since this light is particularly vulnerable to water damage, the producers advise using a glass or acrylic canopy to protect it and increase its longevity.
The product is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Cheap.
- Easy setup.
- Exceptional spectrum for the growth of coral growth.
Cons
- Responsive to moisture.
- The problem of the light getting wet if a canopy is not used to keep it dry.
SMATFARM Light
The SMATFARM Light is a top-notch lighting option for coral reef tanks. It provides a fully customizable lighting experience that is ideal for coral reefs thanks to its full spectrum capabilities, timer, and dimmer.
Any aquarium setup is given a modern touch by the sleek black design, which is made from premium aluminum and plastic materials.
The sophisticated spectrum programming of this Light is one of its distinguishing qualities.
Users can simulate sunrise, sunset, and moonlight with the help of the built-in timer and dimmer to give their coral reef a natural lighting environment.
Your corals will receive the ideal quantity of light for development and health thanks to the 24 high-quality 5W SMD LEDs’ increased efficiency and brightness.
This light performs even better thanks to an optical lens with excellent transmission rate and daylight-resistant qualities.
Pros
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Not the cheapest
CURRENT USA Orbit Marine IC
A smartphone app and Bluetooth compatibility have recently been added to the Current USA Marine IC Pros. The Orbit Marine EFlux Wavemaker and EFlux Return Pump can be controlled by this light’s very own app, making it part of a fully integrated system that also powers the aquarium LED system itself.
I believe that the 36′′ and 72′′ model from IC Pros offers the best value for people with a mixed reef tank that are three and six feet long because it is a VERY intriguing investment.
It is rather simple to operate and program the Current USA Marine controller, which is powered by a mobile app.
It has a ramp-up and ramp-down feature that lasts for the customary two hours. You may change the settings for day, sunset, and night so that your reef tank can change its light intensity as the day progresses.
When used with the Eflux Wavemaker, you may even use a feed feature that turns off the pumps when feeding. You can also regulate the flow and use the gyre settings when using two wavemakers.
An additional feature of the aquarium LED light is a lighting and cloudy weather feature, however, I believe they serve more as visually appealing than for functional reasons.
Since Orbit Marine offers PAR output statistics on their website for convenient reference, the lights’ moderate power makes them reliable for novice reefers. Because of this, the Current USA Orbit Marine LED light is one of the most easy-to-use aquarium lighting available.
They are therefore perfect for LPS, and easy to care for SPS corals.
The mount is the Current USA Orbit Marine’s ultimate excellent feature. Rim mounting the LED aquarium light creates a really modern and stylish appearance.
Many people don’t like to make holes in their ceilings, and the bracket mount can be unappealing therefore most lights that cover this long of a tank have to be hung from a ceiling or mounted on the tank with brackets.
Pros
- Great value, particularly for larger tanks.
- Can be rim-mounted creating a very modern and stylish appearance.
Cons
- Unsuitable for heavy SPS tanks.
- The lights can easily break due to their lightweight.
VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Dimmable 165W LED Aquarium Light Full Spectrum for Grow Coral Reef Marine Fish Tank LPS/SPS
Proper PAR control should be expected when using professional lighting equipment. It immediately affects the corals’ zooxanthellae, which are responsible for photosynthesis.
The V165 is specifically designed to maintain balance in both the overall coverage and PAR output. This can be controlled to deliver the high levels of PAR required for precise coverage suitable for all aquarium species.
High Lumen output is guaranteed by the 90-degree optic Lens, which delivers concentrated light with minimal loss.
The internal timer is a nice feature to have even though it may not seem significant to certain individuals. The Dimmable features are simply amazing. It had never been so simple to adjust the brightness of two channels individually.
For your information, the V165b is a “Full Spectrum” device that functions well with virtually all photosynthetic coral. You may choose and house whatever type of coral you like by adequately dimming the lights and adjusting exposure/intensity. The options are endless with this product.
You need to exercise some caution given this product’s height and weight. It is going to take up some space with its 16 x 8.5 x 2.4-inch dimensions and 6.8 pounds total weight.
This product performs excellently in terms of heat dissipation and noise. Modernized aluminum heat sinks effectively distribute the heat and extend the lifespan of the product altogether. The connected fans are designed to operate quietly at high speed. There won’t be any buzzing sounds at all.
With a lifespan of 100,000 hours, this incredible product won’t disappoint you.
Pros
- They are made to last long. They can work for 100,000 hours.
- It has a user-friendly remote control, each spectrum can be controlled independently.
Cons
- There is only one size available for the users of this product.
- It cannot be controlled anywhere using Wi-Fi functionalities.
How to choose the best LED light for reef tanks?
Below are the important factors to take into consideration before purchasing a reef tank:
Build and durability
The Best LED lighting for reef tanks is going to cost you a lot of money, so you want to ensure that it lasts for a very long time, ideally longer than the tank’s lifespan. You don’t want it to suddenly change output, lose its colors, or simply die.
As a result, we advise reef tank owners to choose lights with a warranty of no less than a year.
A further justification for purchasing LED lighting is that it has an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, or 11 years, which is an appropriate amount of time if you use it for 10 to 12 hours every day.
PAR output
Reef tanks require just the right amount of lighting because excessive lighting is capable of harming corals. To make the necessary modifications, you must recognize whether the light source is excessive or insufficient for coral.
The simplest technique to determine the ideal lighting level for your tank is to monitor PAR or photosynthetically active radiation.
The PAR value represents the quantity of light particles that fall within a square meter in a second. It is measured in nanometers. The wavelengths range from 400 to 600 nm.
To survive, each type of coral needs a specific amount of light. Hard (SPS) corals require 150 to 300 PAR while soft (LPS) corals typically need 25 to 100 PAR.
However, keep in mind that the PAR ranges are lower at the bottom and higher at the top, so if you want your light fixture to provide 200 PAR at the bottom of the tank, choose a model with at least 400 PAR output.
Installation
The best aquarium lighting for coral reefs is (slim, sleek, low profile) and easy to operate.
The gooseneck clamp is intended to accommodate the required angle by gently bending the flexible lamp arm, while the LED lights include extendable brackets and a flexible lamp arm made of a durable material that maintains the illumination and assists in positioning it at various angles.
Controllability
A number of the best reef tank lighting is controlled by a remote or a mobile phone app. It’s important to ensure the one you purchase has this feature. You can easily program the lights and modify the color spectrum for optimal reef growth.
Full light spectrum
Many types of LEDs come in various colors, including UV blue, purple, red, white, and green, each offering distinct advantages for your aquarium.
Purple light spectrum can be used to sterilize fish and help their development. Red and white light plays a key role in coral growth.
Plant defense systems are enhanced by a blue UV light spectrum. UV blue, purple, white, red, and green light are ideal for creating a healthy and aesthetically pleasing tank or aquarium.
Design & material
Aluminum, plastic, and metal of the finest quality are used to make the best lighting for coral reef tanks since they are strong and highly durable.
The Aluminium is extremely thin, has a glass tank that can be readily adjusted, and illuminates every corner of the tank.
Certain LED lights are water resistant, whereas others are not. The water-resistant lights last longer and are more cost-effective.
Visual appeal
LED lighting is available in a variety of styles and colors. You, like every other reef owner, prefer your aquarium to be vibrant to highlight the exotic nature of your reefs, right? It is important to go for nice color blending with additional features such as a disco ball effect if desired.
Cooling fan
Most reef tank lights contain a high-speed micro fan that runs efficiently and invisibly. The low-noise, energy-efficient fan has a lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 hours and uses little power. The fan keeps the temperature at around 45°C (113°F).
Advantages of LED lighting for reef tanks
The following are the advantages.
Economical
LED aquarium light is far more energy efficient as opposed to any other lighting alternative, whether incandescent or Xeon. Non-LED lights can raise your electricity bill because you will be leaving them on for more than 10 hours every day.
LEDs also offer dimming features, which help to save even more energy.
They are compact
One of the primary advantages of finding the best LED aquarium lights is that LEDs are quite compact. A significant amount of space is conserved because the lights are directly connected to the circuit without the presence of any cables.
LEDs are thus an excellent choice for nano, small, and medium-sized tanks. A lot of tank space will be saved, and your corals’ lighting requirements will not be compromised; it appears to be a win-win situation!
Better alternative
Are you aware that incandescent and other chemical-based lighting are capable of killing corals? The chemical isn’t good for them, and incandescent lighting isn’t as closely packed as LED reef lighting, so there’s a possibility that they’ll get shocked.
This is mainly because the light is directly beneath the water.
They aid in coral growth
Yes, LED lights have been shown to help reefs and corals thrive and show off their best colors. You simply need to choose the proper lighting schedule and color spectrum, and your reefs will grow larger and healthier.
LED fish tank lights, on the contrary, contain several tightly packed circuits that do not produce electric shock when underwater.
Conclusion
LED lights are really helpful for your tank. They do not only make your aquarium look wonderful when they are fully activated, but they also contribute to coral growth and improve fish health.
This is why it is recommended to select a decent LED system that will do all of the above – look beautiful and support coral growth. All of this should be done with as little power consumption as feasible.
Proper aquarium lighting is essential for fish health! You should perform lighting tests for the various lighting fixtures and modes which are important features in your tank.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a good LED lighting system for your tank but aren’t sure which one to get, hopefully, this article is going to help you decide.
FAQ
What is the best lighting for coral reefs?
The Current USA Orbit Marine is the best.
Are LED lights good for reef tank?
Yes. Reef aquarium LED lighting is ideal for use in any saltwater aquarium, especially reef tanks. You get a wider color spectrum from the lighting, as well as more power output without the heat. This results in a healthier environment inside your tank.
Also, your fish won’t have to deal with rising water temperatures as they swim closer to the lights.
What is the best LED light spectrum for coral growth?
Violet and blue light
The violet and blue light spectrums are the most suitable for coral growth. They are the most effective at improving coral health and color because they replicate the natural light that corals get in the ocean.
Most reef tank owners set their lights to have the most blue and violet spectrums possible, followed by some white light to help make it look more enticing.
What are metal halide lights?
Metal Halide lights are a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting that uses metal halide compounds to provide an intense, bright light output.
They are renowned for having high PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) levels, which are essential for the development and color of corals and other photosynthetic organisms in reef aquariums.
How should a lighting kit be set up?
Many lighting kits are adjustable in length, allowing them to span the top of your aquarium.
Tragically, LED lighting tends to clash with standard lids, so when you initially install your LED lighting kit, your tank top may be open, which might lead to more evaporation than usual.
It is important to be aware of how deep each kind of coral needs to be to have adequate access to light when positioning corals. If placed too deeply, your kit won’t function properly and your coral won’t receive enough light.
In reality, some corals do not easily get along with their neighbors. Various coral species can encroach on one another’s territory and even release toxins that are lethal to their neighbors.
Be certain that everyone has enough space and light by doing an extensive study on any corals you intend to add to your aquarium.
How long should the lights be left on?
Sincerely, not for a very long time. It can be detrimental to have the lights on all day, and it costs more to run the lights that way.
Don’t leave the LED fish tank lights on for longer than 10 to 12 hours. For example, you may run the lights for three to four hours during the day, three to four hours in the evening, and three to four hours at night.
