Best Aquarium Lights of 2025

Chloe Foster Avatar
Chloe Foster
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Aquarium lights are an essential component for maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquatic environment. They provide the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis and help regulate the biological rhythms of fish and plants. These lights come in a variety of forms, including LED, fluorescent, and metal halide, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, investing in high-quality aquarium lights can help ensure the long-term health and happiness of your aquatic pets.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NICREW 7-Inch RGB Submersible Aquarium Light Cover #TOP 1
NICREW 7-Inch RGB Submersible Aquarium Light
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NICREW JTL Clip-On Aquarium LED Light Cover #TOP 2
NICREW JTL Clip-On Aquarium LED Light
ftb score rating icon 9.7
NICREW C10 Full Spectrum Aquarium Light Cover #TOP 3
NICREW C10 Full Spectrum Aquarium Light
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Aquarium Lights

NICREW 7-Inch RGB Submersible Aquarium Light

TP-6T
18 cm
NICREW 7-Inch RGB Submersible Aquarium Light Cover
NICREW Submersible Aquarium Light, Underwater RGB Multicolor LED Lights for Fish Tank, 7 Inches, 18cm

The NICREW Aquarium Light offers a vibrant underwater experience with 16 solid colours and adjustable intensity levels, allowing you to customise the lighting to suit your mood. With four dynamic preset modes, you can easily create a stunning ambiance in your fish tank with just the press of a button. Its IP68 waterproof rating ensures that the light can be fully submerged, providing safety for both the light and your aquatic life. Additionally, powerful silicone suction cups make it simple to mount the light securely within your aquarium.

What We Like
Customisable colour options
Dynamic lighting modes
Fully waterproof design
Easy to mount
#TOP 2

NICREW JTL Clip-On Aquarium LED Light

JTL-18
Black
18cm
NICREW JTL Clip-On Aquarium LED Light Cover
NICREW JTL Fish Tank Clip-On Light, Clamp Aquarium LED Light with 2 Lighting Modes, 360° Adjustable Light Arm, Fit 20L Aquariums, 18 LEDs, 7W

The NICREW JTL Light is designed to fully illuminate a 20L fish tank, allowing you to observe the vibrant colours of your aquatic life with ease. You can choose between two lighting modes: daylight mode for bright illumination and moonlight mode for a calming glow. Its flexible arm mount allows you to adjust the light to any angle, providing convenience in positioning. Additionally, the aluminium shell ensures excellent heat dissipation, keeping your aquarium environment safe and comfortable for its inhabitants.

What We Like
Bright illumination for fish tanks
Two adjustable lighting modes
Flexible arm for easy positioning
Good heat dissipation
Simple installation process

NICREW C10 Full Spectrum Aquarium Light

N83112
5000k Warm White
43-60 cm
NICREW C10 Full Spectrum Aquarium Light Cover
NICREW C10 24/7 Aquarium Light with Remote, Full Spectrum Fish Tank LED Light for Planted Freshwater Tanks, IP67 Waterproof, Adjustable Brackets Fits for Aquariums 43-60 cm

The NICREW C10 Light is designed to enhance your aquarium with its versatile features. With four preset modes, you can easily create an immersive environment with warm white, cool white, and moonlight blue lighting. The easy-to-use 24/7 mode simulates a natural sunlight cycle, making it convenient for maintaining a healthy habitat. Additionally, the high-quality LEDs promote plant growth, ensuring your aquatic plants thrive beautifully. You can customise the 24/7 cycle to replicate various aquatic environments, providing flexibility for your unique tank setup.

What We Like
Versatile lighting options
Simulates natural light cycle
Promotes plant growth
Customisable settings
#TOP 4

SEAOURA Full Spectrum Aquarium Light with Timer

SEAOURA
SR-616
Black
30-45cm
SEAOURA Full Spectrum Aquarium Light with Timer Cover
SEAOURA Led Aquarium Light for Plants-Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light with Timer Auto On/Off, Adjustable Brightness, White Blue Red Green Pink LEDs with Extendable Brackets for Freshwater (30-45cm)

The SEAOURA Aquarium Light offers a user-friendly experience with its DIY mode, allowing you to customise the timing, colour, and brightness. You can set the timer for 6, 10, or 12 hours, ensuring your aquatic plants and fish thrive. The full spectrum light promotes healthy growth, making it suitable for all freshwater tanks. With high-quality LED chips, the light mimics natural sunlight, enhancing the beauty of your aquarium. Additionally, the memory function remembers your settings even after power interruptions, providing convenience and peace of mind.

What We Like
Customisable lighting settings
Full spectrum for plant growth
High-quality LED chips
Memory function for convenience
Adjustable and extendable brackets
#TOP 5

VARMHUS Submersible LED Aquarium Light with Remote

VARMHUS Submersible LED Aquarium Light with Remote Cover
VARMHUS Submersible LED Aquarium Light,Fish Tank Light with Remote Controller&APP Control,DIY Full Spectrum Optional Color&Intelligent Timing and Dimming,29 Light Modes and 4 Music Modes RGB-28cm

The VARMHUS LED Aquarium Light offers a range of features designed to enhance your aquarium experience. With smart Bluetooth connectivity, you can choose from 16 million colours and various dynamic lighting modes to suit your preferences. The dual control options, via a remote or app, provide flexibility, allowing you to adjust settings from anywhere in your home. Additionally, the music sync feature lets the light flash in time with your favourite tunes, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Finally, the waterproof design means you can fully submerge the light without worry, ensuring it remains functional and stylish.

What We Like
Smart Bluetooth control
Music sync feature
Waterproof design
Remote and app control
Safe for fish

Pawfly LED Aquarium Light with Day/Night Modes

Pawfly-CW2500-EU
Black
30-45 cm Tank(11 W)
Pawfly LED Aquarium Light with Day/Night Modes Cover
Pawfly LED Aquarium Light Fish Tank Light 24/7 Plant Full Spectrum Brilliant White Blue Red Lights with Day/Night Modes Small Brightness Extendable Aluminum Bar for 30 to 45 cm Aquarium

The Pawfly LED Aquarium Light is designed for fish tanks measuring 30 to 45 cm. It features two lighting modes, simulating natural sunrise and sunset, ensuring your fish feel energised during the day and relaxed at night. The full spectrum light includes vibrant white, blue, and red lights, enhancing the colours in your aquarium and reducing visual fatigue. With six intensity levels, you can easily adjust brightness for both daytime and night modes, providing the perfect environment for your aquatic pets.

What We Like
Two lighting modes for fish
Full spectrum light enhances colours
Adjustable brightness levels
Extendable for different tank sizes
Durable, moisture-resistant design

VARMHUS 18 cm Waterproof LED Aquarium Light

White&blue
18 cm
VARMHUS 18 cm Waterproof LED Aquarium Light Cover
VARMHUS Submersible LED Aquarium Light, 18 cm Underwater Fish Lamp Waterproof Aquarium Lighting for Fish Tank (Blue and White Color)

The VARMHUS Aquarium Light is a versatile and waterproof LED lighting solution for your fish tank. With an IP67 rating, you can use it both submerged and above water, enhancing the beauty of your aquatic environment. Available in sizes from 18 to 112 cm, it fits various tank types and setups perfectly. The brilliant white and blue lights not only showcase your fish and plants but also provide excellent visibility for night viewing. Additionally, its high-quality LED beads ensure a brighter and energy-efficient display, making your aquarium truly stand out.

What We Like
Waterproof for versatile use
Bright and energy-efficient lighting
Multiple sizes available
Easy to install and clean
Durable acrylic lampshade
#TOP 8

Fluval Aquasky LED Light for Aquariums

14550
Blue,white,red
Fluval Aquasky LED Light for Aquariums Cover
Fluval Aquasky LED 12W 38-61 cm, 1 kg

The Fluval Aquasky LED is an excellent choice for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. You can easily operate your aquarium lighting from your mobile device using the FluvalSmart app, providing you with convenient control at your fingertips. With a programmable 24-hour light cycle, you can simulate natural conditions, including sunrise, midday, sunset, and night. Additionally, the product offers three pre-set habitats, allowing you to select the best light configuration for your particular aquarium needs, enhancing the overall aesthetics and health of your aquatic environment.

What We Like
Compatible with fresh and saltwater
Mobile app control
Programmable light cycles
Pre-set habitat options
#TOP 9

VARMHUS LED Aquarium Lighting with Timer

GL-6T
Blue+white
18cm
VARMHUS LED Aquarium Lighting with Timer Cover
VARMHUS LED Aquarium Lighting, Aquarium Lamp White and Blue Color Changing Submersible Fish Tank Light with Small Simple Aquarium Timer for Sunrise and Sunset (18cm, Blue+White)

The VARMHUS Submersible Fish Tank Light is designed to enhance your aquarium experience. It features a 24-hour timer that simulates natural sunrise and sunset, helping you maintain a regular lifestyle for your fish. With three colour options—blue, white, and a combination of both—you can create a vibrant atmosphere that showcases your aquatic plants and fish beautifully. Additionally, its waterproof design means you can use it both above and below the water's surface, ensuring versatility in your setup. The high-quality materials also make it durable and easy to clean.

What We Like
Simulates natural light cycles
Bright, energy-saving LEDs
Waterproof for versatile use
Durable and easy to clean
#TOP 10

SEAOURA 24/7 Submersible Aquarium Light

SEAOURA
SR-629-1
38cm
SEAOURA 24/7 Submersible Aquarium Light Cover
SEAOURA Submersible Aquarium Lights for Fish Tank, 24/7 Cycle Fish Tank Light with Timer, Full Spectrum+7 Single Colors, Auto On/Off, Adjustable Brightness, 10W (38cm)

The SEAOURA Aquarium Light offers a 24/7 cycle mode, allowing you to preview light colour and intensity for a natural day-night simulation. With premium LED chips, it delivers vibrant colours and adjustable brightness, letting you tailor the lighting to your aquarium's needs. The full spectrum and seven single colour modes create a visually stunning underwater world, enhancing the beauty of your fish tank. Additionally, its waterproof design ensures safe submersion, making it a reliable choice for your aquatic environment.

What We Like
Natural day-night simulation
Customisable brightness settings
Vibrant colour options
Waterproof design
Energy-efficient
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What color light is best for fish tank?

Red, blue and green LEDs are in popular use for standard aquarium lighting since these light temperatures greatly enhance the colors of the objects inside the aquarium. The colors of aquatic plants appear much more rich and vibrant, red fish, shrimp and of course red-leaved stem plants look much flashier.

2. What type of light is best for freshwater aquarium?

Your best lighting options for freshwater tanks are standard fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, metal halide lights, and LED lights. You want to avoid incandescent bulbs as they are suitable only for small aquariums and can give off too much heat.

3. How long should aquarium lights be on?

How long should I keep my aquarium lights on? To provide animals and plants the lighting they need, 10 to 12 hours a day is sufficient. Installing a timer or purchasing a unit with integrated timing can make lighting easier––just set it and forget it. Keep in mind algae loves light as well.

4. How long should aquarium LED lights be on?

Most planted aquariums do not need more than 8 hours of light. Setting your lighting period for longer than 6 hours in NEW planted aquarium set-ups. During the first month your lighting period should be shorter to keep away algae while your plants grow in.

Editor's Notes

During our aquarium light research, we found 192 aquarium light products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,660 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 £16.93.

The aquarium lights are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of aquarium lights, including NICREW, SEAOURA, VARMHUS, Pawfly, Fluval. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,003 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Chloe Foster Avatar

Happy Pet Happy Owner by Chloe Foster sold over 100 thousand copies in the UK. Chloe worked as a veterinarian in The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham. She stayed for seven years before coming home to set up her pet store in Swansea. Chloe is an experienced veterinarian with a flair for literature. Chloe is vast in the knowledge of animals, animal nutrition, medication, and care.