In an aquarium, you not only need to take care of each aquarium, you also need to share the interest with plants and other equipment.
The plants in the aquarium also need a special care so they can grow in the best way. If plants are grown in the best condition, it will bring many benefits to your aquarium.
The best investment in LED aquarium lighting for plants is necessary. However, choosing an LED aquarium lighting for plants is not a simple task.
But if you take some time to study them, you can make your choice easier.
Why I Should Have LED Aquarium Lighting For Plants?
Many people may wonder why I must invest in a set of LED lights dedicated to aquatic plants? We will explain it to you right away so that you can have the best view.
Aquatic plants also need light to be able to photosynthesize as plants on the ground. And plants can survive only when they photosynthesize just like humans breathe air.
In aquariums, aquatic plants often live at a certain depth, and it also does not have access to adequate sunlight to be able to photosynthesize. That’s why you need to consider providing a light so that aquatic plants can photosynthesize.
And the most logical option is aquarium LED light for the increasing tank. With special spectroscopy and some other features, this device will act as sunlight for aquatic plants to photosynthesize and survive.
Once aquatic plants grow well, it also provides certain benefits to other organisms in the aquarium. These plants act as a source of oxygen for the aquarium as well as bringing an aesthetic to your aquarium.
Top 9 Best LED Aquarium Lighting For Plants
#1 Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light for Aquarium
Perhaps this is the most comprehensive LED light for emerging aquarium we have on this list. And you can easily buy this product at aquarium supplies or you can buy it online on Amazon.
This LED can not only provide a brilliant look to your aquarium but it is also a useful option for your electricity bill.
This LED lamp provides a strong 6500K light but is still very energy efficient. You may be satisfied with your monthly electricity bill when not significantly increased.
Besides, this product has a compact design, is very light and easy to install. This design will not affect the overall look of the aquarium. Instead, it will bring a highlight and elegance.
You also do not need to struggle to find a way to install or use this product. It is user friendly and does not require a lot of effort to install.
#2 Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED KLC Aquarium LED Light
This is a product that can give aquatic plants an ideal spectrum for photosynthesis. And aquarium owners can also adjust this spectrum to suit each type of aquatic organism.
This device comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the device’s specifications in a more flexible way. The great thing is that you can adjust it remotely 24/7.
This product is rated as the most ideal spectrum for photosynthesis aquatic plants. Therefore, you do not have to worry about the growth of an aquatic plant when it is at depth.
The downside of this product is that it has a short power cord, so you may need to use additional power outlets or other auxiliary devices.
#3 Koval Aquarium Lighting Fish Tank Light
This is an LED that can not only provide a wide spectrum but it can also provide an impressive lifespan compared to other LEDs.
This product includes many different colored lights rather than white light. It includes light blue, pink, red and green.
These lights not only help support the growth of aquatic plants but also give the aquarium an outstanding appearance.
This device is made of aluminum alloy, so it creates a strong and durable design. It also has a slim and neat design, which brings a high aesthetic to the aquarium.
However, you will not be able to adjust the spectrum or light intensity of this device.
#4 Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light
If you are looking for an affordable product that still ensures well-developed aquatic plants, this is the ideal choice. This product is from Current USA and we are not afraid to place this manufacturer’s products on this list.
Many customers commented that this LED is really good with the mature stages of aquatic plants. Therefore, aquatic plants are developed in an ideal way.
This LED does not get hot after a period of use. It is easy to install and maintain. And importantly, it can provide ample light throughout the aquarium.
However, many customers are not really satisfied with the quality of weather effects in this LED.
#5 Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light
This LED is a product with an arrangement of bulbs unlike any other common LEDs. This special arrangement provides a wide spectrum of coverage that can span a whole aquarium. And it also provides a not too strong light.
With the slim and long design of this LED, every area of the aquarium will be illuminated. And that design also brings a high aesthetic to the aquarium.
In particular, this LED comes with two light modes: daylight and night light simulating moonlight. You can adjust this change via remote control.
You also do not need to worry about the ability to support photosynthesis aquatic plants of this product. What you should worry about is that it is not water resistant, so you cannot place it directly on the aquarium.
#6 BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light
This is the best option for those who have a limited budget and own an aquarium about 12 inches deep. This device can provide the most ideal spectral light for photosynthesis of aquatic fishing with aquariums less than 12 inches deep.
This LED has a wide light spectrum and stands out with colorful LEDs. And the light intensity of this LED is also ideal for aquatic plants that require low and medium lighting.
This device has a beautiful design, easy to use and install. So you don’t need to spend a lot of time getting used to it.
However this is an LED that does not come with many extra features and it is not intended for tanks deeper than 12 inches.
#7 VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Dimmable LED Aquarium Light
If you are looking for LED lights for enhancing aquarium with many features and high flexibility, do not miss this product.
This is one of the LEDs capable of working well with the photosynthetic capacity of aquatic plants, especially corals.
These color LED bulbs are diagonally arranged, unlike the usual arrangement. With this arrangement, the manufacturer makes sure that the device provides evenly colored light throughout the aquarium.
And this arrangement also maximizes the ability to support the growth and photosynthesis of aquatic plants.
This product also comes with many features such as a timer, light intensity adjustment, remote adjustment, etc. Therefore, you can still care for creating an aquarium in the best way even when there is not much free time.
However it requires you to spend some time installing it. It is not an LED that can be quickly installed in minutes.
#8 Fluval Plant Spectrum Bluetooth LED 3.0
If you are looking for LED aquariums for medium to large sized aquariums, this is your choice.
This LED is composed of basic white light and other colors include red, blue and green. And you can also adjust these types of light to suit the growing needs of aquatic plants.
But you should note that aquariums should not be maintained for too long with blue light because this type of light can cause algae to grow quickly.
This LED lamp has outstanding water resistance and has a nice and neat design. When you place it in an aquarium, it looks like an illuminating decoration.
However, because this device is connected to Bluetooth, there may be times when the connection will be flickered. Therefore, the Bluetooth connection is not appreciated as the wifi connection.
#9 NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light
The LED light from NICREW is one of the top-selling products on Amazon and it has a reason to appear in this position. This product is extremely suitable for beginners and is looking for an easy-to-use LED light for enrich aquarium.
This LED light consists of blue light and basic white light. White light for the day and blue light for the night.
You do not need to worry about the spectrum of this product. All you need to note is that it is not water resistant and the base for integration with the aquarium seems a bit fragile.
How Many Hours Should I Use LED Aquarium Lighting For Plants?
You need to know about the lighting schedule to avoid damaging the growth of organisms in the aquarium. Not always using LED aquarium lighting is a good idea, so keep in mind.
Typically, the ideal time to use LED aquarium lighting for plants is about 8 hours. Some large tanks over 100 gallons can last longer than about 10 hours.
However, you should pay close attention to the appearance of algae. If the time of using LED light is too long compared to the need for aquatic plants, algae will appear.
Once algae appear, they will grow very quickly if you do not stop them in time. If algae grow too much, they will take up all the oxygen and space in the aquarium, causing extremely serious damage to fish and aquatic plants.
Therefore, when you see signs of algae, reduce the number of hours using LED lighting from 8 to 6 hours. Besides, you need to combine the use of filters for the aquarium to prevent the growth of algae.
Why Are Aquarium Plants Still Dying Even Though I Use LED Lighting?
Many people experience aquarium plants dying even when they use LED lighting for reproducing aquariums. And we can say that this is not caused by LED aquarium lighting but by inexperience.
Many people may not choose the right aquatic plants. Aquatic plants consist of two types mainly in the freshwater environment and in the saltwater. There are also some people who distinguish them into three categories, including corals.
Therefore, you should check that the aquatic plants you choose for your saltwater tank are true plants that live in saltwater. If you choose plants that live in freshwater, they probably won’t survive.
And you should also check if the spectrum of LED aquarium lighting is appropriate for that plant’s development stage or requirements. Each type of aquatic plant requires different light to grow in the best way.
If LED aquarium lighting has a greater or lower intensity than the requirement of aquatic plants, they will also die.
So you need to learn carefully about the specifications of LED lighting from the manufacturer to be able to choose a product that suits your aquatic plants.
And the last mistake that led to the death of aquatic plants is that you use LED lighting for too long, leading to the strong formation and growth of algae. As we mentioned above, algae will take up oxygen and can cause death for the organisms in the aquarium.
Final Verdict
Aquatic plants need a light strong enough to support photosynthesis. If aquatic plants cannot photosynthesize, it means they cannot exist. So you need LED lighting for the planted aquarium.
And you should keep in mind a number of factors when using LED lighting to avoid affecting the growth of aquatic plants as well as the organisms living in aquariums.