Diodes that are used in best reef LED lighting are usually made from semiconducting materials such as selenium or silicon. Nowadays, many individuals also mix up LED lighting with the newly developed IRED lighting which stands for Infrared Emitting Diode. The main difference between the two is that IRED does not emit any light when an electrical current is passed through it. Instead, these lights emit IR energy.
It can be difficult choosing the best reef LED lighting for your fish tank especially if you are a beginner. However, with some guidance, you should find just the right reef lighting. Firstly, remember that excess light can actually damage the reefs because it will lead to algae growth that will, in turn, take up most of the oxygen in the fish tank.
Plus, getting rid of algae from a fish tank can be extremely difficult especially your aquarium is placed next to a window. On the other hand, light deprivation can lead to corals, reefs and fish having trouble with the growth rate as well as the overall health. Also, sunlight will heat up the water in your fish tank hence reef LED lighting is much better to use for saltwater aquariums.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of 13 Best Reef LED Lights in 2020
- Top 13 Best Reef LED Lighting Reviews in 2020
- 1. Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light
- 2. HIPARGERO LED Aquarium Light
- 3. Viparspectra LED Aquarium Light
- 4. Kessil LED Aquarium Light
- 5. Aquatic Life LED Aquarium Light Fixture
- 6. Lominie LED Aquarium Light
- 7. KZKR Aquarium LED Fish Tank Light
- 8. MICMOL Smart LED Aquarium Light
- 9. Zeiger Eco LED Aquarium Light
- 10. Phlizon Aquarium LED Light
- 11. AquaTop Nano LED Light
- 12. RECORDCENT LED Aquarium Light
- 13. Prime HD+ Aquarium LED Compact Fixture
- How Does Reef LED Lighting Works?
- How to Set Up a Good Fish Tank?
- Why Are Reef LED Lighting So Popular?
- What Reef LED Lighting is Needed?
- Conclusion
- Relevant Resources
Comparison of 13 Best Reef LED Lights in 2020
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light |
| Check Price |
 | HIPARGERO LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | VIPARSPECTRA LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | Kessil LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | Aquatic life LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | Lominie LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | KZKR Aquarium LED Fish Tank Light |
| Check Price |
 | MICMOL LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | Zeiger Eco LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | Phlizon Aquarium LED Light |
| Check Price |
 | AquaTop Nano LED Light |
| Check Price |
 | Recordcent LED Aquarium Light |
| Check Price |
 | Prime HD+ AI Aquarium LED |
| Check Price |
Top 13 Best Reef LED Lighting Reviews in 2020
1. Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light
Durable and reliable reef LED lights that are manufactured in the USA under strict quality control plus these reef lights have been reported to be much brighter than their cheaper counterparts.
Moreover, they offer a wide spectrum of lights that will help you achieve just the atmosphere you wish your tank to have. Also, customers have reported that their easy to install and maintain especially that the packaging box contains a clear instruction booklet.
- Wide spectrum reef LED lights
- Affordable
- Reliable and long lasting
- Made in the US
- Intensity and brightness cannot be controlled
- No timer
- Will likely heat the water
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2. HIPARGERO LED Aquarium Light
These LED fish tank lights have been professionally designed to give the user beautiful deep-sea like atmosphere in the tank. Moreover, the intensity and brightness can be controlled by the switch plus these lights come in a box with a timer.
Also, the super thin design of these LED lights will ensure that the aquarium water does not overheat. Furthermore, the manufacturer offers a 6-month warranty period and lifetime customer support that has been reported to be helpful and friendly.
- Professionally designed reef LED lights
- Good customer support
- Warranty
- Comes with a switch and a timer
- Does not offer a wide spectrum of lights
- Available in one size only
3. Viparspectra LED Aquarium Light
Viparspectra best Reef LED Lighting comes with a timer that you can use to set the reef lights on and off. This feature will especially be useful for individuals who work or travel a lot and would like to have an automatic reef lighting mechanism.
Moreover, it comes with several adjustable brightness levels that will ensure your reefs and fish get all the light they need. Plus, the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support. However, the customers did report that some packages arrived damaged whilst others received already returned lights.
- Affordable
- Brightness can be controlled
- Comes with a timer
- 2-year warranty
- Some packages arrived damaged
- Irregular shape
4. Kessil LED Aquarium Light
Kessil Fully Automatic Reef LED Lights will be great for fish tanks with corals only. Moreover, the manufacturer has specifically designed these lights to be used with coral types such as LPS and SPS.
Plus, these Kessil lights come in four different color hence you will definitely find the ones that will fit your fish tank. This model of LED lights comes with special actinic blue diodes that produce just the right color and intensity for invertebrates, reefs and some species of fish.
Furthermore, the packaging box comes with a battery operated remote control that can be used to control the brightness and intensity of the LED lights. Lastly, with these lights, you can even create fun and interesting effects such as lighting storms and fading lunars.
- Remote control
- Can be used to create dynamic and interesting effects
- High quality
- Customer support
- Expensive
- Can be hard to install at first as the instructions are not very clear
- Wiring and tubing can be hard to hide
Also Read: Best HOB Filter for Your Aquarium in 2020 – Reviews with Comparison
5. Aquatic Life LED Aquarium Light Fixture
Aquatic Life Reef LED lights come with 50 fully customizable lights in terms of intensity and brightness. Moreover, these lights are easy to program as per your fish tank needs plus they come with a timer that you can use to change light intensities whenever you are not home.
Furthermore, customers have noted great customer support plus the manufacturer offer a 3-month warranty period. However, keep in mind that these lights tend to take a lot of current thus expect your electricity bill to rise if you will be using these lights at all times.
- Warranty
- Customer support
- Design
- Ease of use and durability
- You will need to reprogram the lights after every time you turn them off
- Cannot be used with a bracket
6. Lominie LED Aquarium Light
Lominie best Reef LED Lighting comes with a built-in 90 degrees lens that has been reported to have supreme penetrability as well as an even and intense illumination. Moreover, it comes with 6 different colors that will allow you to create an intimate atmosphere in your saltwater fish tank.
Plus, customers can fully control the spectrum of the LED lighting through the attached IR remote control that comes in the packaging box.
Also, the LED lights do not give off much heat hence you would not have to worry about the water temperature rising. The manufacturer has been praised by a lot of customers thanks to their great customer support and lifetime warranty.
- Colors can be controlled through the remote control
- Does not heat water
- Trustable brand
- Good customer support
- Expensive
- Available in one size and configuration only
7. KZKR Aquarium LED Fish Tank Light
This light is made in so many versions that it can even be considered as ambient light. Its longest versions are to be considered for as the best Reef LED lighting for reef tanks. A full spectrum of lights is supported. These lights are also considered very bright by today’s standards, around 5730 SMD.
Fitted in an aluminum case, these lights are also very easy to install. With reduced weight, they are easily installed just above the fish tank. However, they do not resist submersion and they should never be placed inside the tank.
Since the lights come from LED sources, there’s no need to worry about heat and heat dissipation. Practically, the lights can be left on as long as needed and their aluminum case will not heat up.
- Available in strips of various lengths
- Includes a day and a night mode
- Works with just the blue lights
- No mode for red lights only
Also Read: Best Reef Salt of 2020 – Top 10 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
8. MICMOL Smart LED Aquarium Light
MICMOL Smart Reef Lights come with an automatically controlled panel that will allow you to get the full spectrum of colors. Moreover, customers have reported that it is easy to use but will need some effort to set up because the instruction booklet is not included in the packaging box.
However, you can control these reef LED lights with your iPad through the Wi-fi connection.
- Built-in control panel
- Can be controlled through iPad
- Fast shipping
- Needs constant recharging
9. Zeiger Eco LED Aquarium Light
As one of the best LED saltwater reef lighting solutions, there are a few designs to choose from. The smallest light version comes in a 24-32 inch version. The largest light comes in a 72-84 inch version.
It must be said that these lights are perfect for small and medium tanks and as a result, a solid choice among the best cheap LED aquarium reef lighting. Each of these lights comes with 2 adjustable brackets. This is why they can even be installed just above the tank, resting on its sidewalls.
However, there’s a real issue when it comes to possible accidents. This is why my advice to you is to seek a method to hang it above the tank for safety reasons. Even if it comes with adjustable brackets, you never know how kids or friends can touch or play with the thank. It’s best to prevent accidents with simple measures.
- Available in 6 sizes
- 8000 K color temperature
- Made with adjustable metal brackets
- Flimsy construction
10. Phlizon Aquarium LED Light
This efficient reef LED light only has a length of 16 inches. But this is sufficient to ensure the quality of life in the tank is at an optimum level. The UV lights promote plants’ health. You can rest assured the product is one of the best reef aquarium LED lighting options for sterilization.
It keeps harmful bacteria away from the plants. The red light is activated in tanks where reef life needs to be sustained. The result includes healthier plants such as moss. In turn, these plants balance the oxygen level in the water.
This is why your fishes are going to be happier and healthier. In terms of controls, it’s nice to see the LED lighting doesn’t have single functioning modes. Two dim modes can be selected according to your tank’s need with these best Reef LED Lighting candidates.
- Only 16 inches long
- Includes 2 dim modes
- Separates light channels
- Not the top choice for saltwater
11. AquaTop Nano LED Light
Unique and reliable reef LED lights that come with a criss-cross pattern of diodes that will maximize the light being emitted. Moreover, such configuration has been noted by many aquarium enthusiasts to help keep corals and saltwater fish species healthy.
Plus, with the help of the timer, you can control when the white light is turned on and off hence you will be in full control even when you are not at home or at the office. Furthermore, the switch will allow you to control the intensity of the light depending on what type of corals and fish species you have.
- Offers a wide spectrum of colors
- Comes with a remote and a switch
- Durable and reliable
- Good customer support
- Some lights were reported to have arrived damaged
12. RECORDCENT LED Aquarium Light
Recordcent best Reef LED lighting is made with much brighter and energy efficient diodes than other similar models hence it will use far less energy compared to other reef LED lights.
Moreover, it can be used to provide fish and corals with the full spectrum of lights and colors thus giving your fish tank an unforgettable aquarium aura that will surely delight everyone in the household.
Plus, the reef LED lighting plate comes with two miniature fans that will prevent the overheating of your aquarium even if you leave the lights on for too long. Lastly, the manufacturer offers a 3 month warranty period just in case you find something wrong with the lights.
- Warranty
- Built-in fans to prevent overheating
- Affordable
- Gives a full spectrum of colors
- Some diodes were reported not to work
Also Read: Best Canister Filter in 2020 – Great Filtration Process for Aquarium
13. Prime HD+ Aquarium LED Compact Fixture
Another great model of reef LED lighting that comes in a box with a timer and an instruction booklet that will allow you to quickly set up your fish tank lighting. Moreover, these LED lights have been specifically designed to give your fish tank a deep ocean feed through the use of mostly blue lights.
Plus, the color intensity and brightness can be controlled through the timer so that your fish and corals could thrive in the fish tank. Furthermore, the blue light has been proven to stimulate higher calcium intake by the fish and the corals thus significantly improving their health and growth rate.
- Blue light helps create a deep ocean-atmosphere
- Warranty
- Great for fish and corals
- Intensity can be controlled
- Expensive
- Some reef LED lights were reported to arrive damaged
How Does Reef LED Lighting Works?
Reef LED lighting is made with small diode bulbs that are connected to a closed circuit board plus customers can find many different options of reef LED lighting including in light rails, pendants and tubes. Moreover, best reef LED lighting are available in many different colors with some models even having a time switch that you could use to set a timer for the reef LED lighting. However, such a model will cost more than regular reef LED lighting.
How to Set Up a Good Fish Tank?
Before you pick a fish tank that you would like to purchase think about how big a fish tank you can actually afford to place at home in terms of space. Plus, keep in mind that many saltwater fish species are very territorial as they are used to living in large oceans where space is not a constraint.
Also, think about plants you are going to need to buy so as to maintain a healthy fish tank ecosystem. Then, think about the type of corals you would like to place in your fish tank. The task of populating the saltwater aquarium can seem daunting at first because there are so many different species of fish you could purchase.
However, if you first consult a professional or at least the fish shop salesperson you are very likely to quickly and easily choose just the species you need. Think about fish species that once fully grown in your fish tank will feel comfortable plus if you are intent on mixing them up then consider whether the species will be compatible with each other or whether they might have territorial conflicts.
Why Are Reef LED Lighting So Popular?
Reef LED lighting has become so popular in such a short time because of their ease of use plus they use really little energy and have proven to be very reliable as well as long-lasting. Moreover, different best reef LED lighting can be used to create a wide spectrum of lights in the saltwater fish tank. However, do keep in mind that reef LED lighting can be expensive to purchase at first though the investment will be fully worth it.
What Reef LED Lighting is Needed?
Keep in mind that there isn’t an exact answer because different tanks will have different lighting requirement based on whether the tank contains only the reefs or whether it is populated with fish and live plants. Hence, if you have only planted tank then you will need to evaluate how much light is really needed for the correct plant photosynthesis.
However, if you have reefs and fish in the tank as well then the task will be a little more complicating because each of them will have their own light needs. Moreover, fish tanks with reefs will require at least one day lamp as well that will be high enough in the intensity to reach the bottom of the aquarium.
Also Read: Best Filter for Turtle Tanks in 2020 – Reviews & Complete Buyer’s Guide
Conclusion
In order to set up your reef tank for success, you will need to properly cycle it before introducing the corals and the fish. Nitrogen is widely known to be necessary for all important living process of plants and animals including humans. However, in closed ecosystems such as a fish tank, the nitrogen can very quickly become very concentrated and thus poisonous.
In oceans, the nitrogen is absorbed into the water from the air and then living microorganisms such as bacteria convert the nitrogen into ammonia in a process widely known as nitrogen fixation. This process is the only way the living organisms of the ocean can benefit from the nitrogen. In other words, it is the bacterium that works to break down nitrogen because it would have been useless in its own natural state.
However, in fish tanks, this process takes time to succeed because originally the fish tank would not have any living bacteria thus it is important for you to introduce the bacteria so as to start the nitrogen fixation process. The introduction of the beneficial bacteria is basically the fish tank cycling itself and you can achieve it by purchasing ready made bacteria formulas that you would only need to mix with water then pour it into the fish tank.
You could also take water to fill the new fish tank from an old aquarium if you have more than one. This method is highly recommended because it will save you the time you would otherwise spend waiting for the bacteria from the purchased formula to start working.
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