Best LED Lights (with PAR) for Planted Aquariums – From Small to Large

Updated: July 24, 2025 - By: - Categories: Planted aquarium

In recent years, LED lighting has revolutionized the planted aquarium hobby. With sleek designs, low energy consumption, and impressive longevity (often 5 to 7 years or more), LED lights have become the gold standard for growing healthy aquatic plants at home.

But choosing the right LED fixture isn’t just about brightness. Factors like PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), color spectrum, tank size compatibility, and plant type all play a crucial role in success.

In this guide, we break down what to look for in an LED light for your aquarium — and review some of the best options for tanks of all sizes, from compact nano setups to lush, heavily planted show tanks. Whether you’re nurturing low-light mosses or carpeting plants that demand intensity, there’s a perfect light here for you.

PAR comparison table

Model Our rating PAR Ideal for Fixture sizes For tanks LEDs Modes Wattage
Chihiros C2 RGB with Bluetooth Controller editor's ratingChihiros C2 RGB with Bluetooth Controller #ad – most plant types 9.4″ clip light 8-18″ long, < 8 mm thick 40 RGB pcs ‘my Chihiros’ app for dimming & timing, multi colors 20 watts
Finnex FugeRay Planted+ cliplight editor's ratingFinnex FugeRay Planted+ cliplight #ad 35 @ 12-inch depth nano planted with medium light plants clip-on 2.5-5 gallons daylight, 660nm red and blue Day/night 5 watts
Finnex Planted+ 24/7 ALC editor's ratingFinnex Planted+ 24/7 ALC #ad 117 @ 14-inch depth (48-inch fixture) medium-high light plants 24 inches (available 12-48″) 20 gallons daylight, 660nm red, green, blue remote control, 24/7 light cycle, other manual modes watts
Hygger 24/7 aquarium light editor's ratingHygger 24/7 aquarium light #ad – fish-only, most plant types 48-54 inches (18-54″ available) 55 Gal 106 White + 43 Blue + 15 Red + 8 Green + 43 RGB 24/7 timer, on/off timer, multi colors 42 watts
Fluval Plant Spectrum Bluetooth LED 3.0 editor's ratingFluval Plant Spectrum Bluetooth LED 3.0 #ad tropical fish, most plants types 48-60 inches (available 24-60″) 48-60 inches 366 total Mobile app control, automatic light cycle, preset modes 59 watts
NICREW SkyLED Plus editor's ratingNICREW SkyLED Plus #ad 97 @ 12-inch depth (30-inch fixture) most plant types 30-36 inches (available 12-54″) 30-36 inches 80 White + 15 Blue + 10 Red Day/night 30 watts
Current USA 18 editor's ratingCurrent USA Satellite Plus PRO #ad 155 @ 12-inch depth medium-high light plants 48-60 inches (available 18-60″) 48-60 inches 40 white, 10 red, 19 RGB 24 hour timer control, multi modes 65 watts
Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus editor's ratingCurrent USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus #ad 35+ @ 12-inch depth (48-inch fixture) fish, low light plants 36-48 inches (available 18-72″) 50-55 gallons 72 white + 36 RGB custom colors, weather effects 25 watts
Finnex FugeRay Planted+ editor's ratingFinnex FugeRay Planted+ #ad 121 @ 14-inch depth (48-inch fixture) most demanding, red plants 48 inches (available 12-48″) up to 55 gal (160) 7000K + (88) 660nm red + (16) blue Day/moonlight 48 watts
Finnex Stingray 2 editor's ratingFinnex Stingray 2 #ad 76 @ 14-inch depth (48-inch fixture) fish, medium light plants 16 inches (available 12-48″) 5 gallons 32 x 7000K + 8 x actinic + 8 x 660nm red Day/night watts
BeamsWork EA Full Spectrum editor's ratingBeamsWork EA Full Spectrum #ad 36 @ 12-inch depth (24-inch fixture) fish, low light plants 30 inches (available 12-72″) 20 gallon long/29 gal 25 White 10000K, 11 RGB Day/night 36 x 0.5W = 18 watts total
BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED editor's ratingBeamsWork DA FSPEC LED #ad 96 @ 12-inch depth (24-inch fixture) medium-high light plants 72 inches (available 12-72″) (up to 100 gallons) 102 white 10000K, 80 RGB Day/night 182 x 0.5W = 91 watts total
Kessil A160WE Tuna Sun Controllable editor's ratingKessil A160WE Tuna Sun Controllable #ad designed for penetration deep and large planted tanks 24″ surface diameter coverage 1 unit per 24-inch length remote control for adjusting light colors and schedule 40 watts
Chihiros Vivid II RGB Aquarium LED Light editor's ratingChihiros Vivid II RGB Aquarium LED Light #ad 280 @ 20-inch depth high-light plants, deep planted, high hanging 18-inch hanging fixture 24-36″ 160 RGB LEDs app control, automatic mode with sunrise/sunset, manual mode 130 watts

*Most PAR values are measured in air, and the actual value will be lower in aquarium water.

How Do I Choose an LED Light for My Planted Aquarium?

Several factors must be considered when selecting high-quality LED lights for your planted aquarium. The most critical aspects are the color temperature (Kelvin rating) and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measurements of the products.

The Kelvin rating ensures you choose a light with the appropriate white light spectrum for aquarium plants, while PAR measurements confirm the light provides sufficient intensity for plant growth.

The types of plants in your aquarium and the tank’s size are also important considerations.

Kelvin Rating – Choosing the Right Type

color-temperature

Color temperature (wikipedia.org)

The first factor to evaluate is the product’s color temperature, determined by its Kelvin rating. Aquarium plants can adapt to a wide range of color temperatures, but a Kelvin rating of 5,500 to 7,500K is most desirable, as it closely simulates natural daylight, promoting optimal plant growth.

PAR – Ensuring Sufficient Quantity (Most Common and Easy to Use)

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) refers to the range of light wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers that plants use for photosynthesis. It is a key factor in supporting healthy growth in aquatic plants, corals, and other photosynthetic organisms.

LED light manufacturers often provide PAR values for lights designed to support plant growth. A higher PAR value generally promotes better growth, but different species have different light requirements—some thrive in low light, while others require intense illumination.

One important principle to keep in mind is that PAR intensity decreases as the distance from the light source increases. Therefore, high-light plants should be positioned closer to the LED light, while low-light species can be placed further away.

How Much Light (PAR) Do You Need?

Since aquarium plants have varying light requirements, you must determine whether your plants are low-light, medium-light, or high-light species. The following guide outlines the lighting needs for different types of aquatic plants:

How Many Watts per Gallon for Planted Tanks?

If PAR information is unavailable for a light you’re considering, you can use our “watts per gallon” guide for planted tanks. While not as precise as PAR, it provides a relative estimate of light intensity.

Based on the PAR values of many planted tank LED lights on the market, we suggest the following table:

Plant type PAR @ 12-inch depth Watt/GAL
Low-light plants 15-30 0.4-0.5
Medium-light plants 35-65 0.5-0.7
High-light plants 65-120 0.7-1.1

This table applies only to LED lights. For older fluorescent lights, you will need approximately triple the wattage: 1 W/gallon for low-light, 2 W/gallon for medium-light, and 3 W/gallon for high-light plants.

Best LED lights for planted aquariums reviewed

Chihiros C2 RGB with Bluetooth Mobile App Control

If you’re looking for an LED aquarium light for your nano planted tank, the Chihiros C2 RGB LED light might be ideal. It’s specifically designed for nano tanks up to 18 inches in length. It features 40 RGB LEDs designed to make plants appear more vibrant and enhance the colors of fish and shrimp.

This light has Bluetooth capabilities and can be controlled via the My Chihiros app. Through the app, you can individually adjust three color channels (Red, Green, and Blue), as well as set sunrise and sunset effects for your tank. You can also modify the color temperature to meet your plants’ needs for optimal growth. The brightness is adjustable from 10% to 100% via the app.

Adjustable angle and heightAdjustable angle and height #ad

A major advantage of this model is its adjustable mounting bracket and arm, which enhance convenience. You can adjust the frame to your desired height and rotate the 360-degree swivel arm for strategic light distribution within the tank.

Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Clip Light

This small clip-on aquarium light features an advanced design to meet the light requirements of nano planted aquariums needing low to medium light. It is one of the best light fixtures for small planted aquariums with a capacity under 10 gallons.

It offers two light modes: daylight and moonlight. It includes deep red light-emitting diodes producing light at a wavelength of 660 nanometers, ideal for supporting photosynthesis in medium light-demanding plants.

The light is built for longevity. Its aluminum circuit boards and plastic cover enhance the durability of the LED bulbs. The aluminum case facilitates effective cooling, while the plastic cover protects the LEDs from moisture.

The simple setup of the clip light makes it effortless to install over the tank. Simply slide the gooseneck onto the aquarium wall and secure it with the included nylon screw. The flexible gooseneck allows setup versatility while ensuring thorough light distribution.

Find other clip-on aquarium lights here: https://portlandaquarium.net/clip-on-led-light/

Finnex Planted+ 24/7 ALC – Automatic Timer Control

This product introduces a 24/7 mode designed to automatically simulate a day/night cycle for optimal plant growth. It also provides enhanced control over color and intensity. The light comes with a dynamic remote that enables activation of the 24/7 mode.

Remote controlRemote control #ad

In addition to the 24/7 automatic lighting cycle, it offers the option to select preferred color combinations and includes four weather modes. To simplify navigation of custom settings, the product incorporates a built-in sensor with two different color indicator LEDs to avoid confusion.

This model is popular for its advanced control features and ability to schedule daily light exposure, promoting plant growth and development. Its high PAR output makes it versatile enough to support most types of aquarium plants in the hobby today.

Hygger 24/7 LED Aquarium Light with Inline Timer

This light boasts numerous exciting features, including an automatic on/off timer, a 24/7 lighting cycle, and a variety of color options. These are default settings for ease of use, but some can be customized to your preference.

Inline controllerInline controller #ad

If you prefer a simple automatic on/off schedule, use the timer key to set the lighting duration to 6, 10, or 12 hours, and the light will turn off automatically after the set time, repeating this schedule daily.

In addition to white light, the light offers seven attractive color options: White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Orange, and Cyan. Brightness can be freely adjusted using the Up/Down button. There is also an all-color cycle mode, though its brightness cannot be adjusted.

24/7 light cycle24/7 light cycle #ad

The most exciting feature is the 24/7 automatic lighting cycle. According to the 24/7 setting, the light starts with an orange gradient in the morning (6 to 8 AM), transitions to white during most of the day (8 AM to 6 PM), remains blue from 6 PM to around 10:50 PM, and then turns off.

Fluval Plant Spectrum Bluetooth LED 3.0

One of the highest-rated products on the market is the Fluval Plant Spectrum Bluetooth LED 3.0. Its most convenient feature is the companion FluvalSmart app, allowing you to control the light via your mobile device, unlike many other products that rely on remotes.

Programmable 24-hour automatic light cycleProgrammable 24-hour automatic light cycle #ad

The app features a 24-hour automatic light cycle with specific settings for sunrise, sunset, midday, and night. You can adjust the default 24-hour light cycle, modifying the time frame and colors for different times of the day. The light colors can be easily adjusted via five independent color channels in the app. It also includes three preset light configurations for habitats like Lake Malawi, tropical river, and planted aquariums.

Five color channels and six unique band wavesFive color channels and six unique band waves #ad

This product features six unique band waves for full-spectrum results. It has a Kelvin rating of 6,500K and a lumen output of approximately 4,250. Although PAR information is not provided by the manufacturer, based on its wattage, we recommend this light for most types of aquarium plants.

Nicrew SkyLED Plus – Budget Option

The Nicrew SkyLED Plus, with its highly competitive price, is an excellent option you shouldn’t overlook. It features LED lights designed to illuminate your aquatic environment, making it ideal for freshwater tanks and medium to high light-demanding plants, as it meets the technical specifications needed to support plant growth.

This product offers full-spectrum flexibility, covering a color spectrum range of 6,000K to 12,000K, with the vendor recommending 8,000–9,000K for planted tanks.

A notable feature is the adjustable day and moonlight color spectrum and intensity, controlled via a wired switch on the power cord, allowing day and night lighting channels to be operated together or independently for a wide range of color modes.

The PAR value scales with the color spectrum, reaching up to 97 at a 12-inch depth (measured under a 30-inch fixture). This wide range makes the product versatile for various plant types, offering flexibility to meet diverse lighting needs.

When installing this product, the adjustable docking legs allow quick and easy adjustments for various tank sizes.

Current USA Satellite Plus Pro with Timer

The Current USA Satellite Plus Pro offers a comprehensive set of features for planted aquascapes. For aquarists who enjoy incorporating technology into their tanks, this light is an excellent fit. It delivers a PAR rating of over 155 at 12 inches, making it suitable for even the most light-demanding plants.

High PAR outputHigh PAR output #ad

This LED light provides intense illumination, superior color rendition, and extensive control features to tailor it to your lighting needs. For planted freshwater tanks, it ensures robust plant growth and vibrant colors with shimmer.

Remote controlRemote control #ad

TimerTimer #ad

The light offers a variety of lighting modes to accommodate a wide range of colors, including dynamic on-demand modes like moonlight, cloudy, and stormy. It also features a dynamic 24-hour mode that mimics real-world aquatic conditions from sunrise to sunset for optimal plant growth.

The build quality is exceptional, with an aluminum shell that prevents LED overheating. The light includes extendable mounting brackets for easy installation. Its ultra-thin design ensures compatibility with space-constrained tanks.

Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus

Another product to consider is the Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus. This product offers multiple light settings and realistic effects to simulate a natural aquatic environment.

With modes that dim sporadically to create cloud cover effects, storm modes featuring lightning strikes for dramatic impact, and imaginative evening modes like lunar and dusk, this product provides an innovative approach to aquarium lighting, ensuring your aquarium is visually striking.

It has a color spectrum of 6,500K. The PAR value is 35+ at 12 inches of depth, which is sufficient for low-light plants. Be cautious if your aquarium contains more demanding flora, as this light may not meet their needs.

This product is designed for easy installation, minimizing setup hassle. It lacks a built-in 24-hour timer control, unlike the Satellite Plus Pro. However, it can be used with a standard socket timer available on the market.

Finnex Stingray 2 Aquarium LED Light for Plant Growth

For its price, the Finnex Stingray 2 is remarkably powerful. With a PAR rating of 76 at 14 inches, it is an excellent choice for aquarists with medium to high light-demanding plants in small to medium aquariums.

The Stingray 2 improves upon its predecessor with a sleeker design, featuring a razor-thin profile and an aluminum cover for enhanced heat dissipation. It also includes adjustable brackets for frameless aquariums, a splash guard, and an LED moisture-resistant coating to extend LED longevity.

Its LED system comprises 32 7,000K LEDs, 8 actinic blue LEDs, and 8 660nm red LEDs. It features an exclusive 120-degree beam angle, ensuring light reaches every corner of the tank, not just directly beneath the fixture.

The light has a three-way switch that toggles between all lights on, off, or moonlight mode (blue lights only), maximizing the use of the tri-blend colors to promote growth and showcase tank inhabitants.

Despite a six-month warranty, it offers reliable performance and excellent lighting without breaking the budget.

Finnex FugeRay Planted+ with Moonlight

For light-hungry plants and vibrant aquarium colors, the Finnex FugeRay Planted+ LED light is an excellent choice. It’s a significant upgrade from the Stingray 2 in several aspects.

It retains the ultra-thin design with an aluminum cover for faster heat dissipation, effective cooling, and extended LED life. However, it surpasses the Stingray 2 with an impressive 264 LED system in its 48-inch frame, including 160 7,000K LEDs, 88 true 660nm red LEDs for intensive plant photosynthesis, and 16 blue LEDs. A dedicated switch on the cordless side allows manipulation of the moonlight mode to maximize lighting colors.

This unique light is ideal for high-maintenance planted aquariums and works well for larger tanks. It is rated at 48 watts with a PAR of 121 at 14-inch depth, which is impressive. With such high PAR, consider using pressurized CO2 to control algae growth.

Although considered a budget option, its 40,000-hour LED lifespan suggests otherwise. The light’s build quality is outstanding, with an adjustable clip for easy mounting. Once installed, it offers a 120-degree beam angle for lush plant growth and vibrant colors.

Like other Finnex products, it comes with a six-month warranty, but its quality ensures durability for years if installed and used correctly.

BeamsWork EA Full Spectrum

The BeamsWork EA FSPEC LED light may not be the most visually appealing in this collection, but it compensates with strong performance. For budget-friendly lighting, this light delivers impressive results.

This 30-inch light features 36 LEDs, each producing 0.50W, resulting in 1,700 lumens. As a full-spectrum LED light, it supports plant growth and produces vibrant colors, particularly enhancing the appearance of cichlids.

It offers two lighting modes: day and night. It is designed to work seamlessly with a timer module (sold separately) for hands-free control.

Like other reviewed lights, it features an aluminum shell for durability and rapid heat dissipation. It includes extendable brackets for easy installation on tanks of various lengths. While not as slim as other models, it fits most tanks without issue.

The BeamsWork EA FSPEC has a PAR of 36 at 12 inches, making it ideal for beginners with hardy, low-light plants.

This light is an affordable option for aquarists setting up their first planted tank, especially on a tight budget, balancing quality and performance.

BeamsWork DA 6500K LED Light

If you’ve tried the BeamsWork EA FSPEC and found it insufficient or desire a more powerful option, the BeamsWork DA FSPEC is an excellent choice. This 72-inch LED light is ideal for large planted aquariums up to 100 gallons.

While the EA FSPEC supports entry-level hardy plants, the DA FSPEC offers higher PAR output for plants with above-average lighting needs, allowing a broader range of plant choices and vibrant colors with shimmer.

The LEDs feature various colors and wavelengths for full-spectrum effects, supporting plant growth and vibrant tank aesthetics. Cichlids, in particular, look stunning under this light.

It is equipped with a high-quality aluminum cover that dissipates heat, allowing continuous operation without overheating. The light includes extendable brackets for compatibility with most aquariums and a slim profile that fits various setups.

Find other 72-inch LED lights here: https://portlandaquarium.net/72-inch-led-light/

Kessil A160WE Tuna Sun Planted Tank LED Light Combo

For deep or extra-large planted aquariums requiring high-output light with excellent penetration, the Kessil A160WE Tuna Sun is worth researching. It is designed for freshwater setups and excels at growing plants.

The light delivers 40 watts of power, providing superior penetration, spectacular shimmer, and vibrant colors. Its tubular design features an aluminum casing with fans for effective heat management.

It includes a compatible controller with preset modes and an automatic lighting cycle, allowing intensity adjustments for different times of the day. The controller has two ports to manage at least two Kessil light units.

kessil-tuna-blue

Each light unit has two ports: one for the controller and another to connect additional light units via a cable, enabling a single controller to manage multiple units for flexible installation in hobbyist or commercial setups.

The light features two control knobs on the back for adjusting intensity and color, offering a spectrum from 6,000K to 9,000K. For tropical planted tanks, set the range to 6,000–7,000K. For other planted tank types, consult aquarium forums like plantedtank.net for suitable spectrum settings.

The package includes a gooseneck for hanging the light unit, ensuring low-maintenance, high-performance operation once installed.

Chihiros Vivid II RGB Aquarium LED Light

For high-demanding plants requiring intense lighting, the Chihiros Vivid II RGB Aquarium LED Light is an excellent solution. It features 160 RGB LED bulbs and delivers an impressive PAR peak of 280 at 20-inch depth, making it ideal for light-intensive plants. It allows you to simulate natural light, eliminating the need for manual timer settings.

Chihiros Vivid II RGB specificationsChihiros Vivid II RGB specifications #ad

Light intensity can be controlled via the My Chihiros app, where you can adjust the red, green, and blue channels. The app also enables setting custom sunrise, sunset, and ramp times, ensuring plants receive optimal light throughout the day, mimicking natural conditions. Unlike its counterparts, this light allows you to increase one color’s intensity beyond 100% by reducing another color’s intensity.

Note that this is a hanging aquarium light, requiring a Chihiros Alloy Stand or similar stand for installation. One fixture is designed for tanks up to 50 gallons or 24–36 inches in length. For larger planted tanks, consider using two or three units.

What is the Best Lighting Schedule for Planted Tanks?

Fish and plants both require periods of darkness to simulate the natural day/night cycle. If you’re unsure where to start, mimic a natural lighting schedule in your aquarium.

Nicrew 24/7 lighting scheduleNicrew 24/7 lighting schedule #ad

The above schedule is an excellent one to follow if your light lacks a 24/7 automatic lighting feature. It begins with dimmed white light in the morning, reaches peak intensity at noon, slightly decreases in the afternoon, transitions to blue moonlight at night, and turns off completely at midnight.

If your light does not include a 24/7 automatic control feature with varying intensities and colors throughout the day, we recommend keeping the white light on for 8–10 hours per day. You can select your preferred time frame or choose one of these: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (8 hours), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (10 hours), or 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (10 hours).

You can turn off the light completely after 6:00 PM or leave only blue LEDs on and turn off all LEDs after 12:00 AM. This is straightforward to implement. The blue moonlight, generated by a few blue LEDs, is soothing and will not harm your fish or plants due to excessive lighting duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens with Planted Tanks Without Light?

In the absence of a light source, plants will seek alternative sources to meet their needs. All plants require light to survive, but the amount varies depending on the species.

For example, low-light plants can survive on natural diffused sunlight in your home, while high-light plants require additional artificial lighting to thrive.

Why Use a Light Timer?

BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable TimerBN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer #ad

BN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical TimerBN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical Timer #ad

Using a timer for your LED lights is highly convenient, especially if you forget to turn them off manually. Timers are also useful for extended absences. The socket timers shown above are compatible with most LED aquarium lights on the market. Both digital and mechanical options are available for your preference.

What Happens if Too Much Light, Not Enough CO2?

The relationship between CO2 and light in an aquarium can be understood simply. More light increases the plants’ demand for CO2. If insufficient CO2 is present, it can lead to an algae outbreak, so finding the right balance is crucial.

Conversely, if CO2 levels are increased without a corresponding increase in lighting, plants will not photosynthesize efficiently, and excess CO2 can become toxic to fish and invertebrates.

More about CO2 supply systems here: https://portlandaquarium.net/co2-regulator/

Where to Buy Planted Aquarium Lighting?

The best place to shop for aquarium lights is online, as websites like Amazon offer a wide range of options, making it easier to compare products and find what suits your needs.

Conclusion

The critical role LED lights play in the health and well-being of a planted aquarium is undeniable. They are also essential for enhancing the aquarium’s aesthetic appeal, making it a true attraction. Choosing the right light from the many options available requires some prior knowledge. We hope this guide empowers you to make the best choice for your aquarium. Have fun!

With years of hands-on experience and a deep love for aquatic life, we’re passionate fish keepers dedicated to helping others thrive in the hobby. Our mission is to make fishkeeping accessible, enjoyable, and successful for everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned aquarists. By sharing practical tips, honest advice, and hard-earned lessons, we hope to inspire more people to discover the joy of building and caring for a thriving underwater world.

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