As is the case with any hobby, it becomes easier and more convenient with the advancement of technology, and the aquarium hobby is no different. Aquarium lights are something that have undergone a massive transformation, especially in the last decade with the adoption of LED technology.
This is particularly true for planted tanks. Lights for aquascaped tanks have become a lot simpler, affordable, efficient, and manageable because of LEDs. However, not all LED lights are created equally, and some are better than others. Today, we will look at everything there is to know about these lights so that you can choose the one that is best for you.
Aquarium LED Lights – A Total Gamechanger
I remember a time when the thought of setting up the lights in a planted aquarium would scare me. Getting the lighting just right used to be so tedious that there were instances when I put certain projects on hold just because failure seemed inevitable. Having multiple aquariums with a combination of Fluorescent tubes, bulbs, and halogens also meant that not only were they costly to begin with, the high electricity bill every month meant that the running costs were astronomical too. LED lights have changed all that.
They have been a total game changer for several reasons, such as:
Energy efficiency: LED lights consume less energy compared to traditional lighting options, making them an energy-efficient option for aquariums. This reduces energy costs and makes them an eco-friendly choice.
Customization: LED lights are available in a wide range of colors and intensity levels, allowing aquarists to customize the lighting to suit the specific needs of their aquarium. This can promote healthy plant and animal growth and create visually stunning displays.
Long lifespan: LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting options, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This makes them a cost-effective option in the long run.
Low heat emission: LED lights produce very little heat, reducing the risk of overheating the aquarium water and helping maintain a stable temperature.
Versatility: LED lights can be used for a variety of aquarium setups, including freshwater, saltwater, and reef aquariums. They can also be used to create specific lighting effects. The possibilities are endless!
Advanced features: Many LED lights for aquariums come with advanced features, such as programmable timers, dimming options, and wireless control. These features make it easier to manage the lighting of the aquarium and create specific lighting effects.
LED lights have truly revolutionized the way we light our aquariums.
The Different LED Terminologies You Should Be Aware Of
Even though LEDs have simplified aquarium lighting, there are still some technical terms you should be aware of to get the lighting just right. Here are some terminologies to be aware of:
- Spectrum: The spectrum of an LED light refers to the range of wavelengths of light emitted by the fixture. White lights consists of seven colours mixed together. In the case of aquarium lighting, a full spectrum LED light will simulate natural sunlight and promote healthy plant and coral growth.
- PAR: PAR stands for photosynthetically active radiation, which is the light energy that plants and corals use for photosynthesis. PAR is an important factor to consider when choosing LED lights for planted tanks and reef aquariums.
- Wattage: This is the raw output power of the light. A higher wattage rating will produce more light, but also consume more energy.
- Lumens: Lumens refer to the amount of visible light emitted by the LED light. However, lumens can be misleading for aquarium lighting, as the intensity of light required for photosynthesis is not always the same as what the human eye can see. PAR and K-rating are more important than the Lumen rating.
- Kelvin: Kelvin (K) is a unit of measurement for color temperature, which determines the hue of the light emitted by the LED fixture. For aquarium lighting, a range between 5000K and 10,000K is recommended, as it promotes plant growth and enhances the color of fish and corals.
- CRI: CRI stands for color rendering index, which measures how accurately the light source reproduces colors compared to natural sunlight. A higher CRI means that the colors of plants and fish will appear more vibrant and natural under the LED light.
- Dimming and Programmability: Some LED lights come with dimming and programmable features that allow you to customize the intensity and color of the light throughout the day. This is especially useful for simulating a natural day-night cycle and promoting healthy plant and coral growth.
By understanding these terminologies, you can make an informed decision when shopping for LED lights for your aquarium.
Ideal Range Of Some Of These Parameters
The ideal values of the some of the parameters associated with LED lights for a planted tank depend on the type of plants being grown and the size of the tank. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Colour temperature: The colour temperature of LED lights should be between 5000K to 7000K for planted tanks. This range provides a balance between the blue and red spectrum of light, which is essential for photosynthesis while also including a bit from the other light bands in the spectrum.
- PAR value: The PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) value should be between 30-50 µmol/m²/s for low-light plants, 50-80 µmol/m²/s for medium-light plants, and 80-120 µmol/m²/s for high-light plants.
- Light intensity: The light intensity should be between 20-40 lumens per litre for low-light plants, 40-60 lumens per litre for medium-light plants, and 60-80 lumens per litre for high-light plants.
- Photoperiod: The photoperiod should be about 8 hours for low-light plants, 10-12 hours for medium-light plants, and 12-14 hours for high-light plants.
- LED type: Choose high-quality LED lights that emit a full spectrum of light, including blue and red wavelengths.
These values are just general guidelines, and you should adjust them based on the plants in your tank. Monitoring the growth of your plants and adjusting the lighting accordingly is the ideal way to go about this.
Best Brand Of LED Lights For Planted Tanks
There are many brands of LED lights available for aquariums, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the top brands of LED lights for aquariums:
Fluval: Fluval is a well-known brand in the aquarium industry, and their LED lights are highly regarded for their quality and performance. They offer a variety of LED lights for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, with features like programmable timers and customizable color temperature.
Current USA: Current USA is another popular brand of LED lights for aquariums. Their LED lights are known for their sleek design and advanced features like wireless control and customizable lighting effects.
Finnex: Finnex is a brand that specializes in LED lights for planted aquariums. Their LED lights are designed to provide the necessary spectrum and PAR output for healthy plant growth, and they offer a range of models with different sizes and features.
AquaIllumination: AquaIllumination is a high-end brand of LED lights for aquariums. Their LED lights are known for their advanced features like full spectrum lighting, wireless control, and programmability, as well as their high-quality construction and durability.
Kessil: Kessil is a brand that specializes in LED lights for reef aquariums. Their LED lights are designed to provide the appropriate spectrum and intensity for coral growth, and they offer a range of models with different sizes and features. They do offer some great lights for planted tanks as well.
When choosing a brand, consider your specific aquarium needs and the features that are most important to you.
Best LED Lights For Planted Tanks
Each of these brands offer multiple options and it can become quite overwhelming to pick one. I have narrowed down the list to some of the top-rated LED lights for planted tanks:
- Finnex Planted+ 24/7 HLC Aquarium LED Light: This LED light has a customizable 24/7 automated lighting cycle, with a full spectrum of light that can promote plant growth. Having been specifically designed for planted tanks, it works like a charm and is my go-to option.
- Current USA Satellite Plus PRO LED: This LED light has customizable color options and a wireless remote, making it easy to adjust the light spectrum for your plants. If you want to constantly tinker with the lights in the most unobtrusive way then this light is perfect for you.
- Fluval Plant Spectrum Bluetooth LED: This LED light has a full spectrum of light and can be controlled via Bluetooth using your smartphone. It is a great all-round performer that ticks all the right boxes.
- NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light: This affordable LED light has a daylight spectrum that can promote plant growth and is suitable for low to medium light plants. It is a great option for a low-tech setup.
- Twinstar II LED Light: This LED light has a high PAR value and is designed to promote plant growth while minimizing algae growth. If you have a lot of demanding plants and need quick growth then this light will get the job done.
When selecting an LED light for your planted tank, it’s important to consider the size and depth of your tank, the type of plants you have, and the specific lighting requirements of those plants. Look for LED lights with a high PAR value and a customizable light spectrum to ensure the best possible growing conditions for your plants.
Upfront Cost Of LED Lights For Aquariums
The cost of LED lights for aquariums can vary widely depending on several factors, including the brand, size, and features of the LED light. Generally speaking, LED lights can range from around $20 to several hundred dollars or more.
Basic LED lights without programmable features or adjustable color temperature typically cost less than $50. However, if you’re looking for LED lights with more advanced features such as dimming, programmability, and color customization, expect to pay more.
The size of your aquarium will also affect the cost of LED lights. Larger aquariums will require larger LED lights with higher wattages and PAR output, which will typically cost more.
Finally, keep in mind that the quality of the LED lights can also affect the price. Higher-quality LED lights are likely to be more expensive, but they may also last longer and provide better performance.
Running Costs Of Aquarium LED Lights
The running cost of aquarium LED lights depends on several factors, including the wattage of the LED lights, the number of hours they are used each day, and the local cost of electricity.
To calculate the running cost of LED lights for your aquarium, you can use the following formula:
Running Cost = (Wattage x Hours Used Per Day) / 1000 x Cost of Electricity per kWh
For example, if you have a 50-watt LED light that you run for 8 hours per day and the cost of electricity in your area is $0.15 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the running cost would be:
(50 x 8) / 1000 x $0.15 = $0.06 per day
Over the course of a year, the running cost would be:
$0.06 x 365 = $21.90 per year
Keep in mind that the actual running cost of your aquarium LED lights may vary based on factors like fluctuations in the cost of electricity and changes in your lighting schedule. Additionally, using LED lights that are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan can help reduce your overall running costs over time.
Are LED lights alone sufficient for Heavily Planted Tanks?
Yes, LED lights alone can be sufficient for heavily planted tanks, provided they are of good quality and the parameters mentioned earlier are met. However, the specific lighting needs will depend on the plants in the tank, the tank’s size and shape, and the intensity and duration of the lighting.
Heavily planted tanks with high-light plants will require more intense lighting and a longer photoperiod, while low-light plants will require less intense lighting and a shorter photoperiod. It’s essential to monitor the growth of your plants and adjust the lighting accordingly.
Additionally, while LED lights can provide sufficient lighting for heavily planted tanks, other factors such as CO2 levels, nutrient levels, and water quality also play a vital role in the health and growth of the plants. Maintain a balance between all these factors to ensure the success of your planted tank.
LED vs. Fluorescent Lights For Planted Aquariums
LED lights are typically more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than fluorescent lights. They also provide a wider range of colour options, which can be important for promoting plant growth. LED lights can be customized to provide the specific spectrum of light that plants need for photosynthesis, and they often have a higher PAR value (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) than fluorescent lights.
FAQ
What is the recommended lighting period for a planted tank with LED lights?
Generally, a lighting schedule of 8-10 hours of light per day is appropriate for most planted tanks. However, the specific lighting needs of your tank may vary depending on the type of plants you have.
What color temperature is best for a planted tank LED light?
A color temperature between 6500K and 10000K is generally considered ideal for a planted tank LED light. This range provides a spectrum of light that can promote plant growth.
Do LED lights produce heat?
LED lights produce less heat than traditional lighting options, such as incandescent or fluorescent lights. However, they still generate some heat, so ensure that your tank doesn’t overheat.
Can LED lights promote algae growth?
LED lights can promote algae growth if they provide too much light or the wrong spectrum of light. Select LED lights that provide the appropriate spectrum and intensity of light for your plants to avoid promoting excessive algae growth.
What is PAR, and why is it important for planted tanks?
PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation, which is the amount of light that plants can use for photosynthesis. PAR is an crucial measure of the intensity of light that plants receive and is critical for promoting healthy plant growth in a planted tank.
Do I need to provide additional CO2 if I use LED lights in my planted tank?
Providing additional CO2 can help promote healthy plant growth in a heavily planted tank, regardless of the type of lighting you use. However, it is important to balance CO2 levels with lighting and nutrient levels to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants.
Conclusion
LED lights have become a popular choice for planted tanks due to their energy efficiency, customizable spectrum of light, and long lifespan. They provide a wide range of benefits for plants, including promoting healthy growth and enhancing the colours of aquatic life.
They have also simplified the lighting process to the point where even a relative beginner can get the lighting of an advanced setup just right. I have had a lot of fun with LED lights in my aquariums over the last few years and hopefully, you can get the same level of enjoyment too.
