Aquarium lights

The content of the article

• How to choose a good lamp for an aquarium
• Power
• Rating of the best lamps for the aquarium
• 10. Osram T8 Fluora
• 9. Sylvania GRO-LUX
• 8. AquaLighter LED 1
• 7. SunSun ADE-500C
• 6. SEA STAR HX-30, underwater
• 5. Dophin Led-1088
• 4. Hagen Exo Terra Repti Glo 5.0
• 3. T5 Hailea Exstra Reef
• 2. Barbus, underwater lighting
• 1. Barbus, a universal LED lamp
• Product comparison table

The quality of life of fish depends on the choice of fluorescent or LED lamps. Lighting devices are either closed (covers) or open (suspended above the aquarium). Blue or red light should penetrate deep into the water column, gently covering all corners of the tank.

How to choose a good lamp for an aquarium

There are two types of appliances:

1. Closed. The lamp in the form of a cover differs in a simple design, ease of use. The case is made of plastic, optionally decorated with an aquarium stand. The luminaire is mounted on stiffeners or a glass edge. Removable panels are placed on top, making it easy to maintain the aquarium. Additionally, a fish feeder can be mounted in the lid in the form of a small hatch.
2. Open. The device is suspended above the aquarium, illuminates the body of water. Such a lamp stands out in the interior. Devices are sold in finished form, are selected individually by size. There are cylindrical, round, rectangular lamps. Inside, a powerful halogen or fluorescent lamp with a powerful reflector is built in, where the reflector directs the flow of light to the water tank.

Criteria for choosing lamps:

1. Colour temperature. This parameter is important for the appearance of the aquarium, the development of vegetation in it. Temperature 5500–6500 Kelvin (K) – white light, which is close to natural sunlight, is suitable for small aquariums with fresh water. 1000 K – daytime cold light with a light blue tint, ideal for illuminating marine life. 2000 K – bright blue light, used for deep marine aquariums. Lamps with actinic (ultraviolet) light are considered the brightest, used to illuminate colorful tropical fish, corals.
2. Light spectrum. Two narrow color ranges are recommended for high-quality photosynthesis: violet-blue (about 440 nm), red-orange (660–700 nm).
3. Lighting duration. Tropical vegetation needs bright and long light – 11-12 hours.

To evaluate the degree of protection against splashes (IP67, IP68, IP65, IP64), decode the last digits:

• 1 – the lamp withstands condensation;
• 2 – protection against moisture falling at an angle of 15 degrees;
• 3 – protection against splashes falling at an angle of 60 degrees;
• 4 – comprehensive protection against splashes;
• 5 – comprehensive protection against jets;
• 6 – protection against strong water pressure;
• 7 – the lamp will withstand short immersion in water;
• 8 – comprehensive protection for prolonged immersion in water.

Power

Depending on the parameters, several types of lamps are distinguished:

1. 8-24 W. Devices with such power are designed for shallow containers with a length of about 50 cm. The parameters are ideal for the high-quality production of chlorophyll by plants. These lights emit little heat, do not scatter light.
2. 24–38 watts. Power is suitable for elongated tanks up to 1 m long. Lighting in the aquarium is uniform, and the devices themselves do not generate much heat.
3. 39–58 W. The parameters are ideal for tanks with a depth of about 40 cm and a length of 60 cm. The light in the aquarium is intense, soft, uniform, does not irritate aquatic inhabitants.

Generalized degrees of power, helping to choose the optimal level of illumination for a particular species of fish and plants:

1. 0.1-0.3 W / L – suitable for an aquarium without vegetation.
2. 0.2-0.4 W / L – You can contain shade-loving plants, nocturnal fish (for example, catfish). From the vegetation, Vallisneria, Javanese moss, some species of echinodorus, cryptocoryns, and Thai fern are suitable.
3. 0.4-0.5 W / L – The power is ideal for aquariums with few plants. Hydrocotyl, hygrophilous, cryptocoryne will grow, but slowly. Foliage and stalks will become elongated.
4. 0.5-0.8 W / L – optimal indicators for the design of an aquarium with lush vegetation. Most types of algae fully develop and acquire a bright color..
5. 0.8-1 W / L and higher – such power is often used in dense shrubs. Under these conditions, water hyacinths, ludvigia, creeping, ground cover and floating plants feel good.

Rating of the best lamps for the aquarium

Before buying a device, pay attention to the lamps that are used there:

1. Incandescent. The most inefficient type. Its only advantage is the spectrum of the lamp close to sunlight. Cons: low efficiency and light output (a large amount of energy is spent on heat), a short service life (1000 hours). For good lighting, you will need a lot of lamps, which leads to overheating of water.
2. Halogen. A more practical type of lamp, the service life is up to 4000 hours. Luminous efficiency and efficiency are higher than that of incandescent lamps, but insufficient for proper lighting. When using multiple appliances, the water will overheat.
3. Fluorescent. The most popular types (T8, T5) give intense directional light. Devices are available at a cost, their light output is much higher than that of halogen or incandescent lamps. The service life is up to 10,000 hours, but the replacement of light sources is recommended every 6-12 months. Cons: low permeability in the water column, diffused light. To enhance lighting, it is recommended to use such devices together with reflectors or reflectors..
4. Metal halide. Ideal for large aquariums, the light reaches the very depths. High power and productivity, directional luminous flux, 15000 hours of service are the main advantages of the devices. The only minus is excessive heat generation, so it is recommended to install lamps at a distance of 30 cm from the surface of the water.
5. LED. LED luminaires are available for day and night light. Their advantages: economy, safety, a wide range, optimum light temperature (6500 K), long service life (up to 50,000 hours). These lamps hardly heat up, due to which they can be installed under the aquarium cover. Minus LEDs – relatively high cost.

10. Osram T8 Fluora

Inexpensive German option for bulk tanks. The phytolamp differs in an ideal spectrum of radiation, provides intensive growth of algae. The color of the fish and the whole composition becomes more saturated.

The light emitted does not harm the inhabitants of the aquarium, after 2-3 weeks the plants cease to stretch, their stems thicken significantly, the leaves become wide and juicy. Algae can fill the entire space of the aquarium, so use a phytolamp very carefully. In some cases, it is recommended to remove it, applying as necessary (for short-term illumination in the evening or at night).

Price:

450 rub.

Benefits:

• small sizes;
• red and blue spectra prevail – a pleasant pink glow is obtained;
• the growth of algae is activated;
• the color of the fish becomes more attractive;
• light does not irritate the eyes;
• the lamp does not heat up;
• energy saving.

Disadvantages:

• half the original quality loses after a year of use.

9. Sylvania GRO-LUX

One of the best German-made budget devices, suitable in the absence of daylight in the room. After its installation, an improvement in the phytobiological process, stimulation of plant growth is observed. Soft but bright light favorably emphasizes the beauty of the aquarium composition, makes the color of fish and algae more saturated.

The model is designed for containers with fresh water. Red and blue rays provide an optimal level of lighting for high-quality photosynthesis. The appearance of fish and vegetation is significantly transformed, but it looks natural.

Price:

700 rub.

Benefits:

• compact sizes;
• easy installation;
• intense light;
• red and blue spectra prevail;
• soft and full illumination of an aquarium with vegetation.

Disadvantages:

• no.

8. AquaLighter LED 1

If you need intense light for an open freshwater aquarium, this option is ideal. The relatively high price is the only possible drawback of the model. It is significantly covered by positive characteristics: stylish appearance, intense light, ease of installation (special mounts are included).

The German-made luminaire is made in the form of a thin bar (7.5 mm thick), which harmoniously combines with the tank without attracting attention. LEDs are very powerful, light plays beautifully on the surface of the water. A container with a height of 50 cm and a length of up to 52 cm is well lit to the very bottom and walls. During prolonged use, the device practically does not heat up, which creates favorable conditions for fish and vegetation.

Price:

4000 rub.

Benefits:

• can be installed under the aquarium cover;
• protection against moisture and splashes;
• withstands short-term immersion in water;
• economically consumes energy;
• visually increases the volume of the aquarium;
• compact power adapter included.

Disadvantages:

• light bulbs quickly burn out.

7. SunSun ADE-500C

A powerful Chinese-made slim LED lamp for growing aquarium and indoor plants. Externally, the device looks stylish, successfully fits into any interior. The design is made taking into account safety requirements, the LED lamp is reliably protected from moisture. The material is very durable – aluminum alloy, reliable mounts. When installing, insert special feet into the holes, then install on a cube of water.

The luminaire comes with an adapter on which there is an “On / Off” button. The wire for connecting to the network is ultra-thin, so it will not stand out much. The light is bright white, with enhanced blue – this combination contributes to high-quality photosynthesis. The spectra are perfectly matched and well balanced to enhance vegetation growth. The composition becomes more attractive and vibrant, the color of the aquatic inhabitants is beautifully emphasized.

Price:

1800 rub.

Benefits:

• the lamp is ready for installation;
• convenient to use;
• the design does not overheat;
• 4 rows of diodes;
• bright light;
• lighting angle – 120 degrees;
• side lighting;
• safe working voltage of 12 volts;
• mounts with adjustable support lengths;
• after 3 days the grass becomes more juicy;
• after 2 weeks, growth is activated.

Disadvantages:

• no.

6. SEA STAR HX-30, underwater

Another Chinese LED submersible lighting for the aquarium. Water with it will not overheat, the light is produced safe for the health of fish and algae. Radiation is selected so as to promote the development of shrubs, algae. Corals, stones acquire a beautiful rainbow color, fish feel good in such an environment.

On sale there are several options for backlights: with pink, blue or green light. The design is reliably protected from water, so calmly immerse it even at the very bottom of a not too deep tank (about 1.2 m). The device is equipped with a switch and two suction cups. Wire length to adapter with power button – 1 m.

Price:

950 rub.

Benefits:

• compact sizes;
• safe materials;
• reliable protection against moisture;
• soft light does not irritate fish;
• economical energy consumption;
• quick to install and remove.

Disadvantages:

• short power cord.

5. Dophin Led-1088

A compact aquarium lamp made in China with two modes of operation: day, night. The first is blue, white and red lights, very soft and not irritating to eyes or fish. The second mode is a blue glow that creates a sensation of the seabed. The lamp can be used to illuminate aquarium compositions in sea or fresh water..

The device consists of many small flashlights, it is easily and quickly installed, removed if necessary. The lamp is attached to the walls of the tank, extends 5 cm from each edge. You can install the device on the tank with a flat transparent cover or without it. In the latter case, you can put glass on the aquarium to protect the lamp from moisture.

Price:

1500 rub.

Benefits:

• thin design;
• stylish appearance;
• strong aluminum case;
• adjustable plastic legs with fasteners;
• several sizes to choose from;
• beautiful night glow.

Disadvantages:

• no moisture protection.

4. Hagen Exo Terra Repti Glo 5.0

If turtles, snakes, toads or frogs, which sometimes crawl out to land, live in the aquarium, additionally install a special lamp. A Canadian model of Hagen Exo Terra Repti Glo 5.0 with UV radiation is suitable. The lamp is easy to install: it is easily screwed into the lamp, which is not included in the package, but is bought separately.

The appliance is not protected from moisture, so place it above a closed aquarium. Turn off the lamp at night to avoid overheating. The radius of action of light is up to 30 cm. Ultraviolet stimulates appetite, increases the activity and mating behavior of aquatic inhabitants, and promotes the absorption of calcium in the body. You can buy a lamp of different sizes and capacities. The largest device is available in lengths of 120 cm with a power of 40 watts.

Price:

900 rub.

Benefits:

• compact sizes;
• there are round and long lamps on sale;
• detailed instructions for use on the package;
• safe for animals and people.

Disadvantages:

• used as an additional light source for turtles and toads.

3. T5 Hailea Exstra Reef

A low-cost Chinese-made device for lighting aquariums with marine and freshwater inhabitants. The fluorescent lamp is characterized by high light output and low energy consumption. A powerful luminous flux is produced that promotes the formation and active growth of algae. The light penetrates to the bottom of the tank, the fish and the composition with such a backlight look more attractive and more natural.

In the first days after installing the lamp in the shrubs, the color of the leaves will become more juicy. The growth of unicellular algae or coral will accelerate significantly. Light favorably affects tropical fish and other aquatic inhabitants, pleasant for human eyes.

Price:

500 rub.

Benefits:

• looks attractive;
• the blue spectrum prevails;
• emphasizes the blue and red elements of the composition;
• promotes photosynthesis;
• easy to find on sale.

Disadvantages:

• no.

2. Barbus, underwater lighting

An economical Chinese-made model for organizing additional aquarium lighting. The lamp is available in pink, blue, green or white light, which helps to create a unique underwater world at home. The emission spectrum is designed to stimulate algae growth. Favorably emphasizes the natural color of fish, stones, corals. The light is pleasant for aquatic life and humans.

The design is as simple as possible, does not cause installation difficulties: it is fixed under the tank cover with two suction cups. The length of the device can be different. The lamp is completely submersible, waterproof, withstands prolonged exposure to water. To work, connect the device to the mains – the cable length is 105 cm.

Price:

250 rub.

Benefits:

• corresponds to the description of the manufacturer;
• different sizes and colors to choose from;
• bright and even light;
• practically does not heat up;
• just used.

Disadvantages:

• without switch.

1. Barbus, a universal LED lamp

A popular inexpensive Chinese-made device for outdoor and underwater lighting. The kit includes a lamp, suction cups for mounting, a wire with a plug and a switch. Devices are sold different, the power varies depending on the length of the lamp.

You can install the device inside the tank or above the water, as an outdoor lamp. The color of the glow is “mix”: red, white and blue, moderately bright, very pleasant, creates comfort in the room. The device can be used as the main light source in the aquarium and as an additional one in the room. Algae growth increases significantly, fish feel good.

Price:

650 rub.

Benefits:

• strong, safe materials;
• reliable fastenings;
• optimum spectrum of a luminescence;
• there is a switch.

Disadvantages:

• no.

Product comparison table