It is easy to grow aquatic plants in an aquarium as a beginner. But most beginners fail because they do not select the right light for their tank, which causes them pain and headaches when trying out new techniques on how to culture these fascinating creatures!
Sometimes getting the right LED aquarium light may cost you a few hundred bucks. So we all assume that keeping plants in a fish tank can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have the perfect planted aquarium.
We’ll show you how to find the best budget aquarium light for your planted tank without breaking the bank in this post. So, we’ll review some of the best budget aquarium lights on the market in this post.
Whether you’re new to fishkeeping or just looking for a more affordable option, we’ve got you covered. So read on for our top picks!
Why Does The Lighting Matter So Much For Planted Tanks?
Lighting is the most vital factor for a successful planted aquarium because plants get energy from light through the photosynthesis process.
Photosynthesizing leaves use sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air or water to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen as waste products through a process called cellular respiration. The more intense the light source, the faster your plants will grow!
However, different plant species have different levels of light requirements. Some are high-light demanding, and on the other hand, some don’t thrive in intense light.
But it’s not just about lighting! A planted aquarium needs more than the right amount of light. They need ample nutrients in their water with high levels of CO2.
Best Budget Aquarium Light: 6 Top Picks Review
NICREW Clip on Aquarium Light
- The clip light allows accurate views of plants, invertebrates and fish in their natural colors, producing amazing...
- Features white, blue and red LEDs for daylight mode and blue LEDs only for a nightlight mode
- For greater customization, the brightness of the blue and white LEDs can be adjusted independently from 0% to 100%. 30...
- Easily mounts on and secured to the glass of framed or frameless aquariums up to 5/8'' with the clip on bracket design
- This clamp aquarium light is suitable for planted tanks from 2.5 to 5 gallons
NICREW’sNICREW’s Clip-On Aquarium Light is the perfect solution for people who want to add more natural lighting to their aquarium but don’t want to invest hundreds of bucks.
The light features white, blue, and red LEDs that provide accurate views of plants, invertebrates, and fish in their natural colors. The LED light also has a nightlight mode that emits only blue LEDs for a soft glow.
This clamp aquarium light is suitable for planted tanks from 2.5 to 5 gallons. Easily mounts on and secured to the glass of framed or frameless aquariums. It has a built-in reflector that directs more light downward, reducing glare and increasing illumination.
Hygger Aquarium LED Light
- 🐟DEFAULT MODE(24/7 Natural Mode): Gradient Orange light (sunrise) from 6 am to 8 am; Gradient White light from 8 am...
- 🐡DIY MODE: Time + Color + Brightness can be set. ①Setting time(TIMER key): There are 3 choices, it can run for 6...
- 🐟NEW UPGRADE: The separable adapter, if it is damaged, no need to replace the whole light to avoid waste. The...
- 🌿HIGH-QUALITY LIGHT: The light is soft, the color rendering index is close to natural light, up to 85%, protecting...
- 🦐PRODUCT PARAMETERS: ①Power:14W; ②Led QTY:58PCS(White:29PCS/BLUE:11PCS/ RED:4PCS/GREE:2PCS/ RGB:12PCS);...
Hygger Aquarium LED Light is a new generation of light for aquariums, designed to be used in freshwater fish-only or planted tanks. It provides the full spectrum of natural daylight that your aquatic pets need to thrive.
The light is soft, and the color rendering index is close to natural light, up to 85% to refuse the discomfort caused by stroboscopic for fish and viewers.
Built-in smooth metal aluminum housing, Hygger’s LED Aquarium Light is easy to clean and wipe, waterproof, and lightweight. It also features a detachable adapter that allows you to replace only the broken part instead of replacing the whole thing. In addition, the extendable bending bracket makes it easy to install.
AMZBD Led Aquarium Light
- 🐟Latest Upgraded Aquarium Light:①3 scientific timer modes(6/8/12 hours) to choose;②The light efficiency ratio...
- 🐡Daylight & Night Plant Light:①full spectrum:create the same ecological environment for your fish tank as nature...
- 🦐DIY MODE & WRGB Color Temperature Aquarium Lights:WRGB with DIY setting,most colors can be changed.You can choose...
- 🌿Convenient and Waterproof Fish Tank Light:①Use IP68 waterproof glue,even the water seeps into the light & Inside...
- 🐟Your Ideal LED Aquarium Light:The lamp with120°angle can provide the ideal dispersion and color mixing.Designed to...
AMZBD Aquarium LED Light is a light source that can illuminate the aquarium nicely, which is a good choice for your fish and plants. It has many advantages such as energy-saving, environment protection, long service life, and so on. In addition, this product uses high-quality materials and advanced technology.
The light color temperature can be adjusted from cold white to warm white. So you can choose whatever you like according to the different needs of your fish or plants. And it also provides different brightness levels for you to meet different brightness requirements. Therefore, it will bring much fun when watching fish in the aquarium.
The AMZBD Led Aquarium Light is one of the best-budget LED lights for aquariums. It’s waterproof grade IP68, wholly sealed, and dustproof. Also, the acrylic lampshade has strong corrosion resistance and can be used in any environment.
DOCEAN Aquarium Lighting
- 🐟APP CONTROL AQUARIUM LIGHT: New upgrade, APP-controlled fish tank lights, can use the mobile phone to control the...
- 🐟WORKING MODES: Control with APP includes 6 classic colors and 6 common colors can be directly selected. it also can...
- 🐟MUSIC SYNC: With the built-in advanced sound sensor, When you set “Music Mode”, aquarium led light will sync any...
- 🐟WATERPROOF & WEARPROOF: The IP68 waterproof fish tank light can be submerged in water without any damage. And the...
- 🐟ULTRA BRIGHT: Compared with other led lights for aquariums, our 5050RGB lamp beads is more brighter, energy...
DOCEAN aquarium light, the latest APP-controlled fish tank lights, can use the mobile phone to control the fish cylinder light. It has a unique feature – the music mode! When you set “Music Mode,” LED aquarium light will sync any sound captured from the receiver and flash to the beat of your music; the colors will change with the music rhythm.
With this APP-controlled LED aquarium light, you can create a unique atmosphere for your home or office! It is suitable for both fresh water and saltwater tanks.
For those who want to keep their fish tanks looking gorgeous, the IP68 waterproof fish tank light is here. It can be immersed in water without any damage occurring! Plus, its explosion protection acrylic glass provides you with better clarity when viewing your aquariums.
FUJIWAY Aquarium Lights
- 【Super Bright Led Aquarium Light】Fujiway aquarium led light is 12V1A/12W, 5730 large leds, super bright and long...
- 【Aquarium Light with Adjustable Metal Brackets】the fish tank light comes with 2 metal, which are both freely...
- 【3 Light Color Modes & 10 Levels Light Brightness Adjustable 】This aquarium light has 3 light modes: White Led, Blue...
- 【Aquarium Light with Timer & Memory Function】On the external controller, you can set the lighting time to 3, 6 or 12...
- 【Durable Aquarium Light】With 2 metal mounting bracket fish tank light, this aquarium light hood with aluminum alloy...
Fujiway aquarium led light is super bright and long life, making the aquarium water look more sparkly clean. The fish tank light comes with 2 metals, both freely extendable. You can easily install this LED fish tank light on most aquarium tanks, with a cover or not, with rims or rimless.
FUJIWAY Aquarium Lights are made of aluminum alloy, a high-quality metal. The whole shell is aluminum alloy, has a nice tactile feel, and has fast heat dissipation.
You can set the light time to 3h, 6h, 12h, or 24 hours in a cycle. Then, the next day will automatically be on. There are 3 light modes: white LEDs, blue LEDs, and blue & white LEDs.
GVOREE Round Aquarium Light
- 【Specification】: 110V 50~60Hz US plug, 600LM, 5W. (Please confirm the parameters before order). Aquarium led light...
- 【Application】: Suitable for 25cm/10inch to 40cm/15inch fish tank, max. thickness 6mm aquarium, no drilling or...
- 【Excellent Design】- Slim and modern look makes the aquarium light LED blend in different styles. High bright LEDs...
- 【Durable & saving】: Aquarium clip light made of ABS, It's durable and saves powers. Super bright, energy-saving than...
- 【Quality materials】: 12 LED beads with high brightness and high energy efficiency，ABS material, sturdy and...
Gvoree LED aquarium light is an excellent addition to your fish tank. It helps enhance the colors in your fish and corals, making them look more vibrant. This LED light can also be used for night lighting effects or a daytime lamp.
The GVOREE Round Aquarium Light is a high-quality LED light designed to provide your fish with the best environment. It features white and blue lights that create a natural aquatic environment for your fish tank.
The aquarium light is easy to install over the glass with its included screws fit for fish tanks without lids, no drilling or cutting is necessary. No pressure on your precious pet!
Best Budget Aquarium Light: FAQs
Why Is LED Preferred Over T5 Fluorescent Bulbs?
I’ve been a planted aquarium keeper since 2006, and at that time, it seemed like the best option was to use high output T5 bulbs. However, LED technology has become more mainstream in our industry over recent years, so now we have lower energy-consuming fixtures with the same or better performance!
How Long Do LED Aquarium Lights Last?
You can get a long life out of your LED aquarium lights. Most brands indicate that their products will last for about 50,000 hours- or around 5-6 years if you leave them on 24/7!
Do LED Aquarium Lights Cause Algae?
LED aquarium lights are a great way to provide your fish with the perfect lighting for their natural environment. They’re also energy-efficient and can help reduce stress in addition to being gentle on water quality!
That said, all forms of light will produce algae, but it is not the only factor! However, if possible, you must balance out lighting and water quality or look into organic solutions such as plants that may remove excess toxins from the ecosystem entirely.
Also Read:
- Best Budget Clip On Light For Your Aquarium
- Best Affordable Aquarium LED Light Review for 5-Gallon Planted Tanks
- Top Choice LED Light for Fish Color [Affordable + Reliable]
Final Words!
When choosing an aquarium light on the budget, knowing what will work best can be challenging. There are so many options available that you might feel overwhelmed by the selection process.
Hopefully, this review article will help take into account the price point for all necessary factors before deciding what kind of budget aquarium light will suit your needs best!!
- Best Silk Plants for Betta Fish [Bring Color & Life] - February 6, 2023
- Can Goldfish See In The Dark – Know The Fact - January 18, 2022
- Why Are My Fish Swimming At The Top Of The Tank | Causes & Fixes - January 17, 2022