10 Best Saltwater Aquarium Light Review & Buying Guide

Are you in the market searching for the best saltwater aquarium light? Maybe you’re not sure what to look for, or you just want to know if you’re getting the best deal. In either case, this guide is for you! 

The right light for your saltwater tank can be determined by considering the type of aquarium and the species that will inhabit it. There are no one-size-fits-all when choosing lights, but some general guidelines are to follow!

We’ll go over all the things you need to consider before buying the best saltwater aquarium light, and we’ll recommend some of our favorites. So whether you’re a first-time fish tank owner or an experienced aquarist, read on for top saltwater aquarium lights today.​

Lighting Requirement For Different Saltwater Tank Types

Saltwater tanks come in different types and with varying requirements of lighting. However, there are the most common three categories of marine tanks.

Fish-Only Tanks

There will be less light needed for saltwater fish-only tanks than for the following two categories. For the most part, a fish-only aquarium setup is just an ornament for you – to allow you to enjoy watching the fish swim around. So only lighting that enhances fish color would suffice in this case.

Tanks With Live Rocks

The following category contains only fish that have been exposed to live rock. Compared to the previous type, they require a little more light. For example, if you want to cultivate microalgae, you’ll need more light to give them the conditions they require to thrive. Fluorescent lighting is frequently the best option for tanks like these, but LED lights are also viable because they consume less electricity and save money in the long term.

Reef Aquariums

Reef tanks are the most ostentatious among saltwater tank arrangements since they include corals, anemones, fish, and other invertebrates. Depending on the species of coral you have in your aquarium, corals can be very particular about the illumination they want. Hard corals, for example, require a lot of light. Therefore, it will be easier for them to grow and multiply if the light intensity is higher. 

LED Lighting For Saltwater Aquariums: Advantages

Fluorescent light, which is recognized for its power and intensity, was used extensively in these tanks in the past. However, compact fluorescent lamps with built-in power supplies became popular afterward, and they were hailed as the most fantastic lighting for growing corals. In the end, LEDs are now a client favorite since they can mimic the range and intensity of PC fluorescent lights.

Consumes Less Power

Manual timers were used in the past for reef tanks powered by VHO or T5 lamps. Even though they produced an even light spread with no shadows, they had a low light intensity level (PAR). Then there were metal halides, which provided a lot of light, and then there were hybrid halide and T5 systems.

These systems worked well, but they used a lot of electricity and heated the tanks to the point where fans or a chiller were needed to cool them.

LEDs promised to reduce the expense of running a reef tank’s lighting system. Compared to metal halides and T5s, they are significantly more energy-efficient. 

Better Customizations

LED lights have their own drivers that allow for customization. Electronic timers are integrated into many LED aquarium lights, so you don’t have to worry about turning the lights on and off yourself. They will be able to darken and ramp up and down, mimicking sunrise and sunset effects. Finally, it’s possible to run some apps on your phone!

Safe To Use

LED lights are safe. Unlike halides, which use metal filaments or gas as their light source, LED lights are entirely non-toxic.

Thanks to the widespread adoption of LED lighting, increasingly sophisticated safety mechanisms are now being incorporated into reef tanks. Some LED lights for marine aquariums are splash-proof or even waterproof. For instance, LED light systems made by Kessil are known to withstand being dropped into tanks without electrocuting or shorting the tank.

Compact Lighting

The compactness of LED lighting systems for nano reefs and smaller tanks is why they are the best option. Many LED lighting solutions for reef aquariums come in “pucks,” which implies that the unit is significantly smaller than a typical T5 light. On rimless tanks where a cover is not required, LEDs can be mounted on the edge of the tank for a spotless and modern look.

Best Saltwater Aquarium Light Review

Current USA Orbit Marine

The Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light is top of the best saltwater aquarium light list. This powerful light produces stunning color rendition and shimmer effects, making your fish and corals look amazing. With a high ratio of actinic blue spectrum LEDs balanced with full-spectrum LEDs, you’ll get the perfect color combination for your tank. 

This bright and beautiful light will bring the colors in your aquarium to life like never before. Wide-angle dispersion lenses ensure even light distribution and superior color blending across your entire tank. Packed with ultra-bright LEDs in a wide range of colors, the Orbit Marine will make your fish and corals look spectacular. 

This light is a must-have for any Fish Tank owner with easy installation and realistic effects. The built-in lighting programs create a natural biorhythmic lighting cycle while on-demand dynamic weather effects gently roll clouds across your reef. 

Please read the detailed review for more information on the current USA orbit marine light.

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Viparspectra LED Aquarium Light

With a more well-known and established brand, the Viparspectra LED Aquarium Lights are great because of the number of people who’ve had great results using them in SPS and mixed reefs. Because the high power and intensity of these weapons make them ideal for use in SPS tanks.

This scientifically engineered light is designed to provide the perfect balance of PAR output and coverage, while the internal timer allows you to turn it on or off automatically. And if you want to dim it, just use the dimmable feature to adjust brightness on two channels independently. 

This light has been specially designed with a complete spectrum layout that has been contributed by thousands of reef experts – meaning you can trust in its quality and effectiveness.

However, there is a price to pay. The LED light has a timer and a dimmer built in to control the brightness. There isn’t a ramp up, or a ramp down that isn’t powered by a smartphone app. A canopy is ideal for hiding the massive black boxes, as they don’t look good hanging from the ceiling or in a rimless marine aquarium layout.

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AquaIllumination AI Prime

The AquaIllumination AI Prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED has been redesigned for better efficiency and aesthetics. Plus, it is more resistant to moisture – perfect for the needs of reef keepers. With a slim profile and various colors to choose from, the AI Prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED will give your reef aquarium the POP it deserves!

To encourage coral growth, it may emit a broader spectrum of light. This light can produce infinite spectrum combinations, allowing you to customize your aquarium to your heart’s content.

This light is perfect for controlling onsite through your smart device with the free myAI app. Quick and easy to program, it provides a direct BLE connection for a stress-free user experience. In addition, the new generation Prime and Hydras offer additional control options making it even easier to keep your aquarium looking its best.

There is no longer a need for a separate lighting controller when using your smartphone. AquaIllumination AI Prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED can dynamically modify the power available to each color, borrowing power from the hues you’re not using. This is a unique feature of the LED.

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NICREW Aquarium LED Reef Light

The NICREW Aquarium LED Reef Light is a full-color spectrum light perfect for coral growth and enhancing dramatic coloration. With smart fans for temperature control, you can ensure that your LEDs always work in optimal condition. With touch control, you can easily adjust the light intensity and spectrum according to your needs.

Coral growth in saltwater aquariums necessitates the use of adequate lighting. Small and medium reef tanks can benefit from this LED’s ability to deliver a full spectrum of light (blue, red, green, and violet+UV) that promotes optimal coral growth.

When it comes to aquarium lighting and its programming, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert in both fields. With touch control, you’ll be able to customize the effect’s color and strength. And lighting requirements for your corals can be met by the intrinsic design of the Nicrew LED.

Smart fans for additional heat dissipation keep lights from overheating, extending their lifespan. You may suspend the light above the aquarium if you purchase the hanging kit. It can be mounted on any style of tank.

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Kessil LED Aquarium Light

Despite its premium price, this coral aquarium light is trendy and sells in large quantities due to its excellent performance.

An example of spectral intelligence, the Kessil A160WE, was designed to achieve the ideal color blending for coral growth. In addition, a new control system was implemented by the manufacturer. With one knob, you can select the color spectrum you want, while the other can be used to control the intensity.

This light is perfect for anyone who wants to add a slight extra shimmer to their marine fish tank. With these lights, you’ll be able to create a sparkling underwater world that is sure to impress your friends and family. In addition, the spectrum of the Kessil LED chips are customized for aquarist needs, meaning your fish will stay healthy and happy.

Using this lighting system, you may create wavelengths that resemble the sun’s rays and encourage photosynthesis. In addition, light output at both ends of the spectrum will be boosted by 30 percent, thanks to Kessil LogicTM technology.

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Phlizon Full Spectrum LED Light

The Phlizon 165W Dimmable Full Spectrum Aquarium LED Light features all the rainbow colors – and then some! So you can create a natural and healthy environment for your fish and plants. So whether you’re looking to promote coral growth or just want your aquarium to look its best, this light is perfect for the job. And with its dimmable feature, you can customize it to fit your needs.

This unique light is specifically designed to encourage photosynthesis and increase oxygen levels in the water, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater plants. And for corals, white and red lights are required, while the Phlizon Full Spectrum Aquarium LED Light can supply this spectrum.

Thanks to its double dimmer function, this versatile light is perfect for acclimating your fish and plants to new lighting conditions. And with a 1-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee, you can be sure that your investment is protected. 

Longer life is ensured by the inclusion of fans in the lighting unit. A fan’s operation is silent, so it won’t bother you. In addition, the light’s metal housing is both elegant and long-lasting. Finally, as each lighting unit has a power cord, daisy chains are no longer required to connect many lights.

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MarsAqua Dimmable Aquarium Light

The MarsAqua Dimmable Aquarium Light is ready to mimic day and nighttime lighting configurations to ensure your fish and plants feel right at home. The lights provide all the required spectrums, so plants are bound to thrive. 

The dimmable feature allows you to customize the lighting to your specific needs. So whether you’re looking for a bright light to show off your fish or a more subdued light for a relaxing atmosphere, the MarsAqua Dimmable Aquarium Light has you covered.

This light comes with two switches that make it easy to adjust the brightness and get the light intensity you want. To ultimately achieve the day and night lighting effect, the fixture has two dimmers, one for the combination of blue light and one for the whites. This gives you complete control over the lighting in your tank, so you can create the perfect environment.

Because of its high thermal conductivity, copper was chosen by MarsAqua for the fixture’s design to prevent malfunctions caused by overheating.

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Hipargergo Aqua Knight Aquarium Light

Hipargero’s Aqua Knight LED Aquarium Light’s carefully selected LEDs provide the perfect mix of blue and white light, creating a beautiful and natural environment for your coral to thrive in. So the blue light is ideal for promoting the growth of corals and other invertebrates. 

Hipargergo light can be adjusted from 0% to 100%, making it easy to find the right level of intensity for whatever sea creature you have. And with the top-quality 90-degree acrylic lens, you can be sure that your aquarium will look its best. 

With its thin body design and adjustable LED colors, this light is perfect for small to medium-sized tanks. If you have a tiny reef tank, this light is a no-brainer. And thanks to its two-roller silent fan, it runs ultra quietly, so you can enjoy peaceful aquatic viewing experiences without any distracting noise.

We most appreciate this LED light because the maker offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and can answer inquiries 24 hours, seven days a week.

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Relassy Aquarium Light

Relassy Saltwater Aquarium Light! This lamp is packed with 338 high-quality LEDs, providing the perfect blue and white light for your coral reef tank. So not only will you see brighter colors and healthier growth among your fish and aquatic plants, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce ecological essence.

With three channels that can be adjusted independently, you can create the perfect lighting conditions for your specific needs. In addition, the blue and white lights can be turned on simultaneously or separately – so you have total control over your aquarium’s look and feel. 

Lights with features to distribute evenly around the aquarium with minimum light loss stimulate plant and coral growth better than other lights. With a dreamlike upshot, the lighting effect looks like a submerged fantasy.

This advanced light is made with aviation aluminum and a small heatsink to ensure excellent heat dissipation. There is no cooling fan, so it offers a quieter indoor environment than general reef tank lights.

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WILLS LED Aquarium Light

WILLS LEDs are scientifically engineered lights that ensure PAR/Lumen output and coverage are perfectly balanced. While red, blue, cool white, green, and warm white LEDs provide a full spectrum that encourages photosynthesis and healthy growth in your aquatic plants. 

These lights are perfect for depth 24″ tanks and fit less than 57-gallon aquariums. 

This light features both a blue channel and a white channel that can be adjusted independently, allowing you to customize the lighting to meet the needs of your corals, reef, and fish. The 90° crystal lens provides brightness and clarity, penetrating the water depth to create a beautiful aquarium. 

For aquarium dwellers, each spectrum of light serves a distinct purpose. For example, red light encourages fish growth, blue light supplies vitamin D3, allowing corals to absorb calcium and grow healthy, and purple light sterilizes and promotes healthy fish.

Finding The Best Saltwater Aquarium Light: Things To Consider

Before deciding on LED lighting for your saltwater tanks, here are some things to keep in mind.

Software & Control

LED lights for aquariums now come in a plethora of high-tech varieties. For example, different weather effects and a wide range of color and intensity adjustments are available.

These features and the ease with which they can be controlled should be your primary concerns. The use of remote control is an option for some lights. However, some are simply button remotes, while others may enable mobile apps with sliders and other features.

On the other hand, some LED lights necessitate the use of cell phones or computers. Therefore, consider the factor mentioned above before making your choice.

Overall Quality

The power and spectrum stability of LED lights is well-known. In contrast to T5 and halide bulbs, LEDs do not deteriorate in brightness or color as they age. Even yet, there are distinctions among the various LED light products. Paying attention to detail is vital:

• The choice of power supply options.
• The quality of the cooling system.
• Construction materials of the fixture.
• Spare components are readily available or not.
• Guaranty and warranty are offered or not.

Inside Visuals

When it comes to internal aesthetics, proper color blending is critical. Many keepers of saltwater aquariums have painted their tanks a deep shade of blue because they believe the color blue helps corals grow. Corals can grow in the blue spectrum, but other light sources do not hurt them.

My preferred lighting for coral/reef tanks combines full-spectrum illumination and a higher percentage of blue light. As a result, the fish’s color will be improved, and the aquarium will look better.

Outside Aesthetics

When it comes to your tank’s external appearance, the lighting fixture you use has a significant impact. If you choose the improper light frame, your aquarium will look out of place.

Everyone’s experience will be different. For your aquarium, you must pick which light is the best match.

Cost

It’s good to compare a product’s cost to its list of features. Don’t just look at the total cost of the lighting fixture; break it down into smaller components. For example, count the number of LEDs in the lighting unit and calculate the price per LED, and the cost per LED will let you compare it to other products. 

LEDs are often cost-effective and long-lasting. The typical lifespan of an LED is 50000 hours. With 12 hours of use each day, that translates to over 11 years of life expectancy!

FAQs

For a reef tank, how many watts of LED lighting am I going to need?

A marine aquarium’s size and type of corals will determine how much LED illumination is needed. LED lighting solutions are too robust for many corals in terms of PAR. It’s mainly about the footprint that you leave behind. A 24 by 24 will be powered by most systems. Do your PAR measurement while submerged in water to get the best outcome.

Is it possible to grow coral in an LED-lit tank?

In fact, LED illumination is a great way to cultivate coral. Many professional growers and aquaculture suppliers turn to LED systems to propagate corals. This is because decreased energy costs result in lower prices.

What wavelength of light works best for them when it comes to corals?

The ideal light spectrum for corals has been blue and violet. There is a slew of lights in this roundup ideal for growing corals. You can trust your purchase if you make sure the manufacturer you choose has done the appropriate R&D, and field results are also accessible from other hobbyists.

What is the ideal lighting schedule to use for reef tanks?

We’d start with an 8-10 hours initial lighting plan for a reef tank. From there, you may fine-tune your tank’s settings to your liking. Because the intensity of the light changes throughout the day, systems with ramp-up and ramp-down capabilities can be appropriate.

Final Words

We get it. Choosing a favorite product amongst others that are very similar can be difficult, and most people will have their own preferences for what they like or dislike about them, which means there is no true “winner.” But since we do need to pick the best one anyway, the Current USA Orbit Marine wins.

The Phlizon Full Spectrum LED Light might be a better option if you look for something cheaper. Fast heat dissipation ensures a longer life for the lighting unit. Fans operate silently and won’t annoy you with their whirring. The light’s metal casing is both attractive and long-lasting.

That’s it for our saltwater aquarium light review and buying guide! However, please comment below if you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with LED lights. We always love hearing from our readers. And if you’re looking for more information on keeping an aquarium healthy and thriving, be sure to check out some of our other posts.