LED lighting drives photosynthesis in planted aquariums — plants use light in the 400-700nm range to convert CO2 and nutrients into energy. Without adequate light in the correct spectrum, no amount of CO2 or fertilizer will keep aquatic plants healthy.
Fish Tank World selected these six LED lights based on three criteria: full-spectrum output suitable for plant growth, customer ratings of 4.3 stars or higher on Amazon, and coverage across tank sizes from 7” nano setups to 46” large tanks. The Fluval Plant 3.0 is the best overall for serious planted tanks, and the hygger 18W 24/7 is the best value for most hobbyists.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Serious planted tanks (36-46") | Mid-size tanks (18-24") | Customizable setups (18-24") | Rimless tanks (12-20") |
| 24/7 Cycle | ||||
| Adjustable Spectrum | ||||
| Color Rendering | High | 85 | 90 | 85 |
| Mount Style | Extendable brackets | Extendable brackets | Extendable brackets | Clip-on |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
- Best For
- Serious planted tanks (36-46")
- 24/7 Cycle
- Adjustable Spectrum
- Color Rendering
- High
- Mount Style
- Extendable brackets
- Best For
- Mid-size tanks (18-24")
- 24/7 Cycle
- Adjustable Spectrum
- Color Rendering
- 85
- Mount Style
- Extendable brackets
- Best For
- Customizable setups (18-24")
- 24/7 Cycle
- Adjustable Spectrum
- Color Rendering
- 90
- Mount Style
- Extendable brackets
- Best For
- Rimless tanks (12-20")
- 24/7 Cycle
- Adjustable Spectrum
- Color Rendering
- 85
- Mount Style
- Clip-on
Also reviewed: the SEAOURA Clip On (4.6 stars) for nano tanks 7-12” and the AQUANEAT LED (4.4 stars) for budget setups under 14”.
1. Best Overall: Fluval Plant 3.0
Fluval Plant 3.0 LED
- Programmable 24-hour cycle with sunrise, midday, sunset, and night
- Six unique band waves for true full-spectrum output
- 120-degree light dispersion for edge-to-edge coverage
- Preset habitat configs: Lake Malawi, Tropical, Planted
- 46W output — enough for demanding plant species
Why we recommend it: The Fluval Plant 3.0 is the only light on this list with the raw output to drive carpeting plants and red species. The programmable spectrum, app control, and preset habitat modes make it the most capable option for hobbyists who want real control over their lighting.
Fluval’s Plant 3.0 is the upgraded successor to the well-regarded Plant 2.0 line. At 46 watts with six band waves, the Plant 3.0 delivers the PAR output that demanding plants need — and its 120-degree dispersion means no dark corners at the edges of the tank.
Who it’s for: Hobbyists running 36-46” planted tanks with medium to high light plants. If you’re dosing CO2 and growing carpeting species, the Fluval Plant 3.0 is the light to get. Customers consistently report that “plants grow like crazy” under this fixture.
The tradeoff: The Fluval Plant 3.0 is the most expensive option here by a wide margin. If you’re growing low-light plants like java fern and anubias, you’re paying for output you don’t need.
- Highest output on this list — handles carpeting plants and red species
- Programmable sunrise/sunset with gradual dimming transitions
- Super easy to set up according to customer reviews
- Dawn and dusk graduated dimming reduces fish stress
Watch out for:
- Premium price — overkill for low-light planted tanks
- High output requires proper CO2 and nutrient balance to avoid algae
- Opinions on value for money are mixed given the price
2. Best Value: hygger 18W 24/7
hygger 18W 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light
- 24/7 natural cycle: sunrise orange → daylight white → moonlight blue
- DIY mode with adjustable timer (6h/10h/12h), 7 colors, 5 brightness levels
- 1,075 lumens from 98 LEDs (white, blue, red, green, RGB)
- Separable adapter — replace just the adapter if damaged
- Power-off memory saves your settings
Why we recommend it: The hygger 18W packs a surprising amount of capability into a budget price. The 24/7 natural cycle runs hands-free, the DIY mode lets you dial in exactly what you want, and at 1,075 lumens with 85 CRI, it delivers solid light quality for low-to-medium light plants.
The hygger 18W 24/7 is the light most planted tank hobbyists should start with. The default 24/7 mode simulates a full natural day — orange sunrise at 6am, white daylight through the afternoon, blue moonlight in the evening, then off at night. No programming required.
Who it’s for: Hobbyists with 18-24” tanks growing low to medium light plants. The 24/7 mode is genuinely set-and-forget, and the DIY mode gives you room to grow into more advanced setups.
The tradeoff: At 18 watts, it won’t drive high-light demanding species. Customers note that “plants thrive” under this light, but you’re looking at java fern, anubias, and crypts territory — not Monte Carlo carpets.
- True set-and-forget 24/7 cycle right out of the box
- Customers praise the quality, adjustable brightness, and soft orange sunrise glow
- Extendable brackets fit various tank widths without exact size matching
- Replaceable adapter prevents whole-unit replacement if the power brick dies
Watch out for:
- Some customers report lights stopping after extended use
- 15-minute ramp time in DIY mode — not instant color changes
- 85 CRI is good but not top-tier (compare NICREW's 90 CRI below)
3. Best Customizable Spectrum: NICREW C10 24/7
NICREW C10 24/7 LED Aquarium Light
- 90 CRI — highest color rendering on this list
- Individual R/G/B/W channel control from 0-100%
- Customizable 24/7 cycle with 10 programmable time slots
- 4 preset modes: 5000K warm, 7500K cool, 12000K bluish, moonlight blue
- 6500K white + tri-color RGB LED blend optimized for plant growth
Why we recommend it: The NICREW C10 offers the most granular spectrum control in this price range. Individual channel adjustment and 10 programmable time slots let you build a custom light cycle tailored to your specific plants — something usually reserved for much pricier fixtures.
The NICREW C10 24/7 gives you a canvas instead of a preset cycle. The C10 lets you independently adjust red, green, blue, and white channels from 0-100%, then program those custom blends into 10 time slots across a 24-hour cycle. That’s a level of spectrum control most lights in this price range simply don’t offer.
Who it’s for: Hobbyists who want to dial in their exact light spectrum and schedule. The 90 CRI also makes this the best choice if color accuracy matters to you — fish and plant colors look noticeably more natural and vivid.
The tradeoff: More control means more setup time. If you just want to plug it in and walk away, the hygger 18W’s one-button 24/7 mode is simpler. Some customers also report the remote control becoming unreliable over time.
- 90 CRI makes fish and plant colors pop — highest on this list
- Bright enough to illuminate tanks up to 40 gallons per customer reports
- Easy to set up and program despite the deep feature set
- 4 presets get you started if you don't want to fully customize
Watch out for:
- Remote control reliability gets mixed reviews — some report it failing within weeks
- More features = steeper learning curve than simpler lights
- Functionality gets mixed customer feedback overall
4. Best for Rimless Tanks: hygger Clip On 24/7
hygger Clip On 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light
- Clip mount fits tank walls up to 0.9" thick — rimmed or rimless
- Same 24/7 natural cycle as the hygger 18W (sunrise/daylight/moonlight)
- DIY mode: 7 colors, 5 brightness levels, 6h/10h/12h timer options
- Light body detaches for horizontal or vertical mounting
- 817 lumens from 68 LEDs at 14W
Why we recommend it: The clip-on mount makes this the cleanest option for rimless tanks and open-top setups where bracket-mounted lights look out of place. It delivers the same 24/7 cycle and DIY features as the larger hygger 18W in a more compact, flexible form factor.
Rimless aquariums — increasingly popular for planted tanks and aquascaping — don’t always work well with bracket-mounted lights. The hygger Clip On solves this with a sturdy clip that grabs tank walls up to 0.9” thick, and the light body itself can be positioned horizontally or vertically.
Who it’s for: Owners of rimless tanks in the 12-20” range, especially 5-gallon nano setups. Customers specifically mention it works great on rimless 5-gallon tanks. Also a good pick for anyone who wants a clean, minimal look above their tank.
The tradeoff: At 14W and 817 lumens, it’s less powerful than its bracket-mounted sibling. Brightness gets mixed reviews — adequate for low-light plants but don’t expect it to drive demanding species.
- Clean clip-on design looks great on rimless and open-top tanks
- Customers say rocks look amazing in the orange sunrise glow
- 5-step brightness adjustment and color options that enhance plant colors
- Moonlight simulation with deep blue light for nighttime viewing
Watch out for:
- Brightness reviews are mixed — adequate for low-light, not high-light plants
- 0.9" max wall thickness won't fit some thick-rimmed tanks
- Lower output (817 lumens) compared to bracket-mounted options
5. Best for Nano Tanks: SEAOURA Clip On
SEAOURA Clip On Aquarium Light
- Designed specifically for 7-12" nano tanks
- 24/7 cycle with 16 schedulable time points
- Preview feature — see color and intensity before committing to your schedule
- IP68 waterproof — survives accidental submersion
- 10 brightness levels and 5 timer settings
Why we recommend it: Purpose-built for nano tanks, the SEAOURA packs serious capability into a tiny package. The 16 time-point scheduling rivals lights twice its price, and the IP68 waterproof rating means you don't have to worry about splashes — or even full submersion.
Nano planted tanks (under 10 gallons) need a different kind of light — most standard fixtures are too large, too powerful, or both. The SEAOURA Clip On is designed specifically for the 7-12” range, with an adjustable-height bracket and slideable casing that fits the scale of small tanks.
Who it’s for: Nano tank and shrimp tank owners. Customers specifically call it “excellent for small shrimp tanks” and praise the dawn/dusk effects at this scale. If you’re running a planted nano setup for cherry shrimp or a betta, this is purpose-built for you.
The tradeoff: The 7-12” range is very narrow. If your tank is larger than 12 inches, this light simply won’t cover it. It’s also rated for medium-to-low light plants only.
- Customers rate it 4.6 stars — tied for highest on this list
- IP68 waterproof — the only fully submersion-rated light here
- Preview feature lets you see exactly what a setting looks like before saving
- Power outage memory recalculates timer automatically on restart
Watch out for:
- Only fits 7-12" tanks — no good for anything larger
- 12W output supports low-to-medium light plants only
- 30,000-hour rated lifespan is lower than the 50,000-hour hygger models
6. Best Budget: AQUANEAT LED
AQUANEAT LED Aquarium Light
- Built-in auto on/off timer with 3 modes (4h, 8h, 10h)
- 3 light groups: full daylight, warm daylight (no blue), moonlight (blue only)
- 5 brightness levels from 20% to 100%
- Slim profile with extendable brackets (11-14")
- 22 LEDs: 15 white, 3 blue, 2 pink, 2 green
Why we recommend it: The AQUANEAT is the simplest light on this list — and that's its strength. Three timer modes, three light groups, five brightness levels, done. No app, no 24/7 programming, no remote. If you want a reliable planted tank light at the lowest price with a built-in timer, this is it.
The AQUANEAT LED is for hobbyists who don’t need a programmable 24/7 light cycle. The AQUANEAT turns on, grows your plants, and turns off — with a built-in timer so you don’t have to think about it.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious hobbyists with small tanks (2.5-gallon sweet spot, fits 11-14”) growing low-to-medium light plants. The separate daylight and moonlight modes are a nice touch at this price point.
The tradeoff: Several customers report the light dying after about 45 days. It’s the least durable option here. The simple feature set also means no spectrum customization or gradual sunrise/sunset transitions.
- Cheapest light on this list with a built-in timer
- Auto on/off means truly hands-free operation
- Full spectrum output works well for 30-gallon tanks per customer reports
- Slim profile saves room for filters and other equipment
Watch out for:
- Multiple customers report complete failure after ~45 days of use
- No sunrise/sunset transitions — instant on/off only
- Not waterproof — must keep away from splashing water
How to Choose the Right Light
Picking an LED light for a planted aquarium comes down to three questions.
What size is your tank?
Match the light to your tank length. An undersized light leaves dark zones where plants won’t grow, and an oversized light wastes energy and increases algae risk.
- 7-12” (nano tanks): SEAOURA Clip On
- 12-20” (small tanks): hygger Clip On or AQUANEAT
- 18-24” (mid-size tanks): hygger 18W or NICREW C10
- 36-46” (large tanks): Fluval Plant 3.0
What plants are you growing?
Light intensity — measured in PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation, the 400-700nm wavelengths plants use for photosynthesis) — matters more than brand. For a deeper dive into spectrum and PAR, see our aquarium LED lighting guide.
- Low-light plants (java fern, anubias, java moss) need 20-40 PAR and grow under any light on this list
- Medium-light plants (crypts, amazon swords, most stem plants) need 40-80 PAR and require at least the hygger 18W tier
- High-light plants (carpeting species, red plants) need 80-150+ PAR and realistically require the Fluval Plant 3.0 or comparable output
Lighting is just one part of the equation. Substrate choice and CO2 availability also determine which plants will thrive in your setup. For a beginner-friendly approach that doesn’t require CO2 injection, see our low-tech planted aquarium guide.
How much control do you want?
- Set and forget: hygger 18W or hygger Clip On — the default 24/7 mode works without any programming
- Full customization: NICREW C10 — individual channel control and 10 time slots
- App-controlled: Fluval Plant 3.0 — the deepest programming options via smartphone
- Just a timer: AQUANEAT — three timer modes, done
Avoiding Algae With New Lights
New light on a planted tank almost always triggers some algae. Start at 50% brightness for the first two weeks, then increase gradually. Keep your photoperiod at 6-8 hours initially. Once plants are growing actively and outcompeting algae for nutrients, you can extend to 8-10 hours. See our algae control guide if problems persist.
Browse more freshwater plant guides for species recommendations, propagation tips, and tank setup advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light do planted aquariums need?
It depends on your plants. Low-light species like java fern and anubias do fine with 20-40 PAR. Medium-light plants like amazon swords and crypts need 40-80 PAR. Carpeting species and red plants demand 80-150+ PAR. Most LED fixtures list their PAR output at various depths in the product specs.
What is PAR and why does it matter?
PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measures the light wavelengths plants actually use for photosynthesis — the 400-700nm range. Lumens measure brightness to human eyes, which isn't the same thing. A light can look bright but deliver poor PAR. When comparing lights for planted tanks, PAR is the spec that matters most.
How long should I run my aquarium lights each day?
Start with 6-8 hours and work up to 8-10 hours once your plants are established. Longer photoperiods don't help plants grow faster — they just feed algae. A timer (built-in or external) keeps the schedule consistent, which plants prefer over irregular light cycles.
Will these lights cause algae?
Any light can cause algae if the photoperiod is too long or the intensity exceeds what your plants can use. The fix isn't less light — it's balance. Match light intensity to your plant mass, keep photoperiods at 8-10 hours, and ensure adequate CO2 and nutrients. All six lights on this list have adjustable brightness, which helps dial in the right level.
Do I need a full-spectrum light or just red and blue?
Plants primarily use red (620-700nm) and blue (400-500nm) wavelengths for photosynthesis, but green light penetrates deeper into leaf tissue and contributes to growth too. Full-spectrum lights also make your tank look natural to your eyes — pure red/blue gives everything an unpleasant purple tint. All the lights recommended here provide full spectrum output.
Can I use a regular household LED bulb for a planted tank?
Technically possible for very undemanding plants, but not recommended. Household LEDs lack the targeted spectrum, waterproofing, and mounting hardware designed for aquariums. A dedicated aquarium LED in the $15-25 range will outperform any household bulb and last longer in the humid environment above a tank.
Related Topics
Found this helpful?
Share this guide with your fellow aquarium enthusiasts!
Written by
FTW Team
The FishTankWorld editorial team brings together experienced aquarists to help you succeed in the hobby.