Rating of the best aquarium lamps for 2022

A lamp in an aquarium is an indispensable thing, plants and fish need to provide imitation of daylight for 10-12 hours. That is why, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account all the recommendations and select fixtures based on specific indicators. In the article, we will consider how to choose models that are suitable for the price and basic parameters. What are the best manufacturers and novelties on the market, and what to look for when buying.

Description

The main task of such a lamp is to illuminate the aquarium, creating the effect of daylight for a long time, for the growth and development of fish and plants.

Kinds:

1. Halogen and incandescent. They are used extremely rarely, they give more heat than light. However, the spectrum that these devices give is more like solar, and their price is the most reasonable. Of the minuses, high energy consumption and low efficiency can be noted (about 3% goes to light, the rest goes to heat).
2. Metal halide. They give a powerful stream of light, they are easy to adjust, and they consume much less energy than the previous type. But, they must be fixed at least 30 cm above the water on a special platform. They also need to be turned off every 3-4 hours to avoid overheating and failure.
3. Luminescent. They are considered the best option. They have low power consumption, but at the same time they must be connected through a special device (choke). Once a year, such a device must be replaced with a new one. Such devices are suitable for any depth and any volume.
4. LED. They don't generate heat, they don't flicker, and they use very little electricity. They scatter light well. Diode strips, individual LEDs, ice panels, etc. are used in the backlight. Such elements are quite expensive.

Selection Tips

Consider what are the main points to consider in order to avoid mistakes when choosing:

1. Power.It must be selected based on the size of the aquarium, and the type of animals and plants in it. After all, health and active growth is possible only with sufficient lighting.
2. Light fixture type. The type is also important when choosing, proceed from the main criteria for the type of fish and the volume of the container. UV (ultraviolet rays) should also reach the aquarium, but daylight should be maintained 10-12 hours a day. Do not forget that you are dealing with live plants, if the type of device is not intended for aquariums, then when using it, you can significantly harm organisms in the water.
3. The size. The appearance and size of the lighting fixture is important when choosing. A lamp that is too small may not properly illuminate the entire aquarium, while a lamp that is too large will give unnecessary light and be difficult to reinforce. It is also worth considering the type of lamp that you need submersible, with a glass mount or a cover.
4. Where could I buy. You can buy such a device both in a store and order online in an online store, or from China. There will be no unequivocal answer to the question whether to purchase Russian production or Chinese. Choose according to your needs, but with any purchase, be sure to check the operability of the device and request a quality certificate from the seller.
5. Model popularity. Popular models may not suit your technical specifications, some are designed for a certain type of fish and plants, others are only for fresh water aquariums. Choose according to your needs, but it will not be superfluous to read the reviews.
6. Manufacturer. It is difficult to say which company is better to buy, many manufacturers have established themselves as reliable.Therefore, decide which one is better to buy based on the technical characteristics of the device and the price range that you can afford.
7. Functional. If you are buying for a small home aquarium, it is better to choose simple lamps. With the function of several colors or rotation around its axis, it is better not to take it, you will not use these functions, and the price will increase significantly due to them.
8. Homemade lamp. Do not try to make a lamp yourself at home from improvised means. It will not be possible to independently produce such a device with high quality and safety.

Rating of quality aquarium lamps

The Top includes the best models, according to buyers. Type, reviews, product review and popularity of models on the market were taken as a basis.

Inexpensive (budget) models

Price range - up to 1000 rubles

LAGUNA T8 30W blue 893 mm

Fluorescent lamp, brand Laguna. Plinth G13. Ideal for most soft corals. It can be used in the design of freshwater aquariums. Average price: 679 rubles.

• convenient to install;
• suitable for “soft” corals;
• glow temperature 25000 K.

• the number of hours is 8000.

Characteristics	Meaning
Glow temperature (K)	25000
Number of hours	8000
Length (cm)	89.3
Distance between pins (cm)	1.3
Diameter (cm)	2.55

Sylvania F 15W Aqua-Classic T8 G13

Lamp for aquariums and plants. They create ideal conditions for fish and plants. Favorably emphasize the color of plants. Designed for freshwater aquariums. Price: 500 rubles.

• for fish and plants;
• optimal lighting characteristics;
• optimal price.

• glow temperature 5000 K.

Characteristics	Meaning
Glow temperature (K)	5000
Power, W)	15
Length (cm)	43.8
Number of hours	10000

Jebo 8W T5

The fluorescent lamp promotes the proper growth and development of fish and plants in the water. Favorably highlights aquatic inhabitants, presents them in brighter shades. Average price: 269 rubles.

• excellent color reproduction;
• long service life;
• optimal cost.

• not found.

Characteristics	Meaning
Brand	Jebo
Country of Origin	China
Weight (g)	1
Dimensions (cm)	30.5x1.8x1.8

Lamp for 5l. D 18 cm.

The light cover is designed for round aquariums, it reduces the rate of water evaporation and prevents fish from jumping out of the tank. Promotes rapid growth of plants. Suitable for small containers. Price: 490 rubles.

• protects fish from jumping out;
• reduces the rate of water evaporation;
• contributes to the rapid growth of plants.

• for round type;
• the volume of the container is not more than 5 liters.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume (l)	5
Lamp diameter (cm)	18
Tank type	round
View	cover-lamp

Barbus 4 W, 25 cm

Promotes plant growth and intensifies the color of fish. Made in China, brand: Barbus. This model can be ordered from Ali Express. Attaches to surfaces with suction cups. Price: 649 rubles.

• convenient fastenings;
• consumes little energy;
• ideal for plant growth.

• not found.

Characteristics	Meaning
Producing country	China
Power, W)	4
Weight (g)	132
Dimensions (cm)	25x2.0x2.0

GLO Aqua-Glo (A1582), 15W

Used for fish and reptiles, to enhance the color of the color.It has an unusual pale pink color. Length - 46 cm allows you to install such equipment on large vessels. Average price: 675 rubles.

• makes the color of fish and plants more contrasting;
• long length;
• little power.

• the color is pale pink, not quite common.

Characteristics	Meaning
Type of	luminescent
Power, W)	15
Color temperature (K)	18000
Luminous flux (lm)	290
Length (cm)	46

Middle price segment

With a price range - from 1000 to 5000 rubles

AQUAEL LT RETROFIT (T8 30W, T5 39W) PLANT 85-90CM

LED lamp suitable for fresh water, color temperature 8000 K. Includes holder and adapter for sockets of T8 and T5 fluorescent lamps. Manufacturer's warranty: 120 days. Service life: 360 days. Price: 3948 rubles.

• high quality lighting;
• easy to insert into sockets from other lamps;
• great power.

• not found.

Characteristics	Meaning
Color temperature (K)	8000
Max Power (W)	16
Luminous flux (lm)	1150
Dimensions (cm)	70x2

SYLVANIA Aquastar T5 F54W 120cm

Technical characteristics allow you to create an ideal natural habitat for fish and plants. Promotes the activation of plant photosynthesis in water. Suitable for freshwater and sea water. German production. Price: 1490 rubles.

• suitable for sea water;
• creates the most natural habitat;
• long length.

• not found.

Characteristics	Meaning
Color temperature (K)	10000
Max Power (W)	54
Weight (g)	98
Length (cm)	120

LAGUNA mounted 3W 149x39x20mm

These luminaires are made from 90 percent recyclable materials. Suitable for fish and plants in the water, as well as terrestrial plants and animals (e.g. turtles). Mounted on the edge of the glass with an acrylic retainer, will not damage any type of glass. Cost: 1290 rubles.

• great functionality;
• gives an even white light;
• consumes little energy;
• durable.

• not found.

Characteristics	Meaning
Brand	LAGUNA
Max Power (W)	3
Weight (g)	278
Dimensions (cm)	14.9x3.9x2.0

ISTA EL-617, 9W

Has fastening on glass, is suitable for sea water. The step-by-step instructions in the kit will tell you how to properly and quickly fix the device. LED glow in two colors (white blue). Price: 1713 rubles.

• 2 glow colors;
• low power consumption;
• easy to fasten.

• for sea water.

Characteristics	Meaning
Capacity size (cm)	35-47
Max Power (W)	9
Weight (g)	230
Length (cm)	35

AQUAEL LEDDY SLIM PLANT white 50-70CM, 10 W

Suitable for fresh water, mounted on glass. Manufacturer's warranty - 2 years. Type: LED. With the help of special legs, it is possible to install on containers of different sizes. There is a switch on the cord. Price: 4309 rubles.

• compact;
• bright lighting;
• Beautiful design.

• there is no way to replace the LEDs.

Characteristics	Meaning
Color temperature (K)	8000
Max Power (W)	10
luminous flux (lm)	650
Parameters (cm)	50x3.0x1.5

Juwel LED Nature (86824), 12W

Manufactured by: Juwel.It shines with a bright white color, favorably emphasizing the color of the fish and at the same time promoting the rapid growth of plants in the water. Price: 1497 rubles.

• big size;
• bright backlight;
• attaches easily and comfortably.

• not found.

Indicators	Description
Color temperature (K)	6500
Max Power (W)	12
Type of	LED
Length (cm)	43.8

Juwel HiLite T5 Blue (86754), 54 W

Luminescent type, shines bright blue. Long length allows installation on long, bulky aquariums. The high color temperature contributes to the bright colors of the fish and the more saturated color of the plants when visually inspected. Price: 1538 rubles.

• long length;
• high power;
• universal.

• one color (blue).

Indicators	Description
Color temperature (K)	20000
Max Power (W)	54
Luminous flux (lm)	1100
Dimensions (cm)	104.7x1.6

Premium class

With a price range from 5000 rubles

ISTA Full Spectrum LED Light - Water Plant (IL-410-P)

LED lamp, shines in 4 colors: red, white, blue, green. Attaches to glass. Suitable for containers no longer than 32 cm. Light scattering angle 150 degrees. Cost: 5386 rubles.

• convenient, reliable fastening;
• scattering angle 150 degrees;
• 4 glow colors.

• for a vessel no longer than 32 cm.

Indicators	Description
Dimensions (cm)	30x9.8x3.0
Power, W)	13
Weight (g)	750
Network flow (lm)	1642

Sylvania Aquastar LED Mini (0000800), 14 W

The LED lamp is mounted on glass, suitable for fresh water. Suitable for aquariums from 30 to 45 cm.Thanks to sliding structures, it is easy to change the size, strong and reliable fastening on suction cups ensures reliable operation. Price: 8264 rubles.

• universal (sliding) size;
• convenient fastening;
• LED type.

• only for fresh water.

Indicators	Description
Color temperature (K)	6500
Power, W)	14
Degree of protection	IP67
Network flow (lm)	1137

Juwel 46355.48W

The kit comes with 2 lamps. Such an installation is mounted on glass, the cable length is 29 cm. Suitable for any interior, favorably emphasizes the colors of fish and plants in the water. Price: 7855 rubles.

• optimal size;
• 2 lamps included;
• convenient fastening.

• small cable.

Indicators	Description
Number of lamps (pcs)	2
Power, W)	48
Cable length (cm)	29
Length (cm)	54.3

Xilong HO-60, Т5 3×24 W

It has sliding mounts, which allows it to be mounted on glass with a length of 50-60 cm. 3 lamps in the kit provide optimal lighting for freshwater aquariums without a lid. It is possible to switch and use only 1 lamp or two on the sides. The luminaire rotates 90 degrees if necessary. Price: 5100 rubles.

• Has splash protection
• with the ability to switch to 1 or 2 lamps;
• sliding structures.

• not found.

Indicators	Description
Housing material	aluminum
Power, W)	24
Glass thickness (cm)	3.5
Dimensions (cm)	60x17x5

BLV HIT DE 250w

The metal halide model is suitable for sea water, does not change the color temperature throughout the entire service life. Has a high color temperature. It can help stimulate coral growth. Price: 5016 rubles.

• high power;
• optimal dimensions;
• suitable for marine aquariums.

• consumes a lot of energy.

Indicators	Description
Color temperature (K)	10000
Power, W)	250
Diameter (cm)	25
Length (cm)	16.2

GLOXY Q4 LED MARINE

Bright actinic light is ideal for reef aquariums. Durable aluminum housing with efficient heat dissipation. The arm bends in any direction, allowing you to direct the light in the right direction. Placed on glass. Price: 7245 rubles.

• small power consumption;
• Ease of use;
• You can direct the light in any direction.

• not found.

Indicators	Description
Aquarium volumes (l)	100
Power, W)	48
Manufacturer	GLOXY (China)
Parameters (cm)	11.4x11.3x3.9

The article examined what types of lamps are, how much this or that model costs, the rating of the highest quality models and their main advantages. After reading the article, the question of how to make an aquarium with plants and fish more attractive and at the same time not harm its inhabitants will become more clear. Be sure to check the performance of the lamp before buying and take into account all the nuances of your particular aquarium.