When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Lights For Saltwater Tank (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for the perfect lights for your saltwater tank, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. Firstly, it’s important to determine the type of coral and fish you have in your tank, as they all have different lighting needs. Additionally, the size of your tank and the depth of the water will play a role in determining the appropriate lighting intensity and coverage.

Other factors to consider include the type of lighting technology, such as LED or fluorescent, and the color temperature of the lights. It’s essential to choose lights that will not only provide adequate lighting for your aquatic life, but also enhance the aesthetics of your tank.

Are you struggling to find the perfect lights for your saltwater tank? Are you unsure of which lighting technology to choose, or how to determine the appropriate color temperature for your tank? Look no further! Our affiliate program offers a wide array of lights specifically designed for saltwater tanks. Keep reading to discover our top recommendations and ensure your aquatic life thrives in a beautifully lit tank.

10 Best Lights For Saltwater Tank

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for saltwater coral and fish tanks, providing full spectrum lighting that is dimmable with 100 watts of power.
2
Ideal for lighting and enhancing the growth of live fish and plants in saltwater aquariums.
3
Ideal for coral reef tanks, marine fish tanks and aquariums with a need for a dimmable full spectrum light.
4
Ideal for promoting growth of coral reefs in freshwater and saltwater aquariums, with adjustable brightness settings.
5
Ideal for lighting saltwater fish and reef tanks, providing a dual-channel timer and efficient LED light.
6
The product is ideal for providing full spectrum lighting to support the growth and health of a saltwater aquarium.
7
The product is ideal for automatically maintaining water levels in aquariums and other water systems.
8
The product is ideal for households who want a tankless reverse osmosis water filtration system that is easy to install and has high flow rate.
9
Ideal for providing softened water throughout the entire home with advanced salt and water saving technology.
10
The product is ideal for filtering and pumping water in above ground pools.
Ideal for saltwater coral and fish tanks, providing full spectrum lighting that is dimmable with 100 watts of power.
Ideal for lighting and enhancing the growth of live fish and plants in saltwater aquariums.
Ideal for coral reef tanks, marine fish tanks and aquariums with a need for a dimmable full spectrum light.
Ideal for promoting growth of coral reefs in freshwater and saltwater aquariums, with adjustable brightness settings.
Ideal for lighting saltwater fish and reef tanks, providing a dual-channel timer and efficient LED light.
The product is ideal for providing full spectrum lighting to support the growth and health of a saltwater aquarium.
The product is ideal for automatically maintaining water levels in aquariums and other water systems.
The product is ideal for households who want a tankless reverse osmosis water filtration system that is easy to install and has high flow rate.
Ideal for providing softened water throughout the entire home with advanced salt and water saving technology.
The product is ideal for filtering and pumping water in above ground pools.

1. Nicrew Marine 100w Led Aquarium Light

The Full Color Spectrum LED Light is perfect for enhancing the growth and coloration of corals in your aquarium. It provides a gentle shimmer throughout the tank, and has a maximum spread of 24" x 24". With its popular blue spectrum, red, green, and violet+UV, it promotes optimal coral growth and enhances dramatic coloration. This light is especially suitable for SPS tanks, with a peak PAR of 250µMol at a depth of 24 inches.

To ensure optimal working conditions for the LEDs, the light comes equipped with smart fans that control temperature. You can operate the white and blue channels together or independently using the touch control, allowing you to adjust the light intensity and spectrum as needed for your tank.

Mounting the light is easy, with a tank mount included for both rimmed and rimless tanks. If you prefer, you can also purchase a hanging kit (sold separately) to suspend the light above your aquarium.

Pros

  • Full color spectrum enhances coral growth and coloration
  • Suitable for SPS tanks
  • Smart fans control temperature for optimal LED working conditions
  • Touch control allows for customized light intensity and spectrum
  • Easy to mount on both rimmed and rimless tanks

Cons

  • – Hanging kit is sold separately

2. Orbit Marine Led – Full Spectrum Fish Light

Enhance the beautiful and vibrant colors of your aquarium with the new Orbit Marine LED. This LED light is packed with ultra-bright LEDs that provide a far wider color spectrum, making your corals and fish look even more spectacular. With the LOOP feature, you can control both the light and pump, which takes your aquarium experience to a whole new level. The Orbit Marine produces eye-popping color rendition and brilliant shimmer effects that create a limitless number of color spectrums. The higher ratio of actinic blue spectrum LEDs balanced with a full spectrum creates the perfect color combination for fish, inverts, live rock, and corals to fluoresce and look amazing. The wide-angle dispersion lenses evenly spread light over your entire tank while ensuring superior color blending.

The Orbit Marine LED comes with multiple modes that add excitement and intrigue to any aquarium. The modes include dimming periodically to create cloud cover effects, storm modes that feature lightning strikes, and innovative evening modes that include lunar and dusk modes. The LED light has an easy installation process with extendable brackets that allow it to fit most aquarium fish tanks that are 18-24 inches wide. From start-up to sundown, the Orbit Marine gradually mimics the effect of a slow sunrise, bright daylight, dimming sunset, and moonlight. The built-in lighting programs create a 24-hour natural biorhythmic lighting cycle, while on-demand dynamic weather effects gently roll clouds across your reef. The 3 flow modes, which are WAVE, SURGE, and STREAM, provide a realistic effect that will make your aquarium look more lively and natural.

Pros

  • Wide color spectrum that brings out vibrant colors of corals and fish
  • Multiple modes that add excitement and intrigue to any aquarium
  • Easy to install with extendable brackets
  • Realistic effects that mimic natural biorhythmic lighting cycle
  • 3 flow modes that provide a natural and lively effect

3. Smatfarm Marine Light: Coral Reef Sunrise Moonset

The Smatfarm G5 smart reef light is a professional saltwater aquarium spectrum that comes with a timer and dimmer to perfectly simulate sunrise, sunset, and moonlight. With 0%-100% dimming capability, it provides customized lighting suitable for coral reefs. The G5 reef light has 24 high-quality 5W SMD LEDs that offer higher efficiency and brightness. The optical lens with high transmission rate and daylight-resistant make G5 the perfect reef light for corals.

The G5 95W saltwater aquarium lighting supports remote and touch control. It has a special design for marine saltwater tanks and is built-in with Sunrise Sunset Moonlight program and DIY modes that make G5 reef lighting imitate the natural lighting of the sea perfectly. The master-slave group control ensures that the master G5 can synchronize the data of all lights, making operation easier.

The G5 reef light has smart two-rollers silent temperature control fans that ensure optimal LEDs' working conditions. It also has lower than 44.7 db(A) noise standards, fast heat transfer, and creates a comfortable environment. The G5 is an excellent coral light for saltwater tanks.

The Smatfarm G5 aquarium light comes with a special anti-rust design flexible full aluminum with oxidation bracket suitable for different sizes of coral tanks. Its oblate base efficiently increases stressed area and protects coral reef tanks well. The ideal coverage of the G5 coral light is 20-28 inches, and the tank glass thickness should be between 0.2-1.0 inches.

The G5 reef tank light includes a remote, and it is recommended to install the battery before use. If the rimmed tank plastic is larger than 1 inch, please cut it down a bit. The G5 coral lighting comes with a one-year warranty and a no-reason return policy within 30 days. The full-time customer service ensures that all emails and messages are replied to within 24 hours. In case of any problem with the G5 coral lighting, please contact Smatfarm first.

Pros

  • Timer and dimmer to simulate sunrise, sunset, and moonlight
  • Higher efficiency and brighter 24pcs high-quality 5W SMD LEDs
  • Remote and touch control for marine saltwater tanks
  • Smart two-rollers silent temperature control fans ensuring optimal LEDs' working conditions
  • Special anti-rust design flexible full aluminum with oxidation bracket suitable for different sizes of coral tanks
  • One-year warranty and no-reason return policy within 30 days

Cons

  • – Tank glass thickness limited to 0.2-1.0 inches
  • – Rimmed tank plastic larger than 1 inch needs to be cut down

4. Arknoah Full Spectrum Led Aquarium Light

The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light is the perfect solution for those who want to promote coral growth and enhance the color of their aquatic creatures. The light includes a perfect color ratio of Blue to White, which is 28:27, making it suitable for coral, platypus, shrimp, and other creatures. The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light includes Blue, Royal Blue, White, Red, and Green LEDs, which promote the production of Vitamin D3, helping coral absorb calcium and appear brighter in color. The light also features two rows of LEDs that can be controlled by two switches, one for White LEDs and one for Blue LEDs. Additionally, the light is fully dimmable, and you can adjust the light intensity from 10% to 100%.

The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light features double 120° acrylic lenses and a zener diode protector, providing a 31% higher PAR value and stronger light penetration than other aquarium lights. The light includes UL-certified built-in fans that provide strong heat dissipation and operate at low noise levels. The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light is widely used in fish tanks, coral reef growth, and aquarium gardens. The various colors make your fish look more realistic, lively, and lovely. The light also promotes photosynthesis in aquatic plants, making the water transparent and clear while promoting the growth and development of aquatic plants.

The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light is highly efficient, optimized for PAR value, and provides the best plants growth effect. The customized color ratio and spectrum make this aquarium light a high-performance and reliable option for those who want to enhance the growth and color of their aquatic creatures.

Pros

  • The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light includes Blue, Royal Blue, White, Red, and Green LEDs, which promote the production of Vitamin D3 and help coral absorb calcium.
  • The light is fully dimmable, and you can adjust the light intensity from 10% to 100%.
  • The double 120° acrylic lenses and zener diode protector provide a 31% higher PAR value and stronger light penetration than other aquarium lights.
  • The light includes UL-certified built-in fans that provide strong heat dissipation and operate at low noise levels.
  • The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light is highly efficient, optimized for PAR value, and provides the best plants growth effect.

Cons

  • – The product may be more expensive than other aquarium lights on the market.
  • – The light may not be suitable for those who prefer a simpler design without adjustable switches and dimmers.

5. Marine Master Led Light For Saltwater Tanks

Enhance the beauty of your saltwater environment with the ClassicLED Marine Light. This light features 445nm and 460nm blue, 10,000K white, and RGB LEDs, creating the perfect color combination. It has a higher ratio of actinic blue spectrum LEDs, balanced with full spectrum, that is ideal for saltwater environments. The dual-channel timer allows you to adjust the lighting spectrum, simulate a gradual sunrise and fading sunset through the gradual increase and decrease of light intensity.

This light is perfect for supporting saltwater fish, live rock, soft coral, and LPS corals. For low light SPS corals, it is recommended to use two lights. It is available in multiple sizes and includes extendable brackets on both ends to accommodate both rimless and framed aquariums length 18 – 24 inch. To extend the life of the unit, a glass or acrylic canopy is highly recommended to prevent moisture from affecting it.

Pros

  • Features a higher ratio of actinic blue spectrum LEDs, balanced with full spectrum, that is ideal for saltwater environments
  • Dual-channel timer allows you to adjust the lighting spectrum and simulate a gradual sunrise and fading sunset
  • Comes in multiple sizes and includes extendable brackets on both ends to accommodate both rimless and framed aquariums length 18 – 24 inch

Cons

  • – Not recommended for high light SPS corals, as two lights are required for low light SPS corals

6. Aquaglow: Full Spectrum Led Aquarium Light

The Advanced Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Light is perfect for promoting the growth and health of your aquarium creatures. This light includes Red, Blue, Cool White, Green, and Warm White LEDs, which provide a perfect full spectrum layout. The scientific formulation promotes vitamin production in plants, calcium production in corals, and defense mechanisms in plants. The light can also be used to sterilize and protect fish growth, and to provide enough oxygen for the aquarium creatures.

The LED fish tank lights have two dimming channels: blue and white. The channels can be adjusted uniformly from 0%-100% to meet different needs of your corals, reef, and fish (freshwater & saltwater). The growth of any SPS and LPS flourished under it is promoted. The blue and white channels can be turned on separately or at the same time, and these two channels are controlled independently. The light is perfect for less than 57-gallon fish tanks and fits perfectly for depth 24" tank.

The Full Spectrum LED Aquarium Lights have a unique and beautiful design, with a housing made of stainless steel and two high-efficiency fans for heat dissipation. The light includes 32pcs white light (6500K), 12pcs warm white light (3000K), 54pcs blue light (470nm), 4pcs green light (525nm), and 8pcs red light (660nm). The 90° crystal lens penetrates the depth of water, making the water brighter and clearer.

The Aquarium Lights are widely suitable for both freshwater and seawater, saltwater aquariums, reefs, corals, fish, and plants. The light promotes the photosynthesis of aquatic plants such as moss and coral algae, increasing the oxygen in the water, which helps the fish and plants to have enough oxygen to survive. The colorful light makes the jellyfish tank color-changing mood light beautiful.

TMLAPY specializes in the production and development of light and provides a 1-year standard warranty plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email them, and they will help you with great pleasure!

Pros

  • Promotes the growth and health of aquarium creatures
  • Perfect full spectrum layout
  • Scientific formulation promotes vitamin production in plants, calcium production in corals, and defense mechanisms in plants
  • Can be used to sterilize and protect fish growth and to provide enough oxygen for the aquarium creatures
  • Blue and white channels can be adjusted uniformly from 0%-100%
  • Controlled independently
  • Unique and beautiful design
  • Widely suitable for both freshwater and seawater, saltwater aquariums, reefs, corals, fish, and plants
  • Promotes the photosynthesis of aquatic plants such as moss and coral algae, increasing the oxygen in the water
  • Colorful light makes the jellyfish tank color-changing mood light beautiful
  • 1-year standard warranty plus a 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger tanks

7. Autoaqua Lite Automatic Water Filler & Controller

For aquarium enthusiasts who own nano or medium tanks, the ATO system is a must-have for maintaining a consistent water level. This particular ATO system is the smallest one available on the market, making it perfect for smaller aquariums. It is incredibly easy to install, thanks to its integrated magnetic mount, which eliminates the need for any complicated installation procedures. Also, it has no moving parts, which means there is less chance of the system failing.

The dual-optical level sensor provides an added layer of protection for your aquarium, ensuring that the water level is always consistent. If one sensor fails, the other one takes over, thereby preventing any accidents that could harm your fish. Additionally, the QST (Quick Security Technology) feature provides real-time failsafe protection against any system failure, which is another great safety feature.

The LED light alert is another helpful feature that lets users know when the water level is low, and it's time to refill the tank. Everything that you need to install the ATO system comes included in the packaging, so you don't need to purchase anything extra. Overall, this is an excellent ATO system that is perfect for smaller aquariums and will keep your fish safe and healthy.

Pros

  • Small size makes it perfect for nano and medium aquariums
  • Integrated magnetic mount makes it easy to install
  • Dual-optical level sensor provides double protection
  • QST (Quick Security Technology) ensures real-time failsafe protection
  • LED light alert notifies when the water level is low
  • Everything required for installation is included in the package

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger aquariums

8. Tankless Waterdrop Ro System: Smart, High Flow, Efficient.

The Waterdrop D6 water reverse osmosis filter system is an innovative and efficient way to purify water. The system is designed to reduce toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, ethylene glycol, and monobutyl ether, according to the reverse osmosis membrane technical manual. It adopts a 6-stage filtration system that uses a reverse osmosis membrane with a filtration accuracy of 0.0001μm. This ensures that the system can reduce pollutants from water, including TDS, lead, chlorine, salt, nitrates, PFAS, lead, sodium, chromium, benzene, and more. The activated carbon block is made from natural coconut shells, making it safe for use. The system is easy to install and can be completed within 30 minutes. An electrical outlet is required to operate the RO system. The push-in replacement design allows you to replace the filter in 2 seconds, without moving the system or using any tools. The tankless design saves 70% of your under-sink space and prevents recontamination than traditional systems. The smart designer faucet comes with a high-end screen that shows the real-time TDS level and the remaining life of the filter. It is waterproof, so you do not have to worry about electrical leakage. Together with the filter life indicator on the control panel, D6 reverse osmosis filter system saves you time and effort by monitoring these for you. With an innovative internal pump and a larger filter surface, you can fill a cup of water in 8 seconds. The low drain ratio of 2:1 means that dispensing 2 cups of pure water produces only 1 cup of wastewater. You can use the wastewater to mop the floor or wash the car.

Pros

  • 6-stage filtration system
  • Tankless design saves 70% of under-sink space
  • Smart designer faucet with a high-end screen
  • Real-time TDS level and remaining life of filter monitoring
  • Low drain ratio of 2:1
  • Push-in replacement design for easy filter replacement
  • Can fill a cup of water in 8 seconds
  • Reduces pollutants from water, including TDS, lead, chlorine, salt, nitrates, PFAS, lead, sodium, chromium, benzene, and more

Cons

  • – An electrical outlet is required to operate the system

9. Ecopure Whole House Water Softener With Autosense Technology.

The salt saving technology of this whole home softening system is a standout feature. With its exclusive Autosense Technology, it can calculate the exact amount of salt and water needed to regenerate the system, therefore reducing salt and water usage. This translates to significant savings in your monthly water bills. Furthermore, it is NSF-certified for reducing hard water symptoms like stains, buildups on your plumbing and faucets, spotting on dishes, and prolonging the lifespan of your water-using appliances. With its compact single tank design, intuitive programming controls, and low salt indicator light, it is easy to set up and maintain. This system is versatile and can be used with both city and private well water sources.

Experience softer and cleaner water with this efficient and easy-to-use whole home softening system. This system features an exclusive Autosense Technology that calculates the exact amount of salt and water needed to regenerate the system. This technology significantly reduces salt and water usage, resulting in significant savings on your monthly water bills. The compact single tank design, intuitive programming controls, and low salt indicator light make this system easy to set up and maintain. Moreover, this system is NSF-certified for reducing hard water symptoms like stains, buildup on your plumbing and faucets, spotting on dishes, and prolonging the lifespan of your water-using appliances. This whole home softening system is perfect for both urban and rural areas and can be used with both city and private well water sources.

Hard water can cause embarrassing stains, buildup on your plumbing and faucets, spotting on dishes, and damage to your water-using appliances. With this whole home softening system, you can reduce these symptoms and prolong the lifespan of your appliances. It features an exclusive Autosense Technology that calculates the exact amount of salt and water needed to regenerate the system, resulting in significant savings on your monthly water bills. The system is compact and easy to set up, with intuitive programming controls and a low salt indicator light. Additionally, this system is NSF-certified for hard water reduction. It is designed to be used with both city and private well water sources, making it perfect for urban and rural areas.

Pros

  • Exclusive Autosense Technology calculates the exact amount of salt and water needed to regenerate the system, resulting in significant savings on water bills.
  • NSF-certified for reducing hard water symptoms, prolonging the lifespan of water-using appliances, and preventing embarrassing stains.
  • Easy to set up and maintain with intuitive programming controls, low salt indicator light, and a compact single tank design.
  • Versatile and can be used with both city and private well water sources, making it ideal for urban and rural areas.

Best Lights For Saltwater Tank FAQs

Can LED lights be used for a saltwater tank?

Yes, LED lights can be used for a saltwater tank. In fact, they are becoming increasingly popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. LED lights are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and offer a wide range of color options. They also emit less heat, which is beneficial for the sensitive ecosystem of a saltwater aquarium.

When choosing LED lights for your saltwater tank, it is important to consider the specific needs of your tank's inhabitants. Different species of coral and fish require different types and intensities of light. It is recommended to consult with a professional or do thorough research before purchasing LED lights for your saltwater tank.

Additionally, it is important to properly install and maintain the LED lights to ensure they are functioning at their best. Regular cleaning and replacement of any damaged or burnt out bulbs is necessary to maintain a healthy and thriving saltwater aquarium.

How do you properly install and maintain lights in a saltwater tank?

Proper installation and maintenance of lights in a saltwater tank are crucial for the health and growth of the marine organisms living inside. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of light suitable for the type of corals and other organisms in the tank. LED lights are the most preferred and efficient option as they consume less energy and produce less heat.

During installation, ensure that the lights are mounted securely above the tank and that the cords and cables are safely tucked away. It is also essential to set a timer to regulate the lighting hours and simulate the natural day and night cycle.

Maintenance involves regular cleaning of the lights to prevent the accumulation of salt and other debris that may affect their efficiency. You should also replace bulbs and other components that show signs of wear and tear. It is also essential to monitor the intensity of the light as excessive light can harm the marine organisms and cause algae growth.

In conclusion, proper installation and maintenance of lights in a saltwater tank are essential for the health and growth of the organisms. By choosing the right type of light, setting a timer, and regular cleaning and replacement of worn-out components, you can ensure a healthy and thriving marine environment.

How many hours of light should a saltwater tank receive per day?

The amount of light a saltwater tank should receive per day depends on the type of aquarium and the inhabitants inside. In general, a reef tank requires 10-12 hours of light per day, divided into 8-10 hours of daylight and 2-4 hours of blue light. This mimics the natural light cycle of the ocean and helps the corals and other photosynthetic organisms thrive.

However, if the tank has an overabundance of algae or the inhabitants are sensitive to light, the lighting schedule may need to be adjusted. Additionally, if the tank is in a room with natural light, the amount of artificial light needed may be reduced.

It's important to note that the intensity of the light is also crucial. Too much light can lead to algae growth and harm the inhabitants, while too little light can prevent photosynthesis and stunt growth. Therefore, it's essential to research the lighting needs of your specific tank and adjust accordingly.

What is the ideal spectrum for lighting a saltwater tank?

The ideal spectrum for lighting a saltwater tank typically ranges from 10,000K to 20,000K. This range is important because it provides the necessary amount of light for photosynthesis to occur in the coral and other organisms within the tank. It also helps to enhance the coloration of the marine life, giving the tank a more vibrant and natural appearance.

It is important to note that the spectrum of light can vary depending on the specific needs of the tank's inhabitants. For example, some corals may require more blue light while others may require more red light. Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific requirements of the organisms in the tank before selecting a lighting spectrum.

Additionally, it is important to consider the intensity and duration of the light. The intensity should be strong enough to provide adequate light for photosynthesis, but not so strong that it causes damage to the organisms. The duration should mimic natural sunlight, with a cycle of 8-10 hours of light followed by 12-14 hours of darkness.

Overall, selecting the ideal spectrum for a saltwater tank requires careful consideration and research to ensure the health and wellbeing of the tank's inhabitants.

What type of lighting is best for a saltwater tank?

The type of lighting that is best for a saltwater tank depends on the types of organisms living in the tank. For example, corals require strong lighting to thrive, whereas fish may require less intense lighting. LED lighting is a popular choice for saltwater tanks because it is energy-efficient and can be customized to the specific needs of the tank. LED lighting can also simulate natural daylight, which can benefit the health and growth of the organisms in the tank. Another option is metal halide lighting, which provides strong lighting and can be beneficial for corals that require high light levels. However, metal halide lighting can be expensive and generate a lot of heat, which can be problematic for maintaining a stable temperature in the tank. Ultimately, the best type of lighting for a saltwater tank will depend on the specific needs of the organisms living in the tank and the overall goals of the tank owner.

Leave a Comment