10 best lamps for aquariums

One of the most important things to consider when setting up an aquarium is the lighting system. The right light is vital for fish and aquatic vegetation. Standard incandescent bulbs are a thing of the past, as they had a huge drawback - they gave off a lot of heat and gave little light. They were replaced by more efficient fluorescent and LED lamps.

You need to choose a lamp taking into account the volume of the aquarium, lighting requirements, plant species. Fluorescent lamps can often be seen in aquariums, creating special decorative lighting. The main requirements for lamps are minimal water heating, low electricity consumption, natural lighting that simulates daylight. Correctly selected lighting helps not only to create comfortable living conditions for the inhabitants of the aquarium, but also to increase its decorative effect.

Best LED Aquarium Lights

At the moment, LED lamps are considered the best. They have a high luminous efficiency, consume a minimum of electricity, are reliable and durable. An important factor is that there is no shift in the illumination spectrum during operation. There are several formats of LED lamp caps. The most common are T5, T8 and G13.

3 COLLAR AquaLighter 3

2 Tetra, Tetronic LED ProLine 980

Great for heavily planted aquariums. This LED lamp is popular for the balanced emission spectrum required by underwater vegetation. An additional advantage is protection against moisture and dust. The lamp can be immersed in water to a depth of one meter for a few minutes and it will continue to function normally. That is, if the lamp accidentally falls into the water, nothing terrible will happen. For replacement, lamps with a T5 and T8 base are suitable.

Conveniently, there are several ways to install the luminaire. Can be installed from above, on the two side edges of the glass, if its thickness does not exceed 10 mm. For installation on one edge of the rear window, you need to purchase special mounts. Some users fix the lamp directly to the aquarium cover using self-tapping screws.

1 Aquael, LEDDY SMART LED II SUNNY 6W

Nano aquariums are small containers with a volume of no more than 40 liters. The lamp from Aquael has proven to be the best in its price range. Users note the ease of installation - thanks to the clever design, it is easily fixed to the edge of the wall if the glass thickness does not exceed 6 mm.

The LEDs are powerful enough (6W), the color temperature is about 6500K. This is a good indicator for creating favorable conditions for the growth of ornamental aquatic plants. The lighting is natural and looks attractive. The lamp, in addition to the usual freshwater aquariums, is often installed in shrimp. According to the manufacturer, the lamp works without replacement for up to 50,000 hours, that is, theoretically it can last up to 10 years.

The best fluorescent lamps for your aquarium

Fluorescent lamps are also used quite often. Their advantages are maximum proximity to natural light, high luminous efficiency, long service life without replacement. They give off almost no heat. But there are also small drawbacks - the luminous flux is scattered to the sides, as the operation progresses, there is a gradual decline in light output in the orange-red spectrum. Common base / plinth formats are T8 and T5.

4 Jebo, 8W T5

Despite its origins, the brand is popular with users primarily because of its affordable pricing. The white fluorescent lamp does not have outstanding features, but provides sufficient illumination, promotes the full growth of fish and plants. The red version of the lamp gives a soft, unusual color to the water.

Very good color rendering for the budget category, rather long service life, but less compared to more expensive counterparts. This option may well be considered with a limited budget.

3 T5 Hailea Exstra Reef

Fluorescent lamp with actinic radiation - the most pronounced blue and blue areas of the spectrum. It was developed to simulate the illumination of corals at sea depths. For saltwater aquariums this is a very good option for coral growth. Adds aesthetics to the composition by visually enhancing the blues and reds.

Of the advantages, users note a low cost, very beautiful, deep lighting, stimulation of coral growth. The only drawback is that it can be difficult to find this lamp on sale, you have to order it in online stores.

2 Dennerle Color Plus T5

Fluorescent lamp from one of the most renowned manufacturers. The main advantage is that in freshwater aquariums, the color of plants and fish is enhanced and emphasized. Blue and red-orange tones look especially bright. Combination with Trocal T5 Amazon-Day lamp is allowed. Works with negligible loss of illumination spectrum for more than 10,000 hours.

The manufacturer provides a UV-stop protective film to prevent algae growth. But in fact, it has no effect - the algae continue to grow. But this solution also has a positive side - the film protects the lamp from mechanical damage, it will not crumble in the hands in the event of an impact.

1 JBL "Solar Ultra Natur"

The full solar spectrum fluorescent lamp is designed for freshwater aquariums. Differs in very bright but natural light. It has the best color rendering index - 1A, color temperature - 9000 Kelvin.

According to the manufacturer, the lamp is designed for continuous operation for 10,000 hours, but in practice it has to be changed once a year. For a more natural color of fish and healthy development of underwater plants, some aquarists additionally install the JBL Solar Ultra Tropic T5 lamp.

The best UV lamps for your aquarium

Ultraviolet lamps disinfect water, preventing cloudiness and greening. During their operation, the water is gradually purified and becomes transparent again. Small UV lamps are now being built into aquarium filters. But this is a specialized lamp used from time to time - it cannot replace the main lighting. The device that makes the lamp work is called a sterilizer.

3 Jebo UV-H24

Universal device for all types of aquariums. But when purchasing a lamp, you need to take into account that for a marine aquarium it should be about twice as powerful as for a freshwater one.

Of the advantages, users note quick action. According to reviews, with a slight turbidity, the water is purified within a day after the start of use. The service life is long. It will not be a problem to buy a replaceable ultraviolet lamp - it costs about 800 rubles.

2 UV HOPAR, FOR AQUARIUMS UP TO 1000 L, 18 W

Performs the same function as other sterilizers. The device emits high intensity ultraviolet rays.They easily destroy pathogens, free-floating algae, accelerate the mineralization of organic compounds.

This model is appreciated by buyers for the optimal ratio of quality and price, versatility - it can be used for all types of aquariums.

1 Aquael UV Lamp Mini UV

A sterilizer from a well-known brand is made in the form of a short sleeve, which is superimposed on the filter outlet nozzle. Four LEDs emit UV light. The lamp fits all internal filters of the same brand. Periodic use of the Aquael lamp prevents diseases in aquarium fish by destroying pathogenic bacteria.

Users love the ease of installation, no special maintenance required. The lamp is very compact, its installation does not impair the appearance of the aquarium, does not violate the overall composition.