Chihiros aquarium LED lighting
By Aram Schneider Published Updated
Translated from German with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.
From the manufacturer Chihiros, we offer various series of powerful LED lighting for planted aquariums. Besides the different model lines (A series, A II series, B series, WRGB series, VIVID and C series), Chihiros also offers a special lamp for Wabi-Kusa that is also suitable for tiny aquariums. There is also various accessories for the lighting systems, such as the Wifi Hub or cable suspensions. Below, we introduce the individual LED systems in more detail and explain the differences.
A series
The A series offers nicely designed top-mounted LED lamps for various aquarium lengths (from 20 to 120 cm edge length). The slim aluminum lamp body is supported by two short feet made of acrylic glass. An LED lamp from the A series thus fits perfectly on open tanks in pool construction. This lighting is not suitable for aquariums with a closed cover, however.
5730 SMD type LED chips are installed on the lamp body in three adjacent rows. This provides even illumination of the aquarium over the whole area. The white LEDs have a color temperature of about 8000 Kelvin. With a light output of roughly 150 lumens per watt (calculated from the manufacturer's specifications), this LED lighting is very efficient, which practically predestines it for use with aquascapes or planted aquariums. With the matching Bluetooth controller from Chihiros, the lamp can be controlled via the mobile app " My Chihiros ". This lets you easily reduce the light output, for example during the cycling phase of an aquarium or when a layout uses only a few plant species or ones that aren't so light-hungry. In addition, the controller can simulate sunrise and sunset or be configured freely to set times. The controller is available separately.
A II series
The A II series impresses with its slim design and is particularly well suited to lushly planted aquariums with many aquatic plants. The lamp has an integrated Bluetooth controller, so it can be controlled via the "My Chihiros" app. This lets you control light colors individually and set daylight cycles. The slim lamp body stands on two sturdy feet made of transparent acrylic, which give the lighting a very airy and light appearance.
A plus series
As the name suggests, the A plus model line is a version of the A series optimized in terms of light output. First of all, the lamp body is clearly wider, and five instead of three rows of LEDs are installed. Besides the increase in output, this also increases the lamp's coverage of the aquarium. The A plus series is therefore especially suited to heavily planted aquariums with many light-hungry, fast-growing species. Because of the lamp's larger area, you are more likely to get by with just one light bar on deeper tanks. In addition, the A plus series comes with adjustable top-mounting adapters. For this, L-shaped metal brackets are attached to the lamp body and unobtrusive acrylic holders to the side panes of the aquarium. These brackets can be adjusted considerably in height, so this lighting system is also suitable for terrariums, paludariums or open aquariums with emersed plant structures growing out of the water. You can also vary the length of the lamp somewhat by moving the metal pins. Like the LED lamps of the A series, the A plus model line can also be controlled with the Chihiros Bluetooth controller via the mobile app. The A plus LED lights are available in four different sizes for aquariums from 30 to 60 cm edge length.
B series
The B series from Chihiros stands out with its silvery-gray lamp body and has adjustable feet. The length of the top-mounted lamp can therefore be varied. The arrangement of the LEDs is also unique in the B series: the white LEDs are in the middle, while the RGB LEDs are at the edges. This ensures even distribution. Together with an optionally available LED controller, these lamps can also be controlled via app.
C series
The C series includes typical clip-on lights for nano aquariums of 10 to 30 liters capacity. The flat lamp body and the clip-on bracket are black. The LED lamps provide enough light that even demanding plants can be kept in a small aquarium. Pure white LEDs with a color temperature of approx. 8,000 Kelvin are installed. The lamps of the C series are also splash-proof.
Wabi-Kusa lamp
The Chihiros Magnetic Light, together with the matching stand, is a real design highlight. The lamp can be locked magnetically and offers about 600 lumens of luminous flux. In combination with the matching stand, Wabi-Kusas or suitable small aquariums can be illuminated tastefully.
WRGB series
Besides the classic WRGB series, further model lines are also available with the WRGB Pro series (significantly more powerful) and the WRGB Slim series (thinner lamp body). These lamps offer a lot of adjustment options and enough reserves to illuminate even demanding plants well. From the second generation on, Bluetooth controllers are already integrated into the lamp. With the help of an app, three color channels can be controlled individually, as can individual dimming phases. The lamp body is kept black, and depending on the model, the feet of this top-mounted lamp are also adjustable in length.
VIVID series
The VIVID is now already on the market in its second generation and is a high-quality pendant lamp for freshwater aquariums. It has active cooling with built-in fans. The lamp is available in either black or silver. A Bluetooth controller is also integrated, so all color channels can be controlled individually. Light shields are available as further accessories to reduce annoying stray light for the viewer.
Cable suspension
For the A, A plus and RGB series, matching cable suspensions are available, which convert the lighting from a top-mounted light to a pendant light. Optionally, even two light bars can be attached to a single cable suspension. This is a good solution especially for larger aquariums of a corresponding width. Matching cable suspensions are also available for the WRGB and VIVID series.
Note: Installation in a closed aquarium cover is not possible in any case.