LED lighting in aquariums
By Aram Schneider Published Updated
Translated from German with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.
Lighting an aquarium with energy-saving LEDs has by now become the standard. New complete aquariums are almost only offered with matching LED systems, and it is also worthwhile to convert an old, existing aquarium lighting (for example with fluorescent tubes or metal halide lamps) to modern LED lighting. Here we present some LED systems and their areas of application.
LED lighting from daytime
From the manufacturer daytime, we offer the new matrix series, which can be individually fitted with single LED modules. A detailed introduction to the matrix lighting can already be found in our Aquascaping Wiki.
All LED systems offered by daytime are characterized by their special flexibility. Small and oversized aquarium lengths are no problem, and thanks to many different adapters, there are suitable solutions for every kind of lamp mounting. Even for common covers from Eheim or Juwel, precisely fitting conversions are possible by replacing the center rail of the lid.
You also have the choice between various white tones in terms of color temperature, as well as lighting with a color component (blue and red LEDs). Of course, daytime LED lighting can be dimmed via controllers, and you can also create a daylight simulation with them. With colored LEDs, even features such as sunrise glow or a blue moonlight can be realized.
Conclusion
daytime scores with flexible adjustment options, both in the type of lamp mounting and in the choice of color temperature. In addition, the matrix series offers very good efficiency with an output of up to 180 lumens per watt.
Trocal LED from Dennerle
The Trocal LED was developed by Dennerle in cooperation with the renowned German LED manufacturer GHL. The high-quality Cree LEDs in special ceramic sockets with good heat dissipation have a lifespan of about 80,000 operating hours. A beam angle of 130° provides even illumination over the whole area. A light color of 5,500 Kelvin is specified, which corresponds to a rather warmer sunlight. However, two LED strings in different white tones (cool white and warm white) are installed, which can be controlled by an LED controller. This makes it possible to achieve different white light colors as well as a daylight cycle with sunrise and sunset.
Normally, the Trocal LED is used as a top-mounted light. With the retrofit kit, the Trocal LED can be installed in existing T5 or T8 tube sockets and can also be adjusted well in height (see picture).
Conclusion
If you value stable, reliable manufacturing and an outstanding lifespan, you are in good hands with the Trocal LED. The look of the lamp is functional. The color temperature tends toward a warmer white tone.
ADA Aquasky
The LED lighting from ADA is an elegantly designed top-mounted light for aquariums up to 60 cm edge length. As the name "Aquasky" already anticipates, it almost looks as if the lamp body were floating above the aquarium. The reason for this is the elegantly designed acrylic brackets. The LED lamps can also be connected to a mirror unit, which further increases the light output in the background and creates a unique visual effect. The "Moon" variant of the Aquasky is somewhat more powerful and is equipped with matte acrylic brackets.
Conclusion
As always, ADA offers a high-quality product with a very aesthetic design in the Aquasky LED lighting as well. It looks very harmonious in combination with an open low-iron glass aquarium.
ADA RGB Solar
The RGB Solar replaces the tried-and-true ADA Solar lamps with metal halide bulbs (HQI) with LED technology. Great emphasis is placed on color rendering. The LEDs produce red, blue and green light at the same time, which results in white light when mixed. Colorful objects in the aquarium such as fish and aquatic plants thereby shine in enhanced splendor of color. The RGB Solar is a pendant light and can be used on aquariums from 60 to 90 cm edge length. Reflectors are also available as accessories, which increase the light output by about another 15%. They also serve as glare protection when you sit in front of the aquarium.
Conclusion
A contemporary LED replacement for the tried-and-true Solar lamps. The RGB component also provides a unique lighting experience with more intense colors.
Twinstar LED Light
The Twinstar lamp series stands out as LED lighting with an RGB component. This means that besides the white LEDs, red, green and blue LEDs are also installed, which enhance the color effect. These elegantly designed top-mounted lamps with brackets made of acrylic glass (among others) are available for various aquarium sizes. We have a worthwhile article in our Aquascaping Wiki about the Twinstar LED Light.
Conclusion
The Twinstar LED Light is an elegantly designed top-mounted lamp. The RGB LEDs provide color enhancement; overall, however, the lamp does not look quite as bright to the human eye as lighting with purely white LEDs.
ONF Flat Nano
The Flat Nano from ONF is a nicely made, high-quality top-mounted light for small aquariums up to 34 liters. Over nano aquariums in particular, this lamp looks very discreet and not too bulky. You also have the choice between different finishes of the aluminum housing.
Conclusion
A shapely lighting for a nano aquarium with a light, thin aluminum body. The workmanship and material look very refined.
Chihiros LED lighting
Various series are available for the Chihiros LED systems. The A series comprises top-mounted lamps from 20 to 120 cm. Three rows of LEDs are installed in the flat aluminum heat sink. The lamp is positioned with short acrylic feet, so the light is installed relatively close to the water surface. The WRGB series is better suited for use over heavily planted aquariums. It is available in various sizes.
If you place great value on intense color rendering for aquatic plants and fish, you are also well advised to choose the WRGB series. Besides the white ones, colored LEDs are also installed here, which make colorful objects in the aquarium stand out much more brilliantly.
The C series was designed specifically for nano aquariums. It is a classic clamp light in black and in various sizes. This lighting is also splash-proof.
All LED series from Chihiros can be retrofitted with a Bluetooth dimmer or already have one integrated. It allows you to control the brightness and the light colors individually. With suitable cable suspensions, the Chihiros lights can be converted from top-mounted lights to pendant lights.
Conclusion
LED lighting from Chihiros impresses with very good value for money. You should note, however, that installing it in a closed aquarium cover is often not possible. A big advantage is the dimming function, partly present from the factory.