LED Lighting

LED lighting has revolutionised planted aquariums. Modern fixtures deliver the precise spectrum, intensity, and controllability that aquatic plants need to thrive — all while consuming a fraction of the electricity of older T5 or metal halide systems. The right LED fixture can transform your tank from a dim display into a vibrant, photosynthetically active ecosystem.

Why LED?

• Energy Efficiency: LEDs use 50–70% less power than equivalent T5 fluorescent or metal halide systems.
• Lifespan: Quality LEDs last 50,000+ hours (5+ years of continuous use).
• Spectrum Control: Advanced fixtures allow tuning of colour channels (RGB, UV, warm white) for plant growth and visual aesthetics.
• Low Heat: Minimal heat output reduces the need for chillers in warm climates.
• Programmability: Sunrise/sunset ramps, thunderstorm effects, and moonlight modes via app control.

Understanding PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)

PAR measures the amount of usable light for photosynthesis, measured in µmol/m²/s. This is the most important metric for planted tanks — not lumens or watts.

| Light Level | PAR at Substrate | Suitable Plants | |---|---|---| | Low | 20–50 µmol | Anubias, Java Fern, Crypts | | Medium | 50–100 µmol | Stem plants, Rotala, Ludwigia | | High | 100–150+ µmol | Carpeting plants (HC Cuba, Monte Carlo), demanding reds |

Types of LED Fixtures

Pendant / Hanging Lights

Suspended above the tank for a clean, open-top look. Common in aquascaping competitions and showroom displays.

• Examples: Twinstar, Chihiros WRGB II, ADA Solar RGB.

On-Tank / Bracket-Mounted

Clip or rest directly on the tank rim. Practical and easy to install.

• Examples: Fluval Plant 3.0, ONF Flat One, Chihiros A Series.

Strip / Bar Lights

Slim, elongated bars that span the full length of the tank.

• Examples: Chihiros A Series, Twinstar S Series.

Key Features to Look For

• Full Spectrum: Look for lights that include red, green, blue, and white LEDs across the PAR range (400–700nm).
• Dimmability: Essential for dialling in the exact intensity your plants need without algae risk.
• App Control: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi apps allow scheduling sunrise/sunset ramps, adjusting channels, and setting timers.
• Spread & Coverage: Ensure the fixture covers the full tank footprint evenly, with no dark corners.

Trusted Brands

• Chihiros: WRGB II series — exceptional colour rendition and app control at a competitive price.
• Twinstar: Premium Korean lights with outstanding PAR and build quality.
• ADA: Solar RGB — the pinnacle of aquascaping lights, used in IAPLC competitions.
• ONF: Flat One — minimal design with excellent performance.
• Fluval: Plant 3.0 Spectrum — affordable, widely available, and feature-rich.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Plant Growth: Delivers the full spectrum plants need.
• Efficiency: Low power consumption and minimal heat.
• Controllable: Dimming, scheduling, and spectrum tuning.
• Longevity: 50,000+ hour lifespan.

Considerations

• Cost: High-end fixtures (Twinstar, ADA) are a significant investment.
• Algae Risk: Too much light without CO2 and nutrients leads to algae.
• Colour Accuracy: Cheap LEDs may have unnatural colour rendition.
• Compatibility: Ensure the fixture fits your specific tank dimensions.