Are you searching for the best-LED lighting for reef tank but don’t know where to start? Maybe you need a professional opinion to be sure that you are going in the right direction? Then you have landed at just the place.
We will help you find the Best-LED reef lighting for your beloved corals and reefs so you can watch them flourish in their best versions.
With the help of this guide, you will be able to learn the benefits of LED fish tank lights, how to pick the right ones, their best settings, and also some suggestions from us for the top class aquarium led light for your reefs. So if you are ready, let’s dive right in:
If You are in A Hurry! check Below top rated and best seller:
Quick jump:
Top picks of LED reef lighting:
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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NICREW Marine Clip on Aquarium Light,... | $15.99 | check on Amazon | |
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NICREW ClassicLED Marine Aquarium Light,... | $44.49 | check on Amazon | |
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IREENUO Aquarium LED Light, Full... | $43.99 | check on Amazon | |
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NICREW 150W Aquarium LED Reef Light,... | $194.99 | check on Amazon | |
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NILIPAL LED Aquarium Light - Coral Reef... | $36.85 | check on Amazon | |
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lucare LUXCARE 18-24 Inch 40W Saltwater... | $45.00 | check on Amazon | |
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PopBloom S16Pro Aquarium LED Reef Light... | $89.00 | check on Amazon | |
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Aquatic Life HM Electronics Edge Marine... | $204.99 | check on Amazon | |
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LEDENET 12" 18LEDs 5050 Blue 460nm... | $11.99 | check on Amazon | |
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hipargero Aquarium Light –3rd... | $75.99 $68.39 | check on Amazon |
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Benefits of LED Lighting for Reef Tanks:
- Safer Option: Do you know that incandescent lights or another chemical-based lighting can harm the corals? Well, the chemical is not any good for them, and the incandescent light is not as tightly packed as Led reef lighting, which means there is a chance of reefs getting shocked. This because the light is directly under the water. LED fish tank lights, on the other hand, have tightly packed circuits that do not cause electric shock when underwater.
- Economical: Compared to any other lighting option, be it incandescent or Xeon, you will find aquarium led light to be way more energy efficient. Since you will be leaving the lights on for 10+ hours every day, non-Led lights can increase your electricity costs. LEDs also have dimming features that will further save energy.
- They Help With Growth: Yes, it is proven that LED lights help the reefs and corals grow better and bring out their best colors. You just need to find out the right lighting schedule and color spectrum, and you are set to see your reefs grow bigger and healthier.
- They Are Compact: One of the main benefits of getting the perfect led aquarium lighting is that LEDs are very compact. Since the lights are directly connected to the circuit without the help of any wires, a lot of space is saved. This makes LEDs a very good candidate for nano, small and mid-sized tanks. A lot of your tank’s space will be saved, and you won’t be compromising on the lighting need of your corals as well; it seems like a win-win!
Things to Consider For Getting the Best LED reef lightings: What are the Best LED lights for Reef Tank?

- Build and Durability: You are going to spend a good amount of money on buying the Best-Led lighting for reef tanks, so this means you need to make sure it lasts a long time; preferably longer than your tank’s life. You do not want it to change output and lose its colors or just die out quickly. Therefore, we suggest going for the LED lights with at least 1 year of warranty. Another reason for getting LED light is that its average lifespan is 50,000 hours, so if you run it for 10 to 12 hours a day, that will be 11 years, which is a pretty good time.
- Internal Visuals: LED reef lighting comes in different designs and colors. Like every reef enthusiast, you would want your aquarium to look colorful that brings out the exoticness of your reefs, right? Well the make sure to go for good color blending with other features like disco ball effect if you want. Explore the list of best LED fish tank light we have suggested below to find out different designs and color combinations.
- Controllability: Some of the best lighting for reef tanks can be controlled with a remote or a mobile phone app. Make sure to look for this feature in the one you buy. You can easily set the schedule of the lights and also adjust their color spectrum for the optimal growth of your reefs.
- PAR Intensity: The most important part of having lighting for your reef tank is the right PAR. The right amount of photosynthetic active radiation will help the corals grow better. All of the marine aquarium led lights we have suggested in this guide come with sufficient PAR intensity for the tank. But to give you an idea, it should be 50 to 350 depending on the tank; keep reading this guide till the very end to know more about PAR.
- Ideal balance of blue and white LEDs brings out...
- Especially design for 2.5 - 5 gallon nano reef...
- For greater customization, the brightness of the...
- 15 minutes ramp-up and ramp-down to make creatures...
- ECO-LIKE NATURAL LIGHTING: Aquarium fish light...
- SUIT FOR VIRTUALLY ANY TANKS: Adjustable clip-on...
- MAKE YOUR FISH MORE BEAUTIFUL: High-quality lamp...
- HIGHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Low power consumption...
- 🦈【𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎...
- 🦈【𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆 &...
- 🦈【𝑶𝑳𝑬𝑫 𝐒𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 &...
- 🦈【𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒚...
- Features 445nm and 460nm blue, 10,000K white, and...
- Comes with the dual-channel timer to adjust the...
- One ClassicLED Marine light will support saltwater...
- Available in multiple sizes and includes...
- Full color spectrum (popular blue spectrum, red,...
- With a maximum spread of 24″ x 24″, the light...
- Smart fans for LEDs temperature control ensuring...
- With touch control, white and blue channels can be...
- Advanced spectrum for Coral Reef -- Verified...
- High Power 3W LED Chips -- Top rated 3W high power...
- Easy Installation and Use -- Very easy to mount...
- Compact and Stylish -- Silicone-coated metal...
- Full color spectrum (popular blue spectrum, red,...
- Adjustable light intensity with 6 levels, white...
- With a recommended spread of 18''x18'', the light...
- Easily mount the light on your rimmed or rimless...
- 🐠𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧...
- 🐠𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗗𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘...
- 🐠𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥...
- 🐠𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘...
- Full Spectrum Reef Light: Proven full spectrum...
- Multifunctional: hygger saltwater light HG088 with...
- High Power: 30W high power LED with 60 degree...
- Compact and stylish: special anti-rust design...
- FULL SPECTRUM- Include UV Blue Purple Red White...
- UNIQUE DESIGN- The difference of this aquarium...
- DOUBLE DIMMER MODEL- 2 Dimmer model for setting...
- DIMENSION- 20"x7"x2.4"(54x17x6cm), Weight: 6.6...
- 【3 LIGHTING MODES】The blue, white, or the...
- 【LED AQUARIUM FISH TANK LIGHT WITH TIMER】The...
- 【ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS, GOOD FOR PLANT AND...
- 【FULLY SUBMERSIBLE AND EASY TO INSTALL】This 11...
- Soft-touch switch LED
- Easily mounts on framed or frameless aquariums...
- Quick 3-way soft-touch control (All On/Blue On/All...
- 60 bright LEDs with blue spectrum for a deep sea...
- Waterproof LED strip light, LED grow plant...
- Super Bright SMD 5050 LED Chips, Aluminum Bar,...
- IP67 water resistant. 12V DC, 3.6w/pc, not include...
- Dimmable and controllable. You can use the item...
- 【FULL SPECTRUM】LED aquarium lights Includes...
- 【Double DIMMING CHANNELS】 LED fish tank lights...
- 【UNIQUE DESIGN】Full spectrum LED aquarium...
- 【WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS】Aquarium lights...
- 【Upgrade LED and Super bright】Full-spectrum...
- 【Aplication】Suitable for freshwater or...
- 【Professionally designed】 1.35m Cable length,...
- 【Extendable Brackets】 Adjustable metal...
- 🐠PMMA Cover/High Power/Lumen/PAR Value:Total...
- 🕰️Timer Control and Adjustable Light Color...
- 🐠Full Spectrum 7-Band: 160pcs LED inside....
- 🐠Two lighting modes : Full spectrum LEDs for...
- {Full Spectrum}: Perfect Color...
- {Adjustable and Dimmable}: 2pcs switches control...
- {X2 Lens}: Double 120° acrylic Lens & zener diode...
- {Widely Application}: Widely used in Fish Tank,...
- [Fits Any Shape] This Nano Full Spectrum Reef...
- [Modern&360 degree swivel] With a premium glossy...
- [Mixed Color Leds] Six color LEDs are mixed in one...
- [Brightness adjustable] The brightness intensity...
- 【High Power/Lumen/PAR Value】This led refugium...
- 【Full Spectrum 6 Band】The LED aquarium lights...
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The saltwater...
- 【Easy to Used】This fish tank led light is...
- 【AUTOMATIC TIMER】Simply select the 4H / 8H /...
- 【REMOTE CONTROL & WIRED CONTROL】Remote...
- 【FULLY SUBMERSIBLE FISH AQUARIUM LIGHT】The...
- 【MULTI-COLOR, MULTI-PURPOSE】The glow fish...
LED light settings for reef tanks: Best light spectrum for coral growth:

If you’re dipping your toes in the sea of LED lighting and reefs, then you can become easily confused when it comes to getting the settings just right.
Different corals have different needs, and you also need to be careful about how long you leave the light on. So you really have to understand things from the basics.
To help you get a clear idea, we suggest that you watch this video from start to end, and you should be able to adjust the main settings of your LEDs.
Best lighting for lps corals:
Finding the best light for lps corals can be pretty challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. There is a bombardment of brands from everywhere, and you can simply get lost trying to find that perfect match. So to help you, we have cleared out all the clutter and suggested the best lps coral lighting below:
- 🐠High Transparent Cover/High Power/Lumen/PAR...
- 🐠Full Spectrum 7-Band: 320pcs LED inside....
- 🐠Two lighting modes : Full spectrum LEDs for...
- 🕰️Timer Control: Adjustable Light Color :You...
- 1x smart controller+2x led marine lights designed...
- 6x auto modes meet variety of application...
- 4x Independently programed channels with 8...
- Full spectrum lamp for SPS/LPS; Smart fan without...
- 🐠PMMA Cover/High Power/Lumen/PAR Value:Total...
- 🕰️Timer Control and Adjustable Light Color...
- 🐠Full Spectrum 7-Band: 160pcs LED inside....
- 🐠Two lighting modes : Full spectrum LEDs for...
- Advanced spectrum for Coral Reef -- Verified...
- High Power 3W LED Chips -- Top rated 3W high power...
- Easy Installation and Use -- Very easy to mount...
- Compact and Stylish -- Silicone-coated metal...
- 🐠【𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺...
- 🐠【𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 &...
- 🐠【𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗗...
- 🐠【𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝘆...
Blue led lights for reef tank:
Are you searching for the LED lights for reef tanks? Maybe you are overwhelmed by the massive amount of choices available in the market? Well, don’t fret, we have gone through the internet with a fine-tooth comb and have handpicked only the best LED reef lighting for you, have a peek at them below:
- Utilizing only 3 watt LED’s for maximum...
- These versatile lights can be used to replace any...
- Made from extruded aluminum, Reef Brite’s...
- 36 LEDs. 54 watts. The LEDs are driven at 1.5...
- Utilizing only 3 watt LED’s for maximum...
- These versatile lights can be used to replace any...
- Made from extruded aluminum, Reef Brite’s...
- 18 LEDs. 27 watts. The LEDs are driven at 1.5...
- Utilizing only 3 watt LED’s for maximum...
- These versatile lights can be used to replace any...
- It gives observers a more enjoyable viewing...
- Made from extruded aluminum, Reef Brite’s...
- Utilizing only 3 watt LED’s for maximum...
- These versatile lights can be used to replace any...
- It gives observers a more enjoyable viewing...
- Made from extruded aluminum, Reef Brite’s...
Saltwater aquarium lighting guide (Reef Tank LED lights FAQ)
How many watts per gallon for reef tank needs?
When calculating the number of watts per gallon for your reef tank, you need to keep in mind the basic rule, which is 1-2 watts per gallon of aquariums having fish only. 2-5 watts per gallon for freshwater plan aquarium and 4-8 watts per gallon for tanks having reef.
Just remember that you are not under or overdoing things because some reefs are different from others, so their lighting needs might differ. We have given you a basic idea to get started; you can further ask the salesman you are getting reefs from for their specific lighting needs.
Can you grow coral with LED lighting?
Yes, you absolutely can, and in fact, we recommend going this route and ditching the old halogen or incandescent lights. LED lights are better, more powerful, and highly energy efficient.
Plus, due to their tightly packed circuits and hard casings, they are safer for your fish and corals. In case the light falls in the tank, the inhabitants won’t be at the risk of getting shocked.
Furthermore, the best Led lighting for reef tank provides excellent spectrums that can bring out the best colors in your reefs and fish that you may have never seen before.

Do corals need white light?
Yes, corals do need white light but not as much as you might think. Corals usually thrive in blue light rather than pure white. Therefore, we suggest that you mix things a bit and not just give them pure white light.
You can give out a major share of blue light and a smaller share of white light; for instance, you can experiment with 70% blue light and 30% white light.
How much led light for reef tank?
If you are planning to add the corals to your tank and are wondering how much LED light do they need, then remember, different tank types have different needs. You need to consider the PAR or photosynthetic active radiation quantity for different tanks, which as follow:
- SPS majority tank = 350 to 250
- Mixed reef = 350 to 75
- LPS majority tanks = 150 to 50
- Soft coral majority tanks = 100 to 50
You can always experiment with light quantity within these ranges and see how it goes for your reefs.
How long to run lights on reef tank?
Not for a very long time, to be honest. Keeping the lights on for the whole day will overdo things for your reefs and will also result in higher electricity costs.

We suggest that you don’t let the LED fish tank lights run for more than 10 to 12 hours. You can run lights in intervals like 3-4 hours during the daytime, 3-4 in the evening, and 3-4 at night time.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, the guide to finding, purchasing, and setting up the LED aquarium light. Just make sure to go through the list of best LED lighting for reef tank that we have suggested above to get a bang for your buck.
Plus, all of the lighting settings we have discussed above are just to give you an idea; we suggest that you experiment with the lighting based on our mentioned settings and see which setting suits your reefs.
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Last update on 2023-10-02 at 19:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API