Having an aquarium means much more than buying beautiful fish and throwing them into a container of water. Taking care of your fish’s habitat requires a bigger investment than simply buying food for them. This is why aquarium lights have gained so much popularity. But even choosing the right light for your aquarium requires a bit of research.
If you put on too much light, the water can end up with algae and that’s something you don’t want to deal with. On the other hand, light that is not strong enough will prevent corals, plants, and fish from growing. So, let us find out what are the Best Cheap Led Screens for freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Quick comparisons of the 6 best Cheap Led Screens For Aquarium
| IMAGE | BRAND | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
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NICREW Classic LED Aquarium Light |
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See the product |
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KOVAL INC. aquarium lighting |
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See the product |
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Current US Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light |
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See the product |
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US Current Satellite Freshwater LED Light |
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See the product |
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COODIA aquarium bell lighting |
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See the product |
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MarsAqua Aquarium LED Light |
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See the product |
Types of lighting for aquariums
Before choosing one of the 4 main types of aquarium lights, you should ask yourself the following:
- Will you be using the lights in a reef tank or planted aquarium?
- Do you need a light timer?
- Is a lamp that goes above the aquarium a better option?
A great light for your tank is just as important as the filter and other accessories. Choosing the best aquarium light is a decision based on a number of factors that are related to what is inside the tank and your personal intentions. Each type of plant or fish that lives inside an aquarium requires different conditions to thrive.
That means it’s your duty as an aquarium owner to research the different life forms you plan to purchase and find out what each subspecies needs. Consequently, you will be one step closer to choosing the right lights. Plants are more dependent on light for photosynthesis compared to fish. Some types of aquarium lights will produce more heat than others, which can lead to high water temperatures and your species will not survive.
Basically, an aquarium lamp must mimic the natural habitat of the species if it is to ensure a long and healthy lifespan. This is why the lights will have a different setting during the day and at night. That’s why it’s important to know as many things as possible about the fish and plants you own. For example, tropical plants and fish typically benefit from around 12 hours of natural light. That means you’ll need a timer for your device to replicate natural conditions.
Led lights
Also known as the most common type of aquarium lighting, LED lights are made of a circuit board with several small diodes attached to it. Since many people prefer LED lights, the options are now numerous: from light rails and tubes, spotlights and even complete luminaires. The color spectrum of the light can also be customized, as well as its intensity. LED lights are common because they are more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan. As a result, they will help you have money over time and save you the hassle of changing them too often.
They also do not remove excessive heat. LED lights were once commonly used for night lighting but have gained a lot of popularity and are now the main light source for many aquariums around the world. However, LED lights are not suitable for fish-only saltwater aquariums and the investment can sometimes be as high as $2,500.
normal fluorescent lights
These lights are known for their affordable prices. Its heat output is low and you have a wide variety of options to choose from. They are more efficient compared to incandescent bulbs but will not last as long as LED lights. They are suitable only with saltwater fish tanks.
compact fluorescent lights
Due to their high light intensity, CFLs are good for small systems. Even if they don’t generate too much heat, the output is still higher compared to the other 2 types of aquarium lights we featured above. Even if you have the ability to create a custom lighting system, you should know that bulbs and hoods may not be compatible. That’s why you should always buy lamps made by the same manufacturer that created the original hood.
metal halide lighting
This is a very common choice for reef aquariums because the light and heat intensity output is very high. In fact, you’ll probably need to run a small fan over them to remove some of the heat from the water. Because they produce a lot of heat and intense light, they also consume a lot of energy. Even more, the bulbs are also more expensive compared to those required for other types of lighting. Since their intensity is well known, some luminaires require the additional installation of UV screens to reduce radiation.
The 6 Best Cheap Led Screens for Aquarium
Since LED lights are the most common option, let’s review some of the Best Cheap Led Screens you can currently buy.
1. NICREW Classic Aquarium LED Light
- Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 1.4 inches
- Number of LEDs: 36
- Compatible with aquarium size: 11-19 inches
Check the price
This is one of the Best Cheap Led Screens for growing aquarium plants. A best selling item, NICREW LED lights seem to have gained a lot of popularity with aquarium owners. The LEDs they produce promise to be energy efficient, yet bright enough to give your fish tank the light it needs.
The metal brackets at the end of the panels are wide enough to fit aquariums from 11 to 19 inches, as long as the thickness of the tank does not exceed ½ inch. The lamp itself measures 11 x 4 inches, but the hood with the brackets extended can be sized at 19 x 4 each. You can choose between 2 lighting modes. The combination of white and blue is good for everyday use, while the blue LEDs are ideal for night use.
NICREW LED lights are suitable for use on aquarium glass covers. By using a glass canopy, you can extend the life of the panel as moisture will have a harder time reaching the lights. As you order your own kit, you will receive the LED panel itself, as well as 2 expandable brackets, the adapter, and the user manual.
PROS
- 2 different lighting options for day and night.
- It comes with adjustable brackets.
CONS
- The brackets feel very cheap.
- It is not waterproof.
- The cable only works in a very specific position.
2. KOVAL INC. aquarium lighting
- Dimensions: 24-3/4 x 5 x 1-1/4 inches
- Number of LEDs: 78
- Compatible with aquarium size: 24-30 inches
Check the price
This is one of the highest rated lights on the market. With 5 different colors spanning over 78 LEDs, KOVAL INC. It is another great option for aquarium owners who want high quality lighting for their tanks. The panel is made up of 6 blue, 4 pink, 62 white, 4 red and 2 green LEDs. The lights can operate in one of three different modes: all LEDs are on, only the blue LEDs are on, or all are off.
As advertised, this lighting system should work for a total of 50,000 hours. Since the panel has an aluminum alloy casing, it should be more durable compared to the ones made of plastic. Inside the package, you will find the light panel, as well as an adapter and 2 extension brackets. If you need something bigger, you can always opt for the other 2 panels available, one with 129 LEDs and the other with 156.
PROS
- Ideal for saltwater aquariums.
- It comes with 78 different lights and 5 colors.
- 2 lighting options.
CONS
- A large number of defective units were reported.
3. Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 3.5 x 0.4 inches
- Number of LEDs: 10 LEDs, Dual 39 Actinic LEDs, Dual 33 Daylight LEDs
- Compatible with aquarium size: 18-24 inches
Check the price
If you’re ready to take things up a notch, introduce the Current USA Orbit LED panel lighting. The wireless infrared remote control is one of the first things that stands out when you first discover this product. The second is the waterproof feature of the product, which meets IP65 standards.
With the Orbit Marine, you get an LED lighting panel that features two spectrums of daylight and actinic to meet your aquarium lighting needs. Slim design measures less than half an inch thick. The LEDs are created and distributed in such a way as to provide 24-hour lighting solutions, thanks to the 24-hour lighting cycle.
The light modes are fun enough to create effects like cloud cover or storm. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, you can also purchase the Wave Pump concentrator and 3 eFlux wave pumps to create a wave-like effect. This takes the aquarium experience to a whole new level of pulsating water currents and waves.
If you order the Orbit Marine kit, you will receive the LED fixture, along with the wireless remote, power supply, a LOOP light and wave pump controller, 1 LED light HUB, 2 adjustable docking brackets, and the instruction manual. instructions. We have to commend the user manual (first because there actually IS a user manual, unlike cheaper accessories that leave users with no idea how to operate the lights), as it explains everything you can do with the Orbit Marine, to get the most for your money.
PROS
- Full 24-hour lighting cycle.
- Includes 1 wireless remote control.
- Very complete user manual.
- Adjustable mounting brackets.
CONS
- The lights are only white and blue.
- The lights are not as bright as expected.
4. US Current Satellite Freshwater LED Light
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 2 x 0.4 inches
- Number of LEDs: 66 white LEDs, 24 blue LEDs
- Compatible with aquarium size: 24-36 inches
Check the price
Next on our list of Best Cheap Aquarium Led Displays is the Current USA Satellite model that features bright LEDs and a stylish fixture. The edges of the fixture house sliding springs that allow you to position the light panel on top of the aquarium. While the specific model featured today is suitable for an aquarium size of 24-36 inches, you also have the option of choosing an accessory for smaller aquariums or upgrading to one of the 2 larger models.
The Satellite device is IP65 rated, making it waterproof and providing peace of mind for users who are constantly concerned about their devices coming into contact with water.
The device comes with many functionalities considering its average price. There are 3 fade modes that create cloud cover effects, as well as 2 lunar modes.
Dusk mode is suitable for night use, thanks to 6500K white LEDs and 445nm blue LEDs. When you order the Satellite kit, you will receive the LED fixture, the 2 adjustable docking brackets, the power adapter, and the wired LED remote.
PROS
- Generous number of functions.
- Highly affordable.
- Waterproof luminaire.
CONS
- Wrong on/off switch.
- Many units ship without the power adapter.
5. COODIA aquarium bell lighting
- Dimensions: 13.7 x 4.6 x 2.5 inches
- Number of LEDs: 36
- Compatible with aquarium size: 11-19 inches
Check the price
Moving on to a more affordable unit, we have the COODIA model that promises to bring good LED lighting to your aquarium. You can opt for accessories that cover aquariums from 11 to 19 inches (this is the accessory that we will be referring to in this subsection), but there are also larger models, compatible with sizes from 19 to 28 inches, 28 to 36 inches and 37 to 45 inches. inches. A quick glance at the remote tells us that there are 16 different colors to choose from. Last year, COODIA upgraded its remote and you no longer need to point it directly at the receiver for it to work.
Expandable brackets allow for multiple aquarium installation possibilities, while the 7500K white mode color temperature should be more than enough for growing plants inside the tank. With dimmable brightness and quality RGB LEDs, the COODIA will make your water tank look clean and prosperous.
PROS
- Various colors available.
- Remote control included, works without the need to point at the receiver.
- Color temperature in white mode of 7500K.
- Dimmable brightness.
- Expandable supports.
CONS
- You can only set the device to one color at a time.
- Without timer function.
6. MarsAqua Aquarium LED Light
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 2.5 x 7.4 inches
- Number of LEDs: 50 Blue LEDs, 50 White LEDs
- Compatible with aquarium size: 30 x 24 inches
Check the price
To end today’s series of reviews in style, we have chosen a more premium lighting fixture, capable of testing both day and night light settings for your aquarium. The specific item we are referring to now is the 300W LED.
There are many features that contribute to the high price of this lighting panel. The first is the thermal conductivity of the unit which stands out because it is made of copper. Suitable for 38″ x 24″ coral tanks, the MarsAqua light panel comes with 2 dimmers, so you can control the white and blue lights separately. This allows for further customization of the light. The first dimmer is used to control the 50 blue LED lights, while the second dimmer controls the 50 different white lights.
Since the system was designed to run on a parallel circuit, the entire panel will not be affected if one light fails.
PROS
- Ideal for corals and reefs.
- 2 dimmers to control the white and blue lights individually.
- Generous types of white light: 14 cool white, 10 neutral white, 10 warm white, 4 red, 4 green, 8 blue.
- The blue and white LEDs have separate on/off switches.
- Parallel circuit connections allow the panel to work even if one light is off.
CONS
- Larger water tanks will require additional accessories.
Conclusions on the Best Cheap Led Screens for aquariums and fish tanks
Just so you know, this is our most disliked section of our review articles. This is because it is often difficult to choose a favorite product among others that are very similar in terms of functionality.
Most products are subjective purchases and an accessory that works for you may not work for someone else. But, since we have to pick a winner, MarsAqua would have to be. Since this is a more expensive unit, some of our readers may not be thrilled to spend this kind of money on it.
But if they do, they will receive a strong and powerful LED lamp, with white and blue lights that can be easily customized thanks to the 2 separate dimmers and separate on/off switches.
We also love the parallel circuit board option as it would be quite annoying to have all the lights off if a single bulb was damaged. Since there are not that many size options for MarsAqua, it is only suitable for large tank aquarium owners.
However, if you are looking for something more affordable, COODIA LED aquarium lighting might be more suitable for you. The upgrade made to the remote control will make it easier for you to control the device even from a distance, without having to point the device directly at the unit. There are many size options available, including for tanks measuring up to 45 inches. Even though there are 16 different color options to choose from (each with a separate button on the remote), you can only set one color at a time, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Still, the COODIA offers a lot of features considering the affordable price of the kit. We have to give a special kudos to the Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light System as it is well tied to COODIA in terms of how awesome it is.
