{"id":2157,"date":"2024-01-02T16:12:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T16:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/?p=2157"},"modified":"2024-06-30T00:53:01","modified_gmt":"2024-06-30T00:53:01","slug":"planted-aquarium-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishtankadvisor.net\/index.php\/2024\/01\/02\/planted-aquarium-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Planted Aquarium Lighting; The Best LED Lights for Planted Tanks (2024 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to a lush, underwater, planted aquariums, the proper lighting is essential. Unfortunately, many basic aquarium lights are not designed with plant growth in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And we get it – Choosing the best planted aquarium light for your set up can get overwhelming! That is why we put together this simple, yet detailed guide to help you choose the perfect light for your planted aquarium. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Planted<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We\u2019ll explain what you need to know about aquatic plant lighting, the difference between light types, and finally, our review of the best LED aquarium lights for growing aquarium plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to grow healthy, aquatic plants you have to provide them with enough energy from the right kind of lighting – so let’s get to it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For nano planted aquariums up to 20 gallon containing freshwater shrimp<\/a> and fish – my top pick is the Fluval Planted Spectrum Nano.<\/strong><\/a> It is a simple fixture that will light up the tank to support plant growth. For the technology that is built in, it is extremely reasonably priced!
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How to Choose Your Planted Aquarium LED Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When selecting which LED light will be the best choice for your planted aquarium, we recommend considering the following criteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Is the aquarium light designed for freshwater plants or saltwater corals, or both?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. What is the color spectrum? This will give clarity to answer #1 because saltwater tanks need more blue light, where freshwater needs more yellow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Does the overall, exterior design aesthetic meet your liking? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Will you need to purchase mounting hardware separately? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Tank width and depth vs. number of lights needed, or will the light reach the substrate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Does the light have a timer or programable adjustment capability?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Can the light intensity and color be adjusted separately?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. What aquarium plants do you have in your tank or would like to grow? Every plant needs a different intensity of light to thrive<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    \"Planted<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Pendant or Spotlight Style Aquarium Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Kessil A160WE Tuna Sun – $$$<\/h2>\n\n\n
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    \"Kessil<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy Now on Amazon<\/a>\n\n\n\n

    Kessil is a specialty lighting company located in San Francisco. The company is famous for their unique style of LED aquarium lighting that produces a spectacular shimmering effect, and delivering superior quality in the fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The A160WE Tuna Sun is a compact pendant light that is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater tanks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is compact light measuring 4″ x 2\/48″ \/ 10\/2cm x 6.3cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is designed to be suspended over the aquarium, using the gooseneck mount<\/a> that\u2019s sold separately. It does come with a mounting clamp, however many people report are not ideal because they limit the spotlight feature.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Kessil<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Customizing Light Intensity & Color:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    One feature that is raved about is the controllability of both light intensity and color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Light intensity and color is controlled by turning the control knob on the back of the light. As dials aren\u2019t everyones preferred method, the good new is this light can work with many control units for more precise selections. We recommend the Kessler Spectral Controller<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Also, the light is dimmable, and this is done manually via the control knob, or with one of the digital control units stated above. <\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Kessil<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The Tuna Sun allows you to adjust the color spectrum<\/strong> of the light too. You can change the look from bright white to golden sunset, and blue-pink moonshine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kessil has perfected their technology, so that the LEDs produce wavelengths that mimic the sun, and provide for the increased photosynthetic absorption of your plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many saltwater aquarists reported their coral exponentially growing within a matter of 60 days using the Tuna Sun setup. Freshwater tank owners report explosion in new growth and height of their aquatic plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Many Lights Do You Need?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    For larger aquariums it is recommended that you use two lights. Two lights is often sufficient to cover a side to side distance of 36\u201d to 48\u201d for both saltwater and freshwater. Adding multiple lights can add a unique visual element to your tank if you choose to have different light colors projecting from the different lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Double light setup:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Select one light as the \u2018primary\u2019 and you will link the second light to the first using the Kessil \u201cLink Cable\u201d<\/a>. To adjust the light intensity and color, use the manual knob controls on the top of the fixture on the first \u2018primary\u2019 light. This will control both lights simultaneous. If you opted for the Spectral Controller add-on, then you can connect this to the first \u2018primary\u2019 light, the cable for connection to the second is included with the controller, this will take over and control both lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Click Here to Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n