What's the right light for my tank to start off

Height is the most important factor when considering a light to support a planted tank. However, this is less of a factor for non-planted aquariums. Regarding non-planted aquariums, I don’t believe there is a reason to consider any high-priced lighting. Having used 10+ different lights, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what’s overpriced. Learn from my mistake and buy a light that works right for your size tank, budget, and demands.

Outside of the light, the most critical factor is scheduling; it is imperative that whether you have plants or not, you run your light for 8-9 hours on a permanent schedule. Your best bet is a simple analog timer for a few of the lights I suggest here. Consider this one from amazon if you're running one to two tanks, or need more than one light. https://a.co/d/aqUteO9 By scheduling your lights, you reduce the likelihood of algae growth and green water. Furthermore, you provide a natural environment for photosynthetic rhythm. 

Analog Timer

Budget Light-

For tanks no greater than 12 inches in height or not planted, the best light for the price is by far AquaNeat. https://a.co/d/872MvgD These lights are absolutely amazing and highly budget-friendly. They are full spectrum and provide nice coloration. This light is perfect for growing plants in a 10, 15, 20L, 33 L, or any other tank that is 12 inches or lower. They do not have a built-in timer; however, I have found this to be more convenient by not having to program them or adjust them anytime the power flickers. 

• Supports basic plants

• Provides nice spectrum

• Comes in great ranges of sizes

• Lease expensive

AquaNeat LED

Best Budget Planted Tank Light

Hygger, a Chinese black box light, is by far the best bang for your buck when trying to grow plants. This is also the point by which we have to consider PAR. (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) PAR measures the amount of light projected in the aquarium, normally gauged at different depths. Consider this type of light when keeping plants in a tank greater than 12 inches in depth. Hygger’s lights are offered in programable and non-programable models in various lengths. https://a.co/d/h3foIYl  Based on this graph, you can see the strength this carries compared to its competitors. 

Competitors PAR Graph

Competitor Consideration

Each of these lights does have their cons and pros. The following will outlines those.

• Fluval ( https://a.co/d/hsVO2fz )

  • Con

    • Price - This light may be more powerful, however, it is nearly quadruple the amount as a Hygger.

  • Pro

    • Control - Fluval’s light is wifi enabled and allows for full controllability on your phone. You can set sunrise sunset times and adjust spectrum/ light intensity.

• Hygger

  • Con

    • Quality - This light is a Chinese light, therefore, it comes with Chinese quality. Its easier to break and more likley to have malfunction (trust me I know)

  • Pro

    • Price - The price for its capability is unmatched. No other light in it’s category meets its PAR for the price.

• Current USA ( https://a.co/d/0F5q3hA )

  • Con

    • Price - Again a light that costs nearly triple to quadruple that of Hygger.

  • Pro

    • Unique Control - Current’s higher models offer exciting programs. They typically come with remotes to change all their modes and schedules. What makes it interesting is you have modes like thunderstorm, rain, and sunrise. These make for a unique ambiance. Furthermore, they partner this with the ability to plug in a speaker and a background light to add to the atmosphere. This will resemble storm, rainforest, and other options, making for nice relaxing background white noise.

• Nicrew ( https://a.co/d/hHqqlth )

  • Con

    • Power - This light is very underpowered compared to Hygger, although, it is a bit more powerful than the AquaNeat.

  • Pro

    • Control - Nicrew lights offer a little bit more control than Hygger. They have a remote that comes with it to adjust and program.

• Beamworks ( https://a.co/d/1Iss3VV )

  • Con

    • Price - Again this light is double to triple the price of the Hygger for a significant less PAR level.

  • Pro

    • Spectrum - Beamworks has a very nice spectrum that is visibly pleasing to the eye. I run this light on some of my low tech system to provide a really nice look. It also is set on nice clear bracket with a wide led spread.

Coming soon High tech light review and tier list.