7 best lamps for the aquarium

Lighting - one of the key points in the design of the aquarium, but its functions do not end on aesthetic. The growth rate and efficiency of photosynthetic processes of plants depends on a properly selected lamp, and the reproduction of algae can be regulated using the color temperature. Expertex Exper.com will tell you how not to get lost in a variety of options and choose the right lamp for your aquarium needs.

How to choose a lamp for the aquarium

1. Type of. Metal halogen lamps are considered the best and most professional: they lead in all respects, have a long service life and are able to light up even deep aquariums well. The only drawback of this type is strong heating, which requires them to be hung at least 30 cm above the edge of the water. Medium aquariums typically use fluorescent or LED lamps. Both types have acceptable characteristics and can be selected according to the individual needs of the buyer.
2. Lamp power measured in watts. There is no general formula for calculating the appropriate power for any aquarium: it is necessary to take into account both the parameters of the tank itself and the quality of the water, the number and type of plants. For most of the underwater flora, the optimal rate will be 0.5-0.8 W per liter of water. With a dense settlement of the aquarium with plants, the power should be increased, but the shade-loving species will be satisfied at 0.2-0.4 W / l. It should be borne in mind that lamps of different types can produce a different amount of light, even with the same power.
3. Spectrum affects the quality of photosynthesis. Shade-loving plants prefer the blue-violet part of it, light-loving ones will get more benefits from red. A lamp with a green region of the spectrum is best suited for advantageous illumination of fish.
4. Colour temperature indicates how the light will be perceived by the human eye. A temperature of 5500 Kelvin is "white", natural and habitual sunlight. However, the value of 7000-8000 Kelvin is considered optimal for an aquarium: at a lower temperature, underwater inhabitants look pale and sick, at greater temperatures they seem artificial.

Rating the best lamps for the aquarium

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best fitolamps for aquarium	1	Osram t8 fluora	650 ₽
	2	Sylvania GRO-LUX	635 ₽
The best lamps for the marine aquarium	1	JBL Solar ultra marin day	1 959 ₽
	2	T5 Hailea Exstra Reef	462 ₽
The best lamp to enhance the color of fish	1	JBL Solar ultra Natur LT 39WT5-HQ 9000K	1 804 ₽
	2	Hagen flora glo	779 ₽
Top Full Spectrum Aquarium Lamps	1	Dennerle Color Plus T5	2 226 ₽

The best fitolamps for aquarium

This category contains lamps that provide optimal conditions for the growth and photosynthesis of the aquatic flora. These are most commonly fluorescent devices with accents in certain parts of the spectrum.

Osram t8 fluora

Rating: 4.9

The winner of the rating was the luminous phytolamp, which is in demand not only among aquarists, but also among indoor plant lovers. I must say, this model is much more useful in an aquarium: it not only provides plants with comfortable lighting with accents on the red and blue regions of the spectrum, but also favorably illuminates the fish. Another useful nuance - the device does not heat up during operation.The variation in power, depending on the size of the lamp - from 15 to 58 watts. The service life claimed by the manufacturer is 13,000 hours, however, according to customer reviews, over time the lamp loses its specific properties and turns into a simple lamp.

Sylvania GRO-LUX

Rating: 4.8

Although it is recommended to use this lamp together with a daylight lamp, it may well function independently even in a herbal aquarium. The manufacturer offers a choice of models of different capacities with a diameter of T5 or T8, so it will be easy to choose the right one for a particular aquarium. The color temperature of the lamps is on the border of the optimal range and is equal to 8500K, thanks to which they emphasize the natural colors in the aquarium. Reinforced red and blue regions of the spectrum cause a favorable effect on the growth of aquatic flora and the intensity of photosynthesis.

The best lamps for the marine aquarium

Since this type of aquarium usually has a great depth, the main requirement for lamps is the ability to effectively illuminate the entire water column to the very bottom. It is provided with high power parameters.

JBL Solar ultra marin day

Rating: 4.9

As befits the leader of the rating, this model has a high light output - you can not worry that the bottom of your aquarium will remain without proper lighting. Among other advantages - high color rendering index, low power consumption: 24-80 W, depending on the length of the lamp. The color temperature of 15000K gives a cold white light, while maintaining the completeness of the emission spectrum. Under such conditions, corals and marine invertebrates grow particularly well. The manufacturer claims that in favorable conditions the lamp is able to last 8000-10000 hours.

T5 Hailea Exstra Reef

Rating: 4.8

This model is ideal for those who want to equip a small coral reef in their aquarium. Fluorescent lamps of the Chinese manufacturer Hailea are rarely found in our stores, but they provide good quality for little money. In proportion to the size of the lamp, its power ranges from 8 to 80 watts. The spectrum is strongly shifted to the blue-violet side, so the light from the lamp emanates a pleasant, saturated blue color. This technical solution contributes to the favorable growth of corals, imitates the lighting of the deep-water reef, and performs an aesthetic function quite well.

The best lamp to enhance the color of fish

Due to the finely tuned balance of characteristics, these lamps advantageously emphasize all the features of the color of aquarium fish. The models presented in the rating will fill your aquarium with bright, natural colors.

JBL Solar ultra Natur LT 39WT5-HQ 9000K

Rating: 4.9

The model, which has an unrivaled brightness, is designed for fish and plants from warm and well-lit reservoirs. This is an excellent 24-80 watt fluorescent lamp. It not only presents the inhabitants of the aquarium in a favorable light, but also creates optimal conditions for photosynthesis in plants due to the full spectrum of radiation. The color temperature of 9000K suppresses algae growth and retains bright, vibrant colors that do not seem artificial at the same time. The lamp life in optimal conditions is 8000 hours.

Hagen flora glo

Rating: 4.8

Fluorescent "FloraGlo" acts in the opposite way than its competitor: it gives a soft light of pink shade with a heat of 2800K. In such conditions, the fish of blue and green flowers, as well as plants, for which special accents are made in the emission spectrum, look most advantageous. As a result, the flora under the light of this lamp not only looks good, but also actively grows. With a power of 40 W, the lamp gives light of medium brightness and intensity, so it is recommended to use it to illuminate the foreground of the aquarium, combining it with another lamp of another type. The service life of this product is 9000 hours.

Top Full Spectrum Aquarium Lamps

Lamps in this category have no pronounced accents in any part of the spectrum and give the most close to the natural light.

Dennerle Color Plus T5

Rating: 4.9

This lamp is able to emphasize all the most beautiful in your aquarium: a special distribution of accents in the spectrum allows you to enhance the red, orange and blue colors in all their diversity, so that the natural color of fish begins to play with new shades, it becomes brighter and more alive. The lamp does not radiate ultraviolet light, thus depriving the illumination of the scourge of any aquarium - algae - but leaving the whole plant spectrum favorable for photosynthesis to be common. Trocal Longlife technology provides lamp functionality for 10,000–15,000 hours. As is the case with most of the lamps presented in the rating, the power of this model can be chosen from a range of 24-80 watts.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.