The 10 Best Underwater Aquarium Lights

Editor's Notes

August 05, 2020:

Aquarium owners in search of submersible light strips, spotlights, or fixtures that create special effects will find plenty of options here. In today’s update, we added in the Nicrew PT0291, a round-shaped option that incorporates six multicolored LEDs and a bubbling disc. It comes in either a 2-inch or a 4-inch size to accommodate both small- and medium-sized tanks, and can be adhered using the included suction cups or by being weighed down underneath some substrate. If you’re in the market for a spotlight design, check out the newly added Hydor H2Show, which is available in your choice of red, green, blue, white, or multicolored, and conveniently can be attached to the bubbler made by Hydor that’s sold separately. For another spotlight selection that’s bright enough to illuminate a pond or a swimming pool, look to the Etinas Spotlight, which is controlled by the included remote and can be set to exciting flashing and fading modes.

In today’s update, we also added in the Taysing Crystal, a strip of colorful lights that can be programmed to create a lively underwater atmosphere. It’s made of durable ABS plastic and acrylic, and is backed by a two-year warranty. It replaces the similarly designed Xcellent Global, which comes with a remote control that’s not very reliable. We kept the Nicrew Stick in a prominent spot on the list, which conveniently is available in three lengths to suit a variety of tank sizes, and is a great way to brighten up any aquarium. It’s easy to set up by positioning it anywhere on the interior glass with the strong suction cups. The Hagen Fluval Prism 2.0 also remains high on the list and, unlike many others, it can produce special effects to mimic sunsets and storms. While it casts a powerful beam, its compact black housing is easy to conceal behind plants or rocks. Also leaving the list today are the Gift Pro Bar, which many find to be too dim, and the Smiful Submersible, which is no longer available.

September 14, 2019:

While many aquarium lights conveniently can be placed above your tank, some fish owners prefer to use a fully submersible model, which are generally easy to install and can save you some precious space when your setup is in a tight corner.

Joining our selection in today’s update is the Hagen Fluval Prism 2.0, which casts a powerful 6.5-watt beam that can project up to a generous six feet. (For those looking for a more subdued effect, it does offer brightness control.) It comes with a handy remote that enables you to choose from several fun special effects, including sunsets, storms, heavy storms, and the full color cycle. Its LED technology provides for a lengthy lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. It features a compact, unobtrusive, housing that is easy to conceal behind other elements of your tank, with a conveniently rotatable head.

The affordable Nicrew Strip comes in three sizes, and this energy-efficient choice emits a blue and white glow, and can be positioned just about anywhere inside your tank and held firm with the included suction cups. It features a safe, five-volt output and is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

For something a little more unique and non-traditional, look to the Nicrew Volcano Ornament Kit, which features a mountain-like base made from durable resin, along with a base that sits underneath it with built-in, red LEDs. The resulting effect resembles overflowing lava. It also comes in a multi-colored light design. Either selection will provide a fun, not-overly-large component that will look nice in a corner of your tank.

Leaving the list today are the Bivisen LED and the Goobat Marine, both of which are not available at this time.