Once you’ve set up your stunning 30-gallon reef tank, you’ll need to make sure that there is adequate lighting. While there are many different types of lights for reef tanks, LEDs certainly have far more benefits.
But since there are so many options on the market, it can become very confusing very quickly especially for newcomers to the fish-keeping hobby. But not to worry, we’ve been scouring the web for some of the best-LED lightings for a 30-gallon tank and we have to say that we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of some products.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here in our top picks, but as well as that, we’re going to be telling you everything you need to know about LED lighting for your reef tank allowing you to make a more informed and savvy decision.
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Why Choose LED Lighting For A Reef Tank?
In days gone by it wasn’t unusual for aquarists to favor T5 or metal halides in their reef tanks. But since the dawn of the LED light, this has quickly become a go-to choice for many hobbyists. And it comes as no surprise since the benefits of LED lighting are undeniable.
For starters, LED lighting is very cost-effective. While there are some pricier products out there, many of these lights are affordable and still retain excellent quality. When compared to the cost of a T5, for example, an LED light is far less expensive and potentially longer-lasting.
When we say longer-lasting, we really do mean it. A standard LED bulb could shine for as many as 50,000 hours; far longer than any other type of bulb. What’s even greater is that they don’t use as much power so your energy bill won’t take a hit just because you want to keep a reef tank.
Another amazing advantage of the LED light is that these products are typically much smaller than other types of lights. For a 30 gallon tank, you don’t want bulky lighting that takes over your setup. While 30 gallons is widely accepted to be the largest type of nano tank, it is still on the small side compared to some of the vast 100-gallon aquariums that take over a room.
LED lighting is compact and yet still gives an incredible amount of light to ensure that all life in your tank is easily able to thrive. Moreover, you will find that LED lights are far safer when compared to older styles of light making aquarium keeping a much less risky hobby. They have built-in safety systems and are incredibly waterproof.
Finally, in terms of safety, LED lights do not get as hot as other types of lights. While they will produce some heat, this will not be enough to burn you when you are performing tank maintenance. If you’ve ever caught yourself on a T5, you’ll know the pain.
What Is The Best LED Lighting For A 30 Gallon Reef Tank?
It’s clear that LED lighting is the way forward when it comes to brightening your 30-gallon reef tank but with a plethora of options to choose from, you may find yourself lost in a sea of lights not knowing what to choose. But, you can thank us later, since now, you’ll want to browse our top picks and find the best-LED lighting for your tank.
All of the below lights are designed to work best with a three-foot aquarium since this is the standard length of a 30-gallon tank.
AI Prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED
We absolutely love this great value-for-money LED light and while it is also a decent price, it offers amazing performance. For example, the light has some very interesting features making it ideal for anyone who wants something a little more complex.
Just consider the fact that there is the option to control the LED light using a smartphone app. For convenience, this has to be one of the AI Prime’s best features. There are seven color channels including ultraviolet and moonlight and you can set everything up at the touch of a button, so it’s user-friendly as well!
The last thing that anyone wants are LED lights that don’t stand the test of time. While the bulbs might last a long time, many lights have cases that are lacking in durability. But not the AI Prime. This is an incredibly well-built piece of equipment and you will have no concerns that it’ll damage easily.
The light gives great coverage but when you are using it with a 30-gallon tank, we would recommend opting for two to get the most optimal coverage.
Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light
If you want LED lighting that is completely hassle-free then the Current USA Orbit light should be one of your top picks. It is full programmable over a 24 hour period meaning that you can set it up and then leave it to do its job. Sunrise and sunset modes make for a more natural environment in your aquarium meaning that your corals will thrive.
What’s even better is that this light is ideal for a 30 gallon tank as the length is just the right size. On top of this, 144 LED bulbs give brilliant coverage so that not an inch of the tank goes unlit.
The unit comes with docking legs making it super easy to install and thanks to a handy remote control, setting, and programming the lighting is a breeze. In terms of color spectrum, the options are limitless making this one of the most versatile lights on the market. Moreover, the shimmer effect on the water is second to none so you’ll get amazing visual appeal for your tank.
VIPARSPECTRA Marine LED
If you are looking for a light that has been tried and tested then the VIPARSPECTRA is the model you should consider. There are reports all over the internet about the success that hobbyists have had with this light and that is why we decided to check it out.
We were not disappointed. The light is packed with features allowing you to create an endless array of environmental conditions in the tank. There is a simple on/off function but you can also set the lights to a timer and make use of the various modes as well as the option to dim.
Getting set up is super easy thanks to a wireless remote that is incredibly user-friendly. What’s more, you’ll get full coverage as these lights have been designed to ensure a perfect balance across the water.
Things To Consider When Buying LED Lighting For A Reef Tank
When it comes to choosing your LED lighting for your reef tank, there are a lot of things that you will probably be asking yourself. Below, we answer some of the most important questions to help you make a more informed decision.
What Features Should My Lights Have?
There are some LED lights that have a simple on/off function and these are ideal if you aren’t looking for anything overly complicated. However, if you want LED lighting that is a little more advanced, you will be pleased to know that there are a lot of options at your disposal.
For example, there are some LED lights that offer a shimmer effect; this is the case with most products and gives the water a beautiful shimmer. If you’re looking to improve the aesthetic of your tank then this is a no-brainer.
You will also want to think about the different light settings, such as sunrise and sunset mode, and whether these can be changed on an automatic schedule. Also, do the lights have brightness adjustment, and what is the extent of the color spectrum?
How Many LED Watts Per Gallon Do I Need For My Reef Tank?
The number of watts you need per gallon of water in your tank will depend on several factors. For example, the size of the corals you wish to keep and the overall size of your aquarium. The bigger the aquarium, the more lights it is going to need as well as the number of SPS corals since these need much more light then soft corals or LPS corals.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is measuring the lighting in terms of watts per gallon when this shouldn’t really come into the equation. What is more important is the coverage of the lighting so always keep this at the front of your mind when making a decision.
Typically, each LED bulb in a 24-inch x 24-inch setup would be 3 watts but you’ll need to measure PAR and this will require you to research the correct PAR rating for any corals you are going to keep in the tank.
What Schedule Do I Need For The LED Lights In My 30 Gallon Reef Tank?
You will have noticed, looking at this guide, that a lot of LED lights come with a scheduling option. Now, you can alter the lighting over the course of the day yourself but this is very time-consuming and you have to remember to do it.
That’s why choosing lights with an automatic schedule is by far the best choice. But you must think about the type of schedule that is right for your tank. Most 30-gallon tank owners run a 10-hour cycle and this may feature various lighting throughout the course of the cycle.
The great thing is that once you have set the schedule, there is really no need to mess around with it unless you make any significant changes to your tank.
Conclusion
If you want a modern and reliable solution for reef tank lighting, then there is nothing better than LED lights. They provide a world of benefits for you and your aquarium and are long-lasting and incredibly safe to use.
The problem lies in the fact that there are so many LED lights out there and when choosing between them, you must consider what you want from your lighting. If you’re only looking for a simple solution then a standard on/off LED light will work well. On the other hand, some products have a wealth of features that give you amazing versatility and a delightful shimmer on the water.
Whatever you are looking for, our top picks have something for everyone and we’ve been amazed at the quality, affordability, and performance of all these lights. So, whichever you choose, we know you’ll be over the moon.
