Submersible LEDs are unique and interesting lighting options for any tank. What these lights are, their features, are submersible LED lights safe, and an IP68+ rated LED are some topics covered in this article. You’ll also learn about whether your tank needs a submersible LED light in various scenarios.
Content Table
submersible LED lights
What Are Aquarium Submersible LED Lights?
Submersible LED lights are waterproof LED lights that serve underwater. Usually, they illuminate the aquariums for various purposes, mainly decor. Unlike the common LED lights, you can install them at the top, side, or even in your underwater decor. Here are some features of submersible LED lights.
Difference Between Common LED and Submersible LEDs
| Submersible LEDs | Regular LEDs |
| They are fully sealed in an IP65+ waterproof casing. | They are not waterproof and are suitable for installation outside the tank. |
| They can be placed at any site under the water, i.e., bottom, side, and even inside the decor. | They fit outside the tank in some hood, canopy, or stand. |
| They are often remotely controlled with several visual effects that help to create dramatic visuals inside the tank. | Mostly, they illuminate the tank from the top down and serve plant growth and tank visuals. |
| They help to pop up fish coloration and highlight the decorations. | They produce an even spread in the tank, i.e., from top to bottom, and light intensity decreases at the bottom. |
| Serve as illumination, a light source for photosynthesis, and decor. | Usually, it is functional for illumination. |
| Increased lifespan due to water cooling. | Usually, a shorter lifespan is due to air cooling. |
Are Submersible LED Lights Safe for Fish?
Yes, submersible LED lights are safe for fish and other aquatic pets. They are specifically designed to serve the underwater conditions in a fish tank.
Why Are They Safe for Fish and Other Aquatic Pets?
- They come in an IP65+ rated waterproof casing that helps them resist water ingress for extended periods.
- These lights operate at 100-240V, lower than the dangerous level for fish and other aquatic pets.
- High-quality submersible LEDs are constructed with fish-safe materials, including plastic, silicon, and coatings.
- Water cooling keeps them at a normal temperature that is harmless to the fish and other aquatic pets.
How Long Do Submersible LED Lights Last?
Submersible LEDs have varying life spans. At least they last for 10,000+ hours. Some reliable manufacturers developed submersible lights that last for 50,000+ hours, i.e., last 13+ years if turned on for 10 hours daily. These underwater LEDs can last long with certain precautions.
How to Maximize the Service Life of Submersible LED Lights?
- Always select corrosion-resistant, IP65+, preferably IP68 submersible lights.
- Select such a light that can be controlled with a timer or change the mode, i.e., daylight, twilight, or night mode.
- Use small heat-producing lights.
- Avoid sudden power surges to your submersible LEDs. You can avoid it by using a voltage controller.
- Regularly clean the algae and other mineral deposits to maintain the brightness of the lights.
- Regularly inspect the cracks and wear and tear on waterproof seals. In case of any minute damage, replace it.
submersible light led
Knowing More About Submersible Light LED
The hygger has manufactured compact, energy-efficient, and full-spectrum underwater LEDs. They work well with planted and freshwater tanks, and also for practical and decorative light sources. Here are some features of HG135 submersible LEDs.
Features
5-Row High-Quality LED Chips
It is a mixture of 2835 and 5050 LED beads and consists of 30 different color lights, i.e., 10 white, 6 blue, 1 red, 1 green, and 12 RGB. Moreover, it offers high color accuracy with a 50,000-hour lifespan.
24/7 Natural Light Simulation
HG135 offers a gradual light transition every 15 minutes. This light transition reduces the fish’s stress. Moreover, it also supports plant cycles.
Customizable DIY Mode
It offers customizable DIY modes with 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-hour timers and 10 brightness levels. Out of 10, it offers 9 solid colors, i.e., white, red, blue, green, pink, purple, orange, cyan, and a gradual color cycle.
IP68 Waterproof & Flexible Mounting
It is fully waterproof, and you can use it in fully submerged conditions and above water. Moreover, you can attach it anywhere as they have strong suction cups for attachment.
HG135 Submersible LED Specifications
| Size | Power | Tank Length | LED Count | Brightness |
| 7″ | 8W | 8–17″ | 30 LEDs | 410 lux |
| 12″ | 11W | 12–23″ | 60 | Balanced brightness |
| 15″ | 14W | 16–27″ | 90 | Broader coverage |
| 19″ | 17W | 20–35″ | 120 | Strong brightness |
| 23″ | 21W | 24–43″ | 150 | Full-spectrum coverage |
| 26.8″ | 24W | 28–54″ | 180 | Maximum brightness |
| 34.6” | 29W | 32–62″ | 210 | 1480 lux |
| 42.5” | 33W | 36–70″ | 240 | Up to 1690 lux |
How to use it?
Installation:
Clean the tank surface, attach the light with suction cups, and adjust the angle. According to your requirements, install it fully submerged or placed above water.
Power On/Off:
Plug into a 100-240V outlet, and the light will start in default mode.
Customize Settings:
-Timer: Press to cycle through 4h/6h/8h/10h/12h auto-off.
-Brightness (+/-): Hold to adjust from 10% to 100%.
-Color (M): Press to switch between 9 colors or cycling mode.
Natural Cycle Mode:
-Start with 24/7 Mode
For natural acclimation, use the 24/7 cycle to simulate sunrise, daylight, sunset, and moonlight over a full day. This reduces fish stress and mimics real aquatic environments.
-Use DIY Mode for Custom Control
Switch to DIY mode to control color, brightness, and timing. Perfect for accentuating specific fish colors or creating a visually stunning aquascape.
Avoid External Timers
The internal memory system may reset if paired with a smart plug. Keep the light plugged in continuously to maintain your settings.
Monitor Fish & Plants
Adjust brightness or schedule if fish seem stressed or algae grow rapidly. Tweak settings as needed for optimal results.
Maintenance
Wipe the light occasionally with a soft cloth to remove buildup. Always unplug before handling or cleaning.
Are submersible LED lights safe
When Does My Tank Need a Submersible LED Light?
Here are some aspects for selecting a submersible LED for your tank.
Decors
If your tank has rocks, caves, and bubble walls, and you want to decorate your tank, submersible LEDs will serve that purpose. Moreover, if you want to enjoy mood lighting, it is also better to use submersible LEDs.
Tall and Heavily Decorated Tanks
Usually, tall and heavily populated tanks have lighting issues. Several dark zones with hanging LEDs can’t be solved. To solve the dark zone problem, use submersible LEDs.
No or Low Light Requiring Planted Tank
If you have a no-light or low-light requiring planted tanks, you can use these underwater LEDs. Underwater LEDs are enough for decorative and lighting requirements for such a tank.
Focal Point Highlighter
If your tank has specific features, e.g., caves, driftwood, coral, or some other unique features, and you want to highlight them. It is best to go with an underwater LED to produce a glowing effect.
Additional Lighting
In planted tanks, top lights help to fulfill the photosynthesis requirements. Due to overhanging, plants cast a shadow at the bottom and create dark zones. To avoid this dark zone, use submersible LEDs. They will serve as a filler light.
| Scenario | Is a Submersible LED Required |
| Low to highlight the requirement of planted tanks | Usually, no, but it can be added as a filler or decorative light. |
| Tall tank and plant saturated tank | Yes |
| Require decoration | Yes |
| Dark zone filler | Yes |
Does My Tank Need a Submersible LED Light
The Bottom Line
Submersible LEDs illuminate the bottom and other dark zones in a tank. They are safe for aquariums as they are low-voltage, waterproof, and don’t affect the water temperature due to low heat dissipation. HG135 is such a submersible LED with various features, e.g., IP68 casing, 9 solid colors, smooth transition of light after every 15 minutes, etc. If you have a large and highly planted tank, it’ll be suitable to use HG135 LED.
Related Products
Leave a comment