Kessil Gooseneck
£39.95
Freshwater Lighting
At Charterhouse Aquatics we stock freshwater aquarium lighting, including LED aquarium lights for planted tanks, tropical fish tanks and aquascapes. The range covers leading brands such as Kessil, AI, EcoTech and Fluval, plus mounting arms and brackets. The right freshwater LED light brings out your fish colours and helps aquarium plants grow.
Freshwater Aquarium Lighting Explained
A Complete Guide
AI Prime Flex Arm - 12 Inch
£39.99
AI Prime Easy Mount Bracket (Black)
£49.99
Kessil Mounting Arm
£89.95
Maxspect ICV6 Controller
£84.99
Hydra HMSSA Single Light Mount
£89.99
AI Prime Flex Arm - 18 Inch
£49.99
EcoTech RMS Hanging Kit
£54.99
EcoTech Radion XR15 G5 RMS Adapter Kit
£19.99
AI Blade Elevated Tank Rest
£34.99
Kessil Spectral Controller X
£92.75£119.90
AI Blade Mounting Clips
£15.99
Kessil A160WE LED Aquarium Light - Tuna Sun
£299.99
EcoTech Multi Light RMS Arms (x2)
£161.99
Kessil 90 Degree K-Link Cable
£29.95
Vivid Creative ALV – AI Prime LED Light Shaping Visors
£19.99
EcoTech Radion XR30 G5 RMS Adapter Kit
£19.99
Juwel MultiLux LED Light Unit
£124.99
Kessil WiFi Dongle
£142.96
Kessil A80 LED - Tuna Sun
£154.90
AI Prime Hanging Kit (Black)
£39.99
Fluval AquaSky 3.0 LED Strip Light
£73.49£95.54
Fluval Reef & Plant 3.0 LED Mounting Clips
£7.79
Fluval Reef & Plant 3.0 LED Suspension Kit
£17.81
Compare Freshwater Lighting
Sizes and key specs side by side, so you can pick the right one.
| Feature | Fluval Plant 3.0 | EcoTech Radion FW | Aquael Leddy Slim | Oase HighLine Premium LED | SuperFish RetroLED Bright |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Programmable LED | High-output full-spectrum LED | Day/Night LED | Premium white LED | Retrofit LED tube |
| Kelvin Rating | 7500K (adjustable) | 6500K–9000K (tunable) | 6500K | 6000–6500K | 6500K |
| Control Method | FluvalSmart App (Bluetooth) | Mobius App (Wi-Fi) | Manual switch | On/Off switch (upgradeable) | Manual switch |
| Dimmable | Yes (per channel) | Yes (per channel) | No | No (via controller) | No |
| Best For | Mid to high-light planted tanks | Advanced aquascapes and deeper tanks | Beginner/community tanks | Display tanks, fish-focused setups | Upgrading older fluorescent systems |
| Mounting Options | Extendable legs or canopy mount | Hanging kit required | Extendable legs included | Brackets or retrofit options | Fits standard T8/T5 hoods |
| Price Range | £130–£250+ | £300–£500+ | £40–£100+ | £80–£150+ | £30–£70+ |
Have Questions About Freshwater Lighting?
We have answers. Get quick help for common questions.
What type of lighting is best for a freshwater aquarium?
The best lighting depends on your setup. For fish-only tanks, a basic LED or fluorescent light will suffice. For planted aquariums, you’ll need full-spectrum LED lighting that supports photosynthesis. Brands like Fluval, EcoTech, and Aquael offer excellent options for both beginners and advanced aquascapers.
What is the ideal light spectrum for plant growth?
Plants thrive under full-spectrum lighting, especially in the 5000K to 7000K range, which mimics natural daylight. Look for lights with good red and blue spectral peaks to support healthy photosynthesis, leaf development, and coloration.
Can too much light cause algae in my tank?
Yes. Excessive light, especially when paired with high nutrient levels, can encourage algae blooms. If you’re seeing algae issues, try reducing light duration, checking nutrient balance, and ensuring consistent maintenance.
Is it worth getting a programmable light or app-controlled LED?
Absolutely—programmable lights offer features like sunrise/sunset simulation, ramp-up periods, and colour tuning that not only improve plant health but also reduce fish stress. Brands like Fluval and EcoTech offer highly customisable options via mobile apps.
How often should I replace my aquarium light?
LED lights can last up to 5 years or more, but fluorescent bulbs usually need replacing every 6–12 months due to declining output. Even if the bulb still works, its effectiveness for plant growth decreases over time.
How many hours a day should I keep my aquarium lights on?
For most freshwater aquariums, 6 to 10 hours per day is ideal. Low-tech tanks with fewer plants can stay closer to 6–8 hours, while high-tech planted setups may benefit from 8–10 hours. Using a timer ensures consistency and helps prevent algae overgrowth.
Do I need special lighting for low-light plants like Anubias or Java Fern?
No special lighting is needed—low- to medium-intensity LED lights are usually sufficient. These plants are very forgiving and thrive in setups without intense lighting or CO₂ injection.
What’s the difference between Kelvin rating and PAR?
Kelvin (K) refers to the colour temperature (warm vs. cool white), while PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measures the usable light intensity for plant growth. For planted tanks, spectrum and PAR are more important than brightness alone.
Can I retrofit my old fluorescent fixture with an LED light?
Yes. Products like SuperFish RetroLED Bright are designed to replace traditional T8 and T5 fluorescent tubes with energy-efficient LEDs. They fit directly into existing fixtures and provide better performance with lower power usage.
Can I use the same light for a planted tank and a fish-only tank?
You can, but planted tanks need stronger, full-spectrum lighting. If you plan to add plants later, it’s worth investing in a good-quality LED now to save time and cost down the line.
Freshwater Aquarium Lighting and LED Lights
The right aquarium light makes fish colours pop and keeps live plants growing. Modern freshwater LED lighting is bright, energy efficient and long lasting, and many lights now offer app control, sunrise and sunset effects and adjustable spectrum. From a simple tropical tank to a high-tech planted aquascape, there is an LED to suit every aquarium.
Our freshwater lighting range covers leading brands including Kessil, AI, EcoTech, Fluval, Aquael, Juwel and Oase. For planted tanks, the Fluval Plant 4.0 and EcoTech Radion Freshwater give the intensity and full spectrum that demanding plants need. For smaller tanks and shrimp setups, compact freshwater nano lights from Kessil, Fluval and Tunze are easy to fit. Juwel owners can upgrade with Juwel HeliaLux lighting.
As a guide, low-light plants such as Anubias, Java fern and mosses are happy under standard LEDs, while carpeting plants and stem plants need brighter light and usually CO2. Run your lights for around 6 to 8 hours a day to start and adjust if algae appears. A timer or app schedule keeps the day length steady, which helps fish and plants settle.
Charterhouse Aquatics stocks freshwater aquarium lights, mounts and spares with fast UK delivery. Our team can help you match the right LED to your tank size and the plants you want to grow.
