The Best Low-Tech Planted Aquarium Lights For 2026!

The Featured Lights
Entry-Level Light - https://glassboxdiaries.com/seaouralight
Intermediate Light - https://glassboxdiaries.com/seaourasr653
Advanced Light - https://glassboxdiaries.com/aeaourasr659
(Affiliate Links - I Get A Commission From Qualifying Purchases)

My Accompanying Article For This Video - https://glassboxdiaries.com/best-aqua...
The Best Carpeting Plants For Low-Tech Tanks - https://glassboxdiaries.com/carpet-pl...
Aquarium Light PAR And SPD Comparisons - https://glassboxdiaries.com/independe...

💡 Recommended Aquarium Accessories - https://glassboxdiaries.com/aquarium-...
🌿 Low-Tech Plant Index - https://glassboxdiaries.com/lowtechpl...
📱 Socials - https://glassboxdiaries.com/socials
💬 Discord - https://glassboxdiaries.com/discord

The Best Low-Tech Planted Aquarium Lights For 2026!

In today’s video I go over what I believe are the best affordable aquarium lights available in 2026 for low-tech planted aquariums. This video focuses specifically on planted tanks, because while many lights can make your fish look good, not all of them are powerful enough to reliably grow aquatic plants.

All of the lights featured in this video are models I’ve personally used on my own planted tanks for at least six months, and in many cases for several years. No brand has paid to be included, and every recommendation is based on long-term real-world testing. I focus on lights that are already on the market and widely available, since supply issues and regional releases can make newer products hard to find.

We start with entry-level lighting, where I cover the Seaoura SR616 and why it remains one of the best budget options for beginners and for easy-category plants. I talk about spectrum, PAR, built-in timers, customization limits, and how I personally run these lights across multiple tanks with excellent results. I also compare it briefly with similar alternatives like the Hygger HG58 and even touch on using houseplant grow lights.

Next, I move into the intermediate category for hobbyists who want to grow red plants, carpeting plants, and medium-difficulty species. Here I share my experience with the Seaoura SR653, including PAR and spectrum testing, WRB control, algae management, and why this light currently stands out in its price range. I also discuss alternatives from Hygger and why newer designs are starting to outperform older models.

Finally, I cover advanced low-tech lighting with the Seaoura SR659. This section looks at WRGB control, spectrum tuning, controller modes, real-world plant growth, and why most low-tech tanks don’t actually need this level of power unless you want maximum control over colour and future flexibility.

Affiliate links to all recommended lights are included below, along with a link to my updated article on the best affordable aquarium lights for low-tech planted tanks. That article is kept current, so even if you’re watching this in the future you’ll find my latest recommendations there.

Thanks for watching, and good luck with your planted tanks.

#aquarium #fishtank #fishkeeping

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:37 - Brand Selection
01:56 - Entry-Level Lights
02:17 - Entry-Level Recommendation
05:23 - Entry-Level Alternatives
06:24 - Intermediate Lights
07:35 - Intermediate Recommendation
10:55 - Intermediate Alternatives
12:22 - Advanced Lights
13:34 - Advanced Light Recommendation