Best Aquarium Plant Packages for Small Tanks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
An aquarium plants package, the bundle of live or artificial plants many sellers offer for a small tank, only works if the tank has a way to light them. The Amazon listings we reviewed for this topic are lights, not plant bundles, so this roundup does the next useful thing: it compares seven lights described as suitable for plants in small tanks, using only the facts printed in each listing. Where a listing does not state a detail, such as the plant species it suits or a tank-size rating, we say so, and we do not claim any light will grow any particular plant.
Quick answer
- For a nano tank under about 3 to 7 gallons, the two AREPK bamboo-board lamps are the listings that state a gallon rating.
- For a planted tank 15 to 24 inches wide, the Fluval Plant 3.0 lists a programmable 24-hour light cycle.
- For a light you can place inside the tank, the iKefe submersible lights state an IP68 waterproof rating.
- For a longer tank, one listing in the pack is a 48 to 60 inch hood light, which does not fit a small tank and is left out below.
Why a plants package and a light go together
Buying plants without thinking about light is a common mistake. A package of plants may arrive healthy, but the seller of a plant bundle rarely tells you how much light the species need. The listings below describe their lights as full spectrum or suited to plant growth, and they give wattage, color temperature and size, which lets you compare them. They do not name specific plants. If you are choosing plants for a betta tank first, our posts on aquarium plants for a betta tank and aquarium plants that do well in sand are a good place to start, and our comparison of freshwater LED grow lights looks at more fixtures.
How to choose a light for a small planted tank
Match the mount to the tank
The first question is how the light attaches. The AREPK and HIRO lamps sit on a bamboo board next to or on the tank with a gooseneck arm. The iKefe lights are submersible and stick on with suction cups. The Fluval Plant 3.0 uses extendable mounting brackets that rest across the top of the tank. Check your tank rim and lid before you buy.
Check the size and the stated tank rating
Two of the listings state a tank size. The AREPK lamp is sold in a version for tanks under 7 gallons and another for under 3 gallons. The Fluval states 15 to 24 inches. Others, such as the iKefe lights, give a light length instead, 7.5 or 15 inches, and no tank rating. In those cases you decide if the light covers your tank.
Look at control and timing
The AREPK listings mention a timer with automatic on and off. The iKefe white and blue listings say a built-in programmable timer runs 6, 10 or 12 hours. The Fluval lists a programmable 24-hour cycle. The HIRO listing does not mention a timer in the text we reviewed, so a separate plug-in timer may be needed. A timer matters because a light that stays on too long tends to feed algae; our post on sunlight, heat and algae goes through that.
Power and heat
The AREPK lamps run from USB 5 volt power, according to their listings, and the 7 gallon model lists 9 watts and a 50 inch cord. The HIRO lamp lists 5 watts at 100 to 240 volts. The Fluval is 22 watts. The iKefe 7.5 inch lights list 3 watts and the 15 inch lists 7 watts. Wattage tells you roughly how much energy and heat each fixture adds; a small light on a small tank adds little.
Comparison at a glance
| Light | Stated tank size | Wattage | Mount | Timer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREPK 7 gallon (B09DZTM1FF) | Under 7 gallons | 9 W | Bamboo board, gooseneck | Auto on and off |
| AREPK 3 gallon (B0B4T6RM7K) | Under 3 gallons | 5 W | Bamboo board, gooseneck | Auto on and off |
| HIRO Aquatics bamboo lamp (B07VX7L5H6) | Nano tank, not stated in gallons | 5 W | Bamboo board, 360 degree swivel | Not stated |
| Fluval Plant 3.0 (B083QP62MP) | 15 to 24 inches | 22 W | Extendable brackets | 24-hour programmable cycle |
| iKefe 7.5 inch color changing (B08M922CLT) | Not stated | 3 W | Submersible, suction cups | Remote with memory |
| iKefe 7.5 inch white and blue (B08RYLBBN4) | Not stated | 3 W | Submersible, suction cups | 6, 10 or 12 hour timer |
| iKefe 15 inch white and blue (B08RYNKYHQ) | Not stated | 7 W | Submersible, suction cups | 6, 10 or 12 hour timer |
The roundup
AREPK Aquarium and Terrarium Light, Under 7 Gallons
This is the larger of the two AREPK bamboo-board lamps. The listing calls it a full spectrum LED at 6000K that imitates natural outdoor sunlight, with a flexible gooseneck that adjusts 360 degrees and a timer for automatic on and off. It is powered by USB through a 5 volt 1 amp adapter with a US two-pin plug, and the listing says the cord is 50 inches long, so it can plug into a laptop, desktop or power bank. The spec sheet gives 9 watts and dimensions of 13 by 13.3 by 21.5 inches.
The bamboo board is described as hard and temperature insulating, with each piece unique. The listing says the lamp suits aquariums, betta tanks, plant growth, bonsai, mosses and small tanks of various shapes, and the package holds the lamp, the board, a manual, the adapter and six clear adhesive bumper pads. For readers who want a plant light that is small, adjustable and timed, it is the listing that fits that description most directly.
AREPK Aquarium and Terrarium Light, Under 3 Gallons
The smaller sibling in the AREPK line. The same 6000K full spectrum LED, bamboo board, 360 degree gooseneck, USB power and timer features apply, and the package contents are the same. The spec sheet lists 5 watts, a push-button controller and dimensions of 9 by 8.6 by 15.7 inches, weighing 0.89 kg. The listing title says it is for tanks under 3 gallons.
Choose this one for a very small vessel, such as a desktop betta tank or a terrarium. The shorter body leaves more room around a small container. The listing does not state plant species or growth results.
HIRO Aquatics Full Spectrum LED Light with Bamboo Board
The listing describes a full spectrum LED designed to mimic natural outdoor sunlight, with a color temperature of 6000K and a CRI above 80. The bamboo board measures 8.5 by 9 inches and is described as water-proof and insulated, holding most small aquariums with a maximum light height of 18 inches. The lamp swivels 360 degrees and each bead has a lens to widen the light. It is rated 100 to 240 V with a US two-pin plug.
The spec sheet lists 5 watts, a weight of 2 pounds and dimensions of 13.5 by 13.5 by 13 inches. The manufacturer backs it with a one year warranty and free lifetime tech support, according to the listing. It names nano aquariums, betta tanks, potted plants, succulents and bonsai as uses. The listing does not say it has a timer, so plan on adding one.
Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Planted Aquarium Lighting, 22 Watts, 15-24 Inches
The most feature-rich light in this group, and the only one with a defined planted-tank name. The listing describes programmable, gradual 24-hour light cycle settings with sunrise, midday, sunset and night, six band waves for full spectrum results, optional pre-set habitat configurations including Lake Malawi, Tropical and Planted, and 120 degree light dispersion for uniform coverage. Extendable mounting brackets adapt it to a range of aquarium widths. It is rated for 15 to 24 inch tanks.
The spec sheet gives 22 watts, a weight of 0.55 kg and dimensions of 2.5 by 15 by 0.63 inches, a corded electric source and control through SmartThings, Alexa or Android. It is listed as not water resistant, so keep it above the water. It is the one to consider if the tank is bigger than a nano and you want a programmed cycle without a separate timer.
iKefe 7.5 Inch Color Changing LED Submersible Light
A small submersible bar that the listing says meets IP68 and can be used underwater in salt or fresh water, mounted on smooth surfaces such as the lid or the glass. It has 16 colors and 4 transition effects, a wireless and wired remote with memory, and brightness control. The listing calls it dimmable full spectrum RGB suitable for plants and fish and says the 5050 LED is 20 percent brighter than other fluorescent lights. It runs on 12 V low voltage.
The spec sheet gives 3 watts, 9 light sources, a 196 g weight and dimensions of 0.98 by 7.52 by 0.98 inches. The listing is more about color and decoration than plant growth, so for a plant-first tank the white and blue versions or the full spectrum lamps are a closer match. It is a flexible accent light for someone who wants to change colors.
iKefe 7.5 Inch White and Blue Submersible LED Light with Timer
This version has three lighting modes, blue, white, or both, a built-in timer set to 6, 10 or 12 hours, and adjustable brightness. The listing describes 7000 to 7500K white LEDs and 460 nm blue, which it says are sufficient for underwater plants. IP68 waterproof, suction cup mounting and a 12 V low voltage supply are stated, with a one-year free replacement promise for quality problems.
The spec sheet shows 18 light sources, 3 watts, a weight of 0.19 kg and dimensions of 9.06 by 3.15 by 1.77 inches. It is a reasonable pick when you need an auto-timed light for a very small tank and want the choice of blue for a night look.
iKefe 15 Inch White and Blue Submersible LED Light with Timer
The longer version of the same design, at 15 inches, with 42 light sources and 7 watts per the spec sheet. The feature list matches the 7.5 inch model: blue, white or both, a 6, 10 or 12 hour timer, adjustable brightness, IP68 and low voltage. It includes two suction cups and a power adapter. Dimensions are listed as 15 by 2 by 2 inches and weight 212 g.
Use this when a 7.5 inch bar would leave dark corners in a longer small tank. The listing does not state a tank-size rating, so match the 15 inch length against your tank yourself.
One listing we left out
The KZKR hood light in the pack is a foldable 48 to 60 inch fixture, two 22.5 inch lights that join with brackets, listed at about 34 watts and 5355 lumens, and not waterproof. It is meant for tanks 120 to 150 cm long, so it does not fit the small-tank focus of this roundup.
How to pick
- Measure your tank length and rim. Rule out lights that do not mount.
- Choose a timer: built-in, or buy one. Constant light is a common cause of algae.
- Choose a color effect: full spectrum for natural look, white and blue for a night mode, RGB for decoration.
- Match the plants to the light, using the plant seller’s advice, because the listings do not name plant species.
FAQ
Is an aquarium plants package included with these lights?
No. All seven listings are lights only. The plants are a separate purchase.
Which light has a timer?
The AREPK lamps and the iKefe white and blue lights list timers; the Fluval lists a programmable 24-hour cycle. The HIRO listing does not mention a timer.
Are the iKefe lights safe to put in the water?
The listings state IP68 waterproof and say they can be used underwater. Follow the instructions that come with the light.
Which light suits a betta tank?
The AREPK and HIRO listings name betta tanks. The listings do not say how a particular betta will respond to the light.
Can the Fluval go on a nano tank?
The listing states 15 to 24 inches. That is wider than a typical nano tank, so check the length of your tank first.
How long should the light stay on?
The listings offer 6, 10 or 12 hour timers. The right length depends on your plants and tank, so follow the guidance of the plant seller.
Bottom line
Pick the light by tank size first, mounting second, and timer third. For a nano tank, the AREPK lamps are the clearest fit; for a 15 to 24 inch planted tank, the Fluval; and for a light inside the tank, the iKefe bars.
