Best Lighting For Glofish To Maximize Fluorescent Glow (2024 Reviews)

No matter how many years you’ve been into fishkeeping, Glofish must have caught your eyes at some point. These enchanting, vibrant creatures can transform the most boring tank into an eye-wonder, and with the right lighting, they can make your tank even more brilliant.

Choosing the best lighting for Glofish isn’t the easiest task, but it can make a whole world of difference in the view of your tank. So bear with me while we explore your available choices.

TLDR – Top Pick For Glofish Lighting

If you soely want to make your glofish pop, the Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light is your best choice.

However, if you’d want a planted tank, the Beamswork will give your glofish plenty of jazz and also help with plant growth.

Preview Product
Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light for Interactive Aquariums Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light for Interactive Aquariums
BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater (50cm - 20') BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater (50cm - 20")

Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do I Need Special Lighting to View My Glofish?

If you’re wondering why you need special lighting for your Glofish tank, first, you should know that Glofish aren’t a fish species that glow on their own neither are they natural species in the first place. In fact, they’re genetically-modified creatures.

Back in 1999, a group of scientists in Singapore experimented on a gene called the “bioluminescence gene.” They extracted it from jellyfish and introduced it to the body of a zebra danio embryo.

The result was a genetically-modified species that has fluorescent proteins in its body. Later they applied the same method to different species, and that’s how the different Glofish types came to live.

Now, these proteins can’t be expressed unless they’re exposed to light in the blue to UV range. That’s why although your Glofish appear colorful and bright in white light, they don’t actually sparkle unless they’re illuminated with UV light. In other words, Glofish absorbs UV light and re-emit it, tricking the eyes that they glow. 

Best Aquarium Lighting for Glofish Reviewed

After getting an idea about why you need special lighting for your Glofish tank, it’s time to discover the best lighting units out there. Here are my favorite picks.

1. Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light

If you have experience with Glofish lights, you probably know how hard it is to find an aquarium light that plays with more than one color. 

In this aspect, the glorious Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light never disappoints. Coming with white, black, and blue LEDs, this light stick boasts 4 light modes to create different atmospheres to match your mood and surroundings.

The sunlight mode shows a mix of white and blue lights that help your Glofish glow while creating a more vibrant view, typically what you’d like to see first thing in the morning. The moonlight mode uses only blue light, producing dazzling light effects with the colorful fish

However, what stands out are the midnight and twilight modes, which can hardly be found on any other Glofish light. The two modes, which play with blue and black lights, show nifty color-changing effects with different degrees. 

Apart from the dazzling light modes, the model comes in multiple sizes to fit different tanks. Whether you have a 5-gallon, 20-gallon, or 75-gallon tank, you’ll find a model that fits in your Glofish tank’s space.

And if you’re worried about the installation, it really is the easiest light to install. Just slip it onto the edge and work the clips, then you’re good to go.

Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light for Interactive Aquariums
Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light for Interactive Aquariums

    Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    2. GloFish Universal Aquarium Light

    Contrary to my previous choice, the GloFish Universal Aquarium Light boasts blue lights only, yet the abundance of blue LEDs helps enrich the vibrant colors of your Glofish. Honestly, The way it highlights all the color changes that happen in the tank will never fail to draw a smile on your face, especially in low light conditions. 

    The model is only suitable for tanks up to 30 inches long and up to 15 gallons. Keep in mind that it’s not waterproof, so you can’t submerge it into the tank. Moreover, since it doesn’t have brackets, it’s meant to rest on top of a glass or clear plastic lid, so you’ll need to purchase a glass top for your tank if you don’t have one.

    GloFish Universal Aquarium Light with Blue LEDs for 30-Inch Tanks
    GloFish Universal Aquarium Light with Blue LEDs for 30-Inch Tanks

      Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

      3. BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light

      This is a special pick on my list for fish keepers who like to grow some aquatic plants along with Glofish in their home tanks. The BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light is a full-spectrum light that’s great for plants. Yet, it sports a powerful blue light mode that works wonders on a colorful Glofish tank.

      This high-quality light source creates more visible light with less energy. The bulbs are long-lasting, meaning that you won’t worry about replacing them any time soon. It features two modes, the first of which is suitable to use in daylight while the second creates a dreamy atmosphere at night. 

      Coming in several different sizes, there are models suitable for tanks as short as 20 inches and up to 72 inches. This is an especially important point since the light’s feet aren’t extendable; you must get the exact measurement of your tank and choose a model accordingly.

      Last but not least, it comes with its own power supply, and although an optional timer and dimmers are available, you’ll have to purchase them separately.

      BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater (50cm - 20')
      BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater (50cm - 20")

        Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

        4. MingDak LED Aquarium Light

        If a light that’s energy-efficient, easy-to-use, and doesn’t break the bank is what’s on your mind, the MingDak LED Aquarium Light is about to make your day.

        This little buddy is only suitable for small tanks – not more than 17 inches long – and it emits blue lights only. It doesn’t provide the brightest background due to the lack of white light, yet it makes the colors of Glofish pop and create a lovely ambiance, especially during night-time.

        Unlike the GloFish Universal Aquarium Light, this one is a fully submersible light, meaning you can just drop it inside the tank and let it work its magic. However, with many mounting options included, it actually can work inside or outside the aquarium. 

        The suction cups can hold the light anywhere inside your aquarium without being too visible, and the adjustable mounting legs make installing the light in any tank a breeze, no matter the size.

        MingDak LED Aquarium Light for Fish Tanks,42 LEDs,14.5-inch,Blue…
        MingDak LED Aquarium Light for Fish Tanks,42 LEDs,14.5-inch,Blue…

          Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

          5. Nicrew ClassicLED Gen 2 Aquarium Light

          Another great option for a lightly planted aquarium or a reef tank filled with Glofish is the Nicrew ClassicLED Gen 2 Aquarium Light. This light fixture is one of the closest to my heart and the one I’d recommend for novice aquarium hobbyists and fish keepers, thanks to its affordability and high efficiency.

          The model features white and blue LEDs that can work together or separately depending on the time of the day and the mood you want to set. The inline LED controller allows you to adjust the fixture to cast a deep blue light on your Glofish to make them sparkle at night time or merge the white and blue light for a more dazzling view at day. 

          The bulbs are built to last, and they actually produce high power per dollar. Besides being able to convert your tank into a bright and vibrant home for your Glofish, this light does a great job of growing low-light plants. 

          As for the construction, it’s sturdy enough yet not waterproof. You can put it over a glass cover over your tank, which is what I’d recommend for extra safety. However, it comes with extendable brackets for a custom fit so that you can use them if you’re not a big fan of covering your aquarium.

          Sale
          NICREW ClassicLED Gen 2 Aquarium Light, 15 Watts, Dimmable LED Fish Tank Light with 2-Channel Control, White and Blue LEDs, Size 18 to 24 Inch
          NICREW ClassicLED Gen 2 Aquarium Light, 15 Watts, Dimmable LED Fish Tank Light with 2-Channel Control, White and Blue LEDs, Size 18 to 24 Inch

            Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

            6. GloFish Universal LED Light

            If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality and well-designed LED unit, then GloFish Universal LED Light might be the option you’re looking for. 

            The mode is good for 5-10 gallon tanks and includes blue lights only. It won’t be your best choice if you’re looking for a fixture that produces lights with different color spectrums, but if blue light is what’s on your mind, nothing compares to this one. 

            The 24 blue LEDs are capable of bringing the brilliant colors of your Glofish and producing a beautiful moonlight effect for night-time simulation. 

            Like most of the products on my list, it’s not designed to stay inside the tank. However, with the help of the adjustable clips, it clamps onto the side of the tank, enabling a safe and secure fit.

            It’s super easy to install whether you have a framed or frameless tank. And even if you face any problem mounting it, the setup instructions that come included will make the whole process a piece of cake.

            GloFish Universal LED Light, for Aquariums Up to 15 Gallons, with Color-Enhancing Blue LEDs, 9' x 7' x 3'
            GloFish Universal LED Light, for Aquariums Up to 15 Gallons, with Color-Enhancing Blue LEDs, 9" x 7" x 3"

              Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

              Picking Your Glofish Lighting

              All in all, I’m sure any of the aquarium lights mentioned above will be enough to add a brilliant pop of color to your Glofish tank. If you have a fish only tank, I’d recommend going with the Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light. It has a lot of cool features and color choices. 

              But, if you want to run a planted tank, I highly recommend the Beamswork light. I have several of these and get spectacular plant growth using these lights. Just measure carefully, so you get the exact right size. The feet can be slid around a little bit, but not much.

              And finally, happy fishkeeping!

              Preview Product
              Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light for Interactive Aquariums Glofish Four Mode Cycle Light for Interactive Aquariums
              BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater (50cm - 20') BeamsWork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater (50cm - 20")

              Last update on 2024-03-26 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

              Christopher Adams
              Christopher Adams

              Hey there, my name is Christopher, and I've successfully ran freshwater aquariums for the past few decades. The mission of this site is to make it simple for anyone to run their own freshwater aquarium.

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