Aquarium Light Calculator
Recommended lighting for tank size and plant type.
How to Use the Aquarium Light Calculator
Enter tank size in gallons and select the light requirement of your plants (low, medium, or high). Results show recommended total wattage and target PAR range.
Common Uses
- Choosing the right LED or fluorescent fixture
- Preventing algae from excess light
- Setting a photoperiod (on/off) schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does my aquarium need?
It depends on whether you keep live plants and what type. Low-light plants (java fern, anubias) need ~1.5W/gal, while high-light carpet plants need 5W+.
What is PAR?
PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measures light useful for plant photosynthesis. Low-light plants thrive at 20–50 PAR; high-light plants need 150+ PAR.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free.