Chihiros lights – LED lighting for any aquarium

Proper lighting is not just about beauty, but the health of your entire aquarium. It affects the brightness of the fish's colors, the growth of plants, and even the overall well-being of the underwater inhabitants. Choosing the right light fixture from among the many options available can be difficult.

In this context, Chihiros lamps have earned an excellent reputation among aquarists. This brand offers reliable LED solutions that are suitable for both a simple herbarium and a complex Dutch aquarium with demanding plants.

What makes them so appealing? First and foremost, their thoughtful design. Good color rendering, different spectrums for growth and coloration, convenient controls. This is lighting that truly works for your underwater world, rather than simply illuminating it.

A Series

Chihiros A Series lamps are designed for installation on open aquariums. They use ultra-bright LEDs with reduced power consumption (0.25-0.36 W per chip), which allows for high light output with low power and reduced heat.

Among the advantages of such equipment are:

• High color rendering index HCRI=88%.
• PAR, similar to the radiation of T5 lamps, which have become the de facto standard for aquarium lighting equipment.
• Long service life (50,000 hours between failures).

The characteristic parameter (used in labeling) is the length of the luminaire (aquarium).

The color temperature is 8000K, which corresponds to the upper limit of the recommended range for aquatic plants.

The series includes the following models:

Model	Aquarium length for installation, cm	Power consumption, W	Luminous flux, Lm
A201	20	12	1800
A251	25	15	2350
A301, A311	30, 31	18	2800
A351, A361	35, 36	21	3450
A401	40	24	3850
A451	45	27	4350
A501	50	31	4800
A601	60	39	5800
A801	80	50	7200
A901	90	55	8200
A1201	120	65	9700

The lamp comes complete with mounting hardware and a power adapter. The set also includes a dimmer for adjusting the brightness with 7 manually selectable levels – 30%, 50%, and so on up to the maximum in 10% increments.

Experienced aquarists note some disadvantages of the device:

• The lamp is quite narrow, which leads to areas of insufficient lighting near the walls of the aquarium when using a single device. Increasing the height of the installation will help to solve this problem, but this requires the purchase of an additional set of extendable mounts.
• The low reliability of acrylic fittings (there have been cases where the device simply falls into the water).
• Cannot be installed under the cover. Firstly, the back side heats up to a temperature of over 50 degrees. Secondly, the IP43 rating does not guarantee the required level of protection against moisture penetration, resulting in corrosion of the elements (especially the connections).
• The spectrum is shifted to the blue side, as a result of which red plants look rather dull.

A plus series

The A plus series is a fairly successful modification of the A series devices.

The lamps have the following features:

• 2 additional rows of LEDs;

• Height-adjustable mounting hardware.

This eliminates the main problem of the A series – insufficient lighting at the walls of the aquarium. At the same time, the light output has increased.

Series models:

Model	Aquarium length for installation, cm	Power consumption, W	Luminous flux, Lm
A301 plus	30	30	4600
A401 plus	40	40	6400
A451 plus	45	45	7200
A501 plus	50	55	7950
A601 plus	60	65	9600
A801	80	85	12500
A901	90	95	14200
A1201	120	130	19200

Otherwise, the characteristics of both LEDs and luminaires are generally similar to those of the A series devices. The degree of heating of the rear surface of the device and the design (IP43) have not changed, which does not allow installation under a cover.

Series C

Chihiros C series lamps are a series of lighting fixtures for nano aquariums. They use the same ultra-bright LED modules as the A series.

Differences between C series devices:

• stylish slim (up to 5 mm thick) housing with IP 67 protection rating.
• Wall mounting with a clip (C series) or installation on an elegant stand (C II series).

• Fewer LED modules and, accordingly, low power consumption with sufficient light output for a nano aquarium.

The series includes:

Model	Aquarium size for installation, cm	Power consumption, W	Luminous flux, Lm
C201	20	7	750
C251	25	10	1150
C301	30	14	1500
C361	35-36	18	1850

The modified C series, which has been given the manufacturer code CII, includes the following lamps:

• CII (white). It is designed for a 20 cm aquarium and is equipped with high-brightness white LEDs with minimum power consumption (0.26 W each). The device provides a luminous flux of 1500 Lm with a total power consumption of 16 W.
• CII RGB. It is also designed for a 20 cm aquarium, but is equipped with 3-in-1 RGB LEDs. With a power consumption of 20W, it provides a luminous flux of 1580 Lm.

Both models feature a built-in USB controller for lighting control. The Chihiros Magic mobile app is used to connect to it and set modes. The device also differs from the original C series in its IP 43 protection rating.

E series

The Chihiros E series copies the design of the well-known ADA Aquasky series of lights – the light panel is mounted on an acrylic or steel stand, which in turn is installed on the tank.

The series uses LED modules from a Japanese manufacturer with a spot source power of 0.5W and increased light output. As a result, all other things being equal, the devices provide almost twice the luminous flux of similar lighting fixtures in the A series. The increase in power required improved heat dissipation, so the back of the light panel is made of aluminum alloy. The modules are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) rather than on a tape, as in the A series.

Another difference is the lower color temperature, around 7000K, and the spectrum peak at Deep Blue with a wavelength of 450-470 nm.

At the same time, the plate temperature is the same 45-50^oC, and the design complies with IP43 requirements. Thus, it is also impossible to install the luminaire under the cover.

The series includes:

Model	Aquarium length for installation, cm	Power consumption, W	Luminous flux, Lm
E201, E251	20, 25	13.5	1250-1350
E301, E311, E351, E361, E401	30, 3. 35, 36, 40	18	1700-1800
E451, E501	45, 50	27	2500-2700
E452, E502 (with double light panel)	45, 50	54	5200-5400
E601	60	36	3500-3600
E602 (with double light panel)	60	72	7000-7200

The letter S in the model number (e.g., E201S) indicates that the base is made of stainless steel, while H (e.g., E601H) indicates that the acrylic base has an increased height of 195 mm.

S series

Chihiros S series LED lamps are devices that can replace standard T5/T8 fluorescent lamps, while providing better lighting parameters in the aquarium. The S series devices are manufactured using modules similar to those used in the A series, with a power of 0.31-0.36W per unit.

The devices are designed for installation both outside the aquarium and under its cover. Protection against moisture is provided by an IPX4-rated housing.

The lights come complete with adapters for installation in place of T5/T8 lamps.

The manufacturer's new LED series includes the following models:

Model	Aquarium size for installation, (without adapter/with adapter) cm/mm	Power consumption, W	Luminous flux, Lm
S366	38-58/438	24	3850
S518	53-72/590	33	4800
S823	84-100/895	50	7200
S975	99-120/1047	55	8200
S1128	114-130/1200	65	9200

The LEDs have a color temperature of around 8000K.

X Series

Chihiros X series – a series of LED lamps with increased light intensity. Designed specifically for lighting aquariums with a high water column or creating the necessary level of illumination for bottom vegetation (ground cover).

To achieve this result while maintaining the dimensions of the device, the company uses COB (Chip-on-board) LEDs. This allows for an increased concentration of point sources per unit area, creating a powerful light output.

Electrolytic, very interesting in terms of application, but has a serious problem with hydrogen release.

Reducer design; Chemical

Exotic options

Most exotic methods have not yet found industrial application, but work quite successfully in various homemade devices.	Passive	Frequently asked questions	Dissolution occurs naturally when gas comes into contact with water.
There are many ways to obtain carbon dioxide:	60	50	4200
Professional-grade systems and accessories. 1-Diffuser. 2-Bell, 3-Ladder	60-90	100	8000
The reactor must ensure effective dissolution of gas in aquarium water. In practice, two types are used. If necessary, the system can be supplemented with control devices (timer, gas concentration controller), atomizer (external reactor to improve CO	60	65	4500
Reactors	60-90	90	3800

Bubble counter with a check valve.

The most complex option requires a fitting assembly with a pressure reducer and pressure gauges to monitor the pressure in the cylinder and the main line. However, in terms of adjustment and control, it surpasses any other method—an electromagnetic and controlled needle valve easily solves all problems.

Sparkling water, etc.

Diffuser option; Chemical compounds that release gas when in contact with water are available in the form of tablets for aquariums.

Use of “dry ice” (problem with dosing and placement of the gas source in the aquarium).

There is no separate channel control. The brightness changes for all LEDs, and a 7-position dimmer is included.

The device is installed on acrylic mounts on the walls of the aquarium (glass thickness from 6 to 12 mm) using steel legs, which allow you to adjust the installation height.

The body is made of anodized aluminum alloy, and the surface is corrugated, which increases heat transfer. Despite this, in maximum mode, heating up to 40-50+ is observed.^oC, as a result of which the plastic substrate often deforms.

The series includes the following lamps:

Model	Aquarium size for installation, cm	Power consumption, W	Luminous flux, Lm
RGB 30	30-45	25	1200
RGB 45	45-60	37	1850
RGB 60	60-80	50	2450
RGB 90	90-110	68	3300
RGB 120	120-150	81	4400

The lamp is designed for external installation and cannot be mounted under the cover.

RGB A plus series

The RGB A plus series differs from Chihiros RGB in that it does not have white LEDs and allows separate control of each color channel.

The Chihiros Commander 4 controller + Chihiros Magic app (connection between the controller and mobile device via Bluetooth) is used for control. The updated version of the lamps uses a built-in Bluetooth controller, and the power and light output have changed slightly.

Series models:

Model	Aquarium size for installation, cm	Power consumption, W (original/updated version)	Luminous flux, Lm (original/updated version)
RGB A301 plus	30-45	23/23	970/1200
RGB A451 plus	45-60	29/35	1250/1800
RGB A601 plus	60-80	40/45	2030/2400
RGB A901 plus	90-110	73/69	2500/3600
RGB A1201 plus	120-150	95/90	3150/4800

There are practically no differences in design and installation methods.

Chihiros lamps are reliable and effective LED lighting designed specifically for aquariums of any type. They are suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists: whether it is a simple freshwater tank or a complex marine aquarium with corals. Thanks to high-quality LEDs, the lights provide the right spectrum of light to stimulate plant growth and natural fish coloration. The devices are economical, durable, easy to install, and quiet. Chihiros offers solutions for any size aquarium, from small to large, making the right lighting affordable for everyone.

WRGB/WRGB II series

WRGB series lamps are a hybrid of RGB and RGB A plus series devices. From the former, they got 4-color LEDs (white and RGB, separate in the original and 3-in-1 in the WRGB II series), and from the latter, the ability to control channels separately.

Another important difference is the high level of light output, which allows the series to be used for lighting aquariums and aquascapes that require high levels of illumination.

The series is available in two versions: the original and the updated version, designated by the manufacturer as the WRGB II Series. The first version uses an external 4-channel Chihiros Commander 4 controller (supplied and sold separately) for separate control. The WRGB II version has a built-in Bluetooth controller. Channels are controlled using the Chihiros Magic mobile app.

Series composition:

Model	Aquarium size for installation, cm	Power consumption, W (WRGB/WRGB II)	Luminous flux, Lm (WRGB/WRGB II)
WRGB 30/ WRGBII 30	30-45	39/33	1800/2300
WRGB 45/ WRGBII 45	45-60	46/49	2600/3600
WRGB 60/ WRGBII 60	60-80	65/67	3500/4500
WRGB 90/ WRGBII 90	90-110	114/100	5200/6200
WRGB120/ WRGBII 120	120-150	135/130	6800/7700

The peaks of the colored LEDs are at 460 (blue), 530 (green), and 630 (red) nm.

RGB VIVID series

The series includes the RGB VVID 600 I and RGB VVID 600 II pendant lights, designed for 60-90 cm aquariums. The LEDs have a power of 130 W and a luminous flux of 5500 Lm.

3-In-1 RGB LED modules with separate control channels are used. The controller is built-in, and the Chihiros Magic mobile app is used for control.

Frequently asked questions about selection

There is often advice on the internet to measure illuminance with a lux meter to check the residual level for plants. Is this correct?

Not exactly. Lux meters are monochromatic devices designed for human perception (maximum absorption in the middle of the spectrum). That is why they measure illumination in the green range, which is far from the overall picture. Therefore, if you want to accurately determine the illumination, you should use a spectrophotometer.

What illuminance in W/l should be chosen for LED luminaires?

The illumination in W/l that many are accustomed to does not apply to LED sources. Compared to fluorescent lamps, they have a higher efficiency of converting electrical energy into light and a different directional diagram. Therefore, instead of the average power (W/l) used for T5/T8, it is better to use the average luminous flux Lm/l. Thus, low illuminance of 0.25 W/l corresponds to a luminous flux of 15-25 lm/l, average illuminance of 0.5 W/l corresponds to 25-50 lm/l, and high illuminance of 1 W/l corresponds to 50+ lm/l.

How does power (luminous flux) depend on the depth of the aquarium?

When choosing, keep in mind that a 10 cm water column reduces the light flux by almost half. Thus, for an aquarium with a water column height of 50 cm, the bottom will receive about 3% of the light flux at the surface, and for 80 cm, less than 0.5%. The power or light flux values recommended in various sources are given for standard Amano aquariums with a water column of less than 60 cm.

What is the best light source in terms of color temperature?

The choice of color temperature of the light source largely determines how the aquarium will look. For example, at temperatures below 5000K, the grass will “yellow” – the plants will take on a yellowish tint and look unhealthy, and at temperatures above 8000K, red leaves will look pale. For aquariums with aquatic plants, the recommended color temperature range is 6500-8000K.

LEDs used in everyday life emit different light spectra. Which one is necessary for an aquarium?

The best option is a spectrum that is as close as possible to sunlight. It is often recommended to use lamps with peaks in the areas of maximum photosynthesis – 400-450 nm and 600-650 nm (blue and red). However, modern research shows that all parts of the spectrum are involved in photosynthesis, although their absorption is not the same – blue and red waves are absorbed by almost 95% (5% reflection), and the green part is absorbed by 85% (reflection 15%), which in general determines the predominantly green color of plants. At the same time, the lack of any of the radiation does not add to the health of plants. Good growth and rapid development depend more on sufficient lighting than on the spectral composition of light. But at the same time, the spectrum affects the appearance of the aquarium—with a predominance of blue and red, it will not look its best in purple tones. A uniform spectrum across the entire range is a very good option. If possible, peaks in the red and blue parts should be allowed, but within 10-15% of the average values.

Controllers (applications) allow you to set sunrise and sunset modes. Do they affect plant growth and development?

According to Amano, plants undoubtedly need conditions that are close to their natural habitat. That is why he recommends using the following mode: dawn and moderate light – 6 hours, maximum light (midday) – 3 hours, moderate light and sunset – 3 hours.

As you can see, Chihiros lights offer aquarists a wide range of options. They are suitable for both beginners who simply want to beautifully illuminate their first aquarium and experienced enthusiasts who are experimenting with demanding plants or marine life.

Their main advantage is their balance. They combine modern brightness and spectrum, neat design, and a reasonable price tag. These are reliable workhorses that simply do their job well.

If you are looking for high-quality lighting that will serve you for a long time and please the eye, Chihiros is one of the most obvious choices on the market. You can start with the basic model, and later, if you get more involved, there is always room to grow within the same brand.