Chihiros B Series LED Lights: Affordable Lighting for Thriving Planted Aquariums
When it comes to building a successful planted aquarium, not just any light will do. Too little light and plants struggle. Too much light can quickly lead to algae issues.
If you're a beginner to planted tanks, you may not have your fertilization and CO2 schedules dialed in enough for high-end lighting. In fact, you're probably not running CO2 or complicated fertilization schedules at all! You need a light that meets you where you're at — capable of growing beautiful plants without demanding expert-level dosing routines or complex CO₂ setups.
That’s exactly where the Chihiros B Series LED Aquarium Light shines. It delivers reliable plant growth with modern app control, and at a price point that makes planted tanks more approachable than ever.
If you’ve been looking for your first serious planted tank light — or upgrading from a basic LED strip — the Chihiros B Series is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.
Why Lighting Matters in a Planted Aquarium
Plants rely on a particular light spectrum and intensity to photosynthesize the energy they need to grow and thrive. While any beginner light will illuminate your tank, many will lack the specific spectrums that allow plants to truly thrive. Lights that emit wavelengths in the Red, Green, & Blue (RGB) spectrums are built specifically to grow plants, not just light water.
Of course, you want your aquarium inhabitants to look their best as well. White LEDs are often added to RGB mixes to showcase the natural colors in your tank while still promoting strong photosynthesis and enhancing green and red plants and fish. The Chihiros B Series uses a carefully balanced combination of white and RGB LEDs to support both plant growth and tank aesthetics.
Built-In App Control
The included Commander 1 Bluetooth controller allows you to control your Chihiros LED via the My Chihiros app, where you can:
- Adjust brightness levels
- Create custom lighting schedules
- Simulate sunrise and sunset
- Group multiple fixtures together
Built-in app control keeps lighting consistent while you're away from home, busy with life, forgetful, or just sleeping in. It's one less item on your tank maintenance plate, giving you more brain space to enjoy the hobby and all it offers.
Is the Chihiros B Series Right For You?
While the Chihiros B Series can grow a wide range of aquarium plants, it doesn’t include all the advanced features found in premium aquarium lighting. For example, the Red, Green, and Blue LED intensities cannot be individually customized. Higher-end lights allow aquascapers to fine-tune spectrum, increase overall output, and push demanding plants to their fullest potential — often resulting in deeper red coloration, faster growth rates, and greater creative control over the look of the aquarium.
Advanced high-light aquascapes running aggressive CO₂ injection and heavy fertilization may benefit from higher-end lighting designed for maximum output and spectrum customization. These systems are ideal for experienced hobbyists intentionally building high-energy planted tanks.
For most aquarists, however, that level of complexity isn’t necessary. If your goal is a healthy, beautiful planted aquarium without managing an intensive dosing or CO₂ routine, the Chihiros B Series is likely the smarter and more forgiving choice.
Overall, this light is perfect for beginner aquascapers or low-maintenance planted aquarists looking to grow mostly low- to medium-light plants.
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Where It Fits in Your Lighting Upgrade Path
Think of planted tank lighting as a progression:
Basic LED → Chihiros B Series → Advanced RGB Aquascaping Lights
The B Series acts as the ideal middle step — offering true planted-tank performance while remaining approachable for hobbyists still refining their aquascaping skills.
Many hobbyists find it’s the first light where they truly see the difference between keeping plants alive and watching plants thrive.
Choosing the Right Size
The Chihiros B Series is available in multiple sizes designed to match common aquarium lengths, from nano aquariums to larger planted displays. Choose the light that matches your aquarium length.
| Model | B30 | B45 | B60 | B90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Length | 30-50 cm (11.81-19.69 in) | 45-65 cm (17.72-25.59 in) | 60-80 cm (23.62-31.50 in) | 90-110 cm (35.43-43.31 in) |
| Light Dimensions (L x W x H) |
276 x 56 x 12 mm (10.87 x 2.20 x 0.47 in) | 426 x 56 x 12 mm (16.77 x 2.20 x 0.47 in) | 576 x 56 x 12 mm (22.68 x 2.20 x 0.47 in) | 876 x 56 x 12 mm (34.49 x 2.20 x 0.47 in) |
| Max. Glass Thickness | 8 mm (0.31 in) | 8 mm (0.31 in) | 8 mm (0.31 in) | 12 mm (0.47 in) |
| LED Specs | 24 White, 6 RGB | 36 White, 9 RGB | 48 White, 12 RGB | 72 White, 18 RGB |
| Power Draw | 20.9W | 28.9W | 37.1W | 46.8W |
Chihiros B Series LED Light Fixture with Commander 1
- Slim, low-profile design
- Commander 1 App Control
- Reversible Mounting Legs for Height Flexibility
- Blend of high-output white LEDs with RGB diodes
Price: $61.99 - $120.99
Tips for Best Results
With any new light, it's best to start low and slow. Too much can cause an algae explosion or plant shock, so here's a few pointers to get the most out of your light:
- Start with 50% light intensity or lower. Slowly increase over several weeks, if necessary.
- Try a 6-8 hour photoperiod at first, then adjust accordingly.
- If you see an increase in algae, reduce your light photoperiod or intensity
- Maintain a consistent lighting schedule. The app will make this easy for you!
Final Thoughts
The Chihiros B Series LED Aquarium Light lowers the barrier to entry for planted aquariums by offering a proven plant-growing spectrum, smart app control, and excellent value for hobbyists. If you’re ready to move beyond basic aquarium lighting and start building a thriving planted ecosystem, the Chihiros B Series is one of the easiest and most rewarding upgrades you can make!
Abbey has been a proud member of the BRS team since 2020. With a background in teaching, she’s passionate about educating new aquarists and making the hobby approachable. Her true love is freshwater planted tanks—especially those filled with shrimp, nano fish, and lush, nature-inspired aquascapes. Abbey enjoys finding creative, practical solutions to common aquarium challenges and sharing tools, tips, and inspiration through her writing.
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