Twinstar Aquarium Light - S (SM) Series

Twinstar LED S Series Light - Glass Aqua

$144.99 USD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center

Ideal for the seasoned aquarist, the original S series LED produces ideal wavelength ranges of 400nm to 700nm, ensuring aquarium plants thrive and produce optimal growth. Twinstar's quality bulbs lend support to producing intensified vivid colors in planted tanks. When compared to Twinstar’s staple E series with acrylic legs, the S series has been redesigned with sleek metallic legs and higher light output. No matter your preference, Twinstar lights are loved and trusted LED lights for planted tanks that are sure to illuminate your tank.

S (SM) Series Highlights
- Color Temperature: 6700K
- Features sleek metal legs, non-adjustable.
- This line was originally named S and was updated to SM. Packaging may show S or SM.

Twinstar LED S Series Aquarium Light Fixture

Model Specifications


Model	Dimensions (IN) W x D x H	Lumens	Power (WATTS)	Tank Recommendations
300SM	11.8 x 3.74 x 3.27	1200	23	UNS 30C
450SM	17.72 x 3.74 x 3.27	1750	31	UNS 45U UNS 45E
600SM	23.50 x 4.92 x 3.98	3250	52	UNS 60U UNS 60E
900SM	35.40 x 4.92 x 3.98	5250	84	UNS 90B UNS 90P UNS 90U

Twinstar is best-known for redefining aquarium lighting in the planted tank hobby. As one of the first to create a WRGB model, Twinstar aquarium lights deliver beautiful color and a spectrum designed specifically for aquatic plant health and growth. Their products blends technology with artistry to support vivid, healthy aquascapes.

With an emphasis on research, performance, and minimal design, Twinstar aquarium products are trusted by aquascaping professionals and hobbyists worldwide. Their lights are known for reliability, minimalist silhouettes, and rich color rendering that brings planted aquariums to life. Browse the collection of top selling aquarium lights to illuminate your next aquascaping project today.

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Shedding Some Light on Planted Aquarium Lighting

No matter what type of aquarium you have—whether it's a planted tank, fish-only setup, or even a saltwater reef—every aquarist will eventually need a lighting fixture to illuminate the aquarium. In planted tanks, lighting plays a dual role: Aquascapers need it to monitor health and enjoy the view while aquarium plants require it to grow through photosynthesis.

All aquatic plants require light to grow. The duration and intensity of that light will vary depending on each individual species’ needs. In planted aquariums, “easy” plants are typically categorized this way because of their low lighting demands. Aquarium plants considered “high light” are often associated with more advanced setups, as stronger lighting is usually paired with higher nutrient levels and specific water parameters.

However, there’s plenty to consider! Aquatic plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, Echinodorus, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and various aquarium mosses can grow in low light conditions, but they can also thrive under high light. On the other hand, popular aquatic stem plants like Rotala, Ludwigia, and Alternanthera have higher lighting requirements and typically won’t grow well in low light environments.

ONF Flat One Light on ADA 120P Planted Aquarium Tank

Two versions of the same 24" ONF Flat One Pendant Lights over a 120P aquarium

Beginner betta fish nano planted aquarium tank

A low light simple 2 gallon cube aquarium with a nano light

Iwagumi planted nature aquarium tank with stem plants

A 9 gallon aquarium with two light fixtures to grow much more demanding Rotala H'Ra

Aquarium LED Lighting Overview


Lighting	Nutrients	CO2
LOW	LOW Provided solely by nutrient-rich aquasoil or root tabs	Not required Plants may rely on natural CO2 produced by livestock or via a simple CO2 kit
MODERATE	MODERATE Use about half of the recommended liquid fertilizer dose. Aquarium plant soil is highly recommended.	Recommended CO2 should be used, but can be introduced slowly and adjusted based on plant growth. Use a drop checker to monitor levels.
HIGH	HIGH Full liquid plant fertilizer dosage is needed. Aquarium plant soil is required.	Required Providing it from the start and dialing in proper levels will help prevent algae from appearing.

Aquarium lighting that is too intense or kept running for too long can result in algae problems! The light fixture you choose has to match the plants you’re growing. Here’s an easy guide to help shed some light on lighting in a planted aquarium:

All aquatic plants require light to grow. The duration and intensity of that light will vary depending on each individual species’ needs. In planted aquariums, “easy” plants are typically categorized this way because of their low lighting demands. Aquarium plants considered “high light” are often associated with more advanced setups, as stronger lighting is usually paired with higher nutrient levels and specific water parameters.

Glass Aqua Planted Aquarium Tank CO2 Injection Guide

Aquascaper’s Tip: Almost all Glass Aqua planted tanks are high light demanding setups. However, we start off with moderate levels and slowly build the intensity as the plants grow week to week.

So many lights, so many model numbers—how do I even choose?

We were super confused when we first started the hobby too. BUT! It’s actually really simple: think of it as a numbers-matching game. Brands like Chihiros and Twinstar use model numbers like Twinstar 600E or Chihiros WRGB II PRO 60. All you need to do is match that number with your rimless aquarium’s model—or one that’s close to it. (Most lights come with adjustable legs now, so there’s some flexibility!) For example, both of the lights above pair perfectly with the Ultum Nature Systems 60U, a standard 60CM rimless tank. The same logic applies to larger tanks. A UNS 120U, which is double the width, would need two Twinstar 600E’s or two WRGB II PRO 60s.

The "60" in the light model refers to the aquarium’s width in centimeters—and 60cm is roughly 24”. So, a 60U would also be compatible with a 24” ONF Flat One LED light. Using that same logic, a 120U rimless aquarium (120cm wide) would need two 24” ONF Flat One lights. (120cm ≈ 48 inches!) Some brands also offer dedicated 120 light models—so in that case, you'd only need one fixture. But we thought this example would make it easier to understand. Easy numbers, easy math, easy lighting choices now, right?

Beginner shrimp nano planted aquarium tank

Twinstar 200C on an Ultum Nature Systems 20C cube aquarium

Twinstar planted aquarium tank dutch style

Twinstar 450E on an Ultum Nature Systems 45T tall aquarium

Two 24" (60CM) ONF Flat One Pendant Lights on an ADA 120P standard aquarium

Depending on the brand, this will vary. Twinstar primarily uses letter-based model names (A, B, C, E, EA, S). In general, the earlier the letter is in the alphabet, the lower intensity max brightness of the light will be. For example, the Twinstar A series is recommended for low light plants while the S series is designed for maximum brightness output.

Chihiros utilizes a similar lettering system - with the exception of the RGB Vivid or WRGB lines. RGB Vivid lights offer max lighting for planted aquariums and is their flagship model, whereas WRGB models are less intense but with the same premium build quality.

Some lights such as the Ultum Nature Systems Titan 1 are pendant style which means the light will require some form of suspension via an aquarium light hanging kit. We love hanging kits as they lift the light up and out of the way for a better viewing and maintenance experience.

Ultum Nature Systems UNS 60S Shallow planted rimless aquarium tank iwagumi with lava rock

The same UNS 60S Shallow Rimless Aquarium with a Twinstar 600EA and later upgraded to a UNS Titan 1 pendant light to make maintenance easier and viewing the tank better

Now that you have lighting down, be sure to check out the nano aquarium light options as well because these brands also produce cuter and smaller versions of their main lights to suit desktop and nano aquariums too!

Ultum Nature Systems UNS 5T tall nano planted rimless aquarium tank iwagumi with Hakkai Stone

Bluetooth controllable ONF Flat Nano+ over a UNS 5T 6.9 gallon aquarium

Ultum Nature Systems UNS 16C cube nano planted rimless aquarium tank terrarium style

ONF Mist-O Plant Light with magnetic mount over a UNS 16C 1 gallon aquarium

Ultum Nature Systems UNS 5N nano planted rimless aquarium tank nature aquarium style

Twinstar 360E over a UNS 5N (36CM width) 4.6 gallon nano aquarium

Shop Aquarium Lighting

Overall rating: 4.7473683 / 5 from 95 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Twinstar Aquarium Light - SM Series is highly regarded for its exceptional color and brightness, sleek design, and effective plant growth support. Customers appreciate its quality, lighting performance, and the vibrant appearance it brings to aquarium plants. Shipping is reported to be fast and on time.

Summary topics

Color Brightness: 17%
Product Design: 6%
Shipping Speed: 6%
Plant Growth: 8%
Product Quality: 11%

Review topics: ["color","fit","light","service","quality","customer service","shipping","solution","looks","packaging","design","plants","growth","function","controls","appearance","stand","features","difference","app","output"].

Review highlights

"Great quality light, plants growing great, packaging was done well." — Jacob L.
"Love the quality of the light, it’s been working reliably and plants are growing better than ever." — Elise W.
"Great light good color good controls." — Ali D.

Reviews

Twinstar Light

"Amazing packaging. Outstanding customer service. All my questions were answered in timely manner. Order 1200s v twinstar from Canada, arrived in great condition. No one had this light neither in canada or states. Reasonable shipping fees. I would definitely visit this store when i am in the states. Everyone should check this store out if they are looking to advance in the hobby they seem to have all the necessary tools and guidance to help hobbyists like me"

— Nisarg J. (5/5)

Great for plants. . . and me!

"After watching my plants struggle along with three cheap LED lights, I decided to splurge a bit on a Twinstar. Wow! Within a couple of days, my plants grew noticeably and seemed healthier. Also, being able to custom-control the light (intensity, color spectrum, on/off times) from my phone via Bluetooth is both convenient and enjoyable."

— John M. (5/5)

"Came in perfect condition and is functioning as far pretty great!"

— Marco (5/5)

Plants and controsoil

"They had great products and fast shipping service!"

— Tien T. (5/5)

Great light

"Definitely a step up in lighting App could be better"

— Ryan B. (5/5)

Great Lighting!!!

"Great lighting! I ran into a small issue at first, but the awesome team at Glass Aqua helped me promptly. Now I’m enjoying watching my fish in vivid colors and my plants blooming beautifully under this light."

— Pedro E. (5/5)

"Very good colors and brightness"

— Isaiah (5/5)

Budget-friendly Light

"Budget-friendly light that shines bright. Easy to assemble. Nice output and range of colors. Dimmer function is great. Timer function doesn’t work that well, 6hr setting seems to be like 7-8hrs, but I’ll be using with smart outlet so that’s fine. Perfect for my epiphytic low-tech nano tank."

— Donny X. (5/5)

"The lite itself is good and bright. but the timer sucks doesnt keep proper time had to put it on a timer. That and no app to control lite at this price. Seems like your just paying for the name more than anything. Could just be the lite i got but i wouldnt buy another one. My plants seem to be happy not me so much ."

— Katie (4/5)

Great light, very slim

"Makes the fish colours pop, plants look great, really brings out the reds, I like the simplicity of the timer/dimmer buttons (as opposed to App controls), and appreciate how many dimming options are available, runs silent, nice spread in the tank, doesn’t seem to get crazy hot, sturdy legs hold nicely (mine came with the extendable bars, fits well on the 90LA (dual all-in-one) ultum nature systems rimless tank."

— Kyla M. (5/5)

Q&A

Can the 600s be hang with cables?: Hello, Thanks for your interest. You would want the 600SP version for hanging. Regardless if the light comes with legs or a suspension wire kit, all the S models have the same specifications in terms of light output and build. Hope this helps!

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.