Aquarium lights, should I buy ...

[madmark285]

The NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED Aquarium Light

or the hygger Auto On Off LED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light

 

I have the smaller version of the hygger, I find it is a pain to program. I just want to turn the light on or off and not mess with all these options. The NICREW will automatically ramp the light up/down for you which works for me.

I hope to grow some plants in this tank (40 gallon breeder).

Opinions?

[JettsPapa]

Either would probably be fine, but I like to use the inexpensive lights (like Aquaneat), and add a separate timer (the kind you'd use to turn lamps on and off when on vacation).  You can get two of the timers for less than $10.00, and a 36" light for around $30.00. 

[AllFishNoBrakes]

10 of 14 of my tanks run Aquaneat lights with a Kasa timer. Works great for me. 

[madmark285]

Thanks! 

So close but I need water resistant, lights will sit very close to the water. I am making my own lid.

[madyy322]

Hi,can somebody reccomend me lights for aquarium?I'm planning buying one for my daughter,but i don't really know anything on the matter.Ty 🙂

[mynameisnobody]

Personally, I’m slowly replacing all my lights with the aquarium coop lights. As water resistant as you can get, warranty you can’t beat, and is covered by my homeowners insurance if anything goes very wrong. They are a bit more expensive, but like anything else, you get what you pay for. 

[madmark285]

This is the problem with lights...

The new lights I listed above are waterproof but a pain to program. If you unplug them, you have to reprogram or at least, set the correct time.

The Aquaneat light just has a switch to turn it on but it is not waterproof. 

I would recommend a non-programmable light which is waterproof. If I find one, I will let you know. 

[Galabar]

The cheaper Hygger with a Kasa timer would be a good combination: https://www.amazon.com/hygger-Advanced-Intensity-Customize-Freshwater/dp/B08N52M4FP.

Although, I will admit that I really like my Fluval 3.0 on my 40 breeder (with an extra Finnex Stringray on the front).

There are also the Lomnie goosneck lights, but I haven't tried them:

https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Lighting-Dimmable-Gooseneck-Freshwater/dp/B0B5G53174

https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Lighting-Dimmable-Gooseneck-Freshwater/dp/B08TT5NVTK

https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Lighting-Dimmable-Gooseneck-Freshwater/dp/B0B8SXBR12

There are also several Finnex options:

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Aquarium-Automated-Spectrum/dp/B07SCPK1X8

Edited August 23, 2023 by Galabar

[AllFishNoBrakes]

I have 2 goosenecks on my 20 long blackwater tank and I like them, but I was definitely going for a more “dramatic” look with the spread of the lights on a long tank. I also have a Fluval nano for my 6 gallon dirted no filter tank, but needed a heftier light to get max plant growth. Also have a 48” coop light on my 55. Those are all my “specialty” lights, bought for specific purposes. Other than that, all Aquaneats on either lids I made, or glass lids and haven’t had a problem with a single Aquaneat. Everything has its purpose and place!

[madmark285]

On 8/23/2023 at 6:31 PM, Galabar said:

There are also several Finnex options:

I had a Finnex stringray on my 75 gallon, it died after two year. I didn't like that it was not water resistant.

I am old school, I only want the aquarium illuminated by the light. This is the type of lid I use:

 

So the light is a couple inches above the water. It seems silly to put a piece of glass between the water and light, just get a water resistant light.