Kalita Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 (edited) So I know the Fluval 3.0 is a fav among aquarists, but it is far too expensive to buy in Canada ($300 on Amazon). I can't justify that for a low-tech tank. Finnex isn't as widely available here either so I'm really looking at Nicrew. Specifically, I am looking at the NICREW SkyLED Plus Aquarium. It seems pretty similar to the Nicrew ClassicLED plus. It does have increased red spectrum light than some of their other models. I am doing low-medium light plants in a 33 gal (36 long x 18 deep x 12 wide). Of course I have I few inches of substrate so don't need it to travel the full 18 inches. The most demanding plants I would like is Scarlet Temple and maybe some type of carpeting plant. SkyLED plus : ClassicLED plus he RGB Plus: Thoughts? Edited March 9, 2021 by Kalita 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koi Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 I used the Nicrew Classic and it grew plants great for me and I really like the color rendition. This is a really old picture of my 5 gallon. Since that tank was so short I didn't have trouble carpeting but it will work great for low light plants too. You could definitely carpet even with the height of your tank. Without having tried this light at multiple heights all I can say is there is a possibility that your carpet might be a little taller and less compact. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koi Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 By the way I forgot to mention the mistake I made with this light! I ordered the 12-18 inches version when my tank is 16 inches long and realized that the length is including the mounting legs. If you look at the picture above it doesn't fully cover the tank. If I were to do it again I would pick the size up and just have to light sit on top of the tank without the legs. But it might not matter to you just wanted to give you a heads up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalita Posted March 9, 2021 Author Share Posted March 9, 2021 I actually have the Nicrew Classic G2 right now but was researching and wanted full spectrum/red which the G2 doesn't have (it's only white/blue). Otherwise it's a great light. But yea, I ordered to 30-36 and the light itself is only 30" with the legs extending out. The glass cutout in my canopy is only 30" anyway so I ended up removing the legs and "pancaking" it. I know the corners won't get as much light but that's ok, I can plant strategically while keeping a layer of glass between the water and light! Thanks for the heads up! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenP2003 Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 I have multiple models of the nicrew lights, including the skyled plus, which is the brightest of the bunch. It's a narrow light with not a lot of spread, so I recommend elevating it unless you intend to keep your most light demanding plants in one general area directly under it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenman Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 I'm using a Nicrew SkyLED on my ten gallon tank and it's got the java moss in there pearling away. I'm pretty impressed by it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben_RF Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 I feel bad to say this as I do own it, but the sheer amount of blue light it produces makes algae problematic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben_RF Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 Also I bought a dimmer for mine and keep it about at 40% for my best results. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT_ Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 I forget which one I have but it let's me adjust the white+red and blue independently. I set the blue how I like it visually and I'm very happy with it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalita Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Ben_RF said: Also I bought a dimmer for mine and keep it about at 40% for my best results. I plan to do the same! The SkyLED plus lets you customize the white and blue independently (apparently not the red but that's ok). I plan to limit the blue. Thanks! Edited March 10, 2021 by Kalita 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT_ Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 OK I looked it up I have the classicLED plus. You can press buttons to dim "white" (which includes red and green) and a different button to dim blue. It also remembers your setting when you power it off so it still works with a wall plug timer. My only gripe is I had to buy the 18" version because they don't make a 24 inch version and the next size up is 30. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalita Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, CT_ said: OK I looked it up I have the classicLED plus. You can press buttons to dim "white" (which includes red and green) and a different button to dim blue. It also remembers your setting when you power it off so it still works with a wall plug timer. My only gripe is I had to buy the 18" version because they don't make a 24 inch version and the next size up is 30. I was seriously considering that one! Honestly seems pretty similar to the skyLED plus. I'm getting the latter in 30" as that's the size of the glass cutout in my canopy. It's not ideal as my tank is 36" but 3" on either side isn't the end of the world. I already have timers so I will definitely be putting those to use! Thanks for looking it up and sharing your experience - appreciate it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now