What is Reddit's opinion of NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 30 to 36 Inch, 18 Watts?

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I do have co2 injection going but for the rotala it is completely unnecessary. It grows like crazy in my low tech, but with co2 I can get enough growth in only 2 days to cut/propagate . I have a cheap($40) LED light from amazon that has been working just fine so far.

• Set of tube shop light would be better. Bulbs produce only a cone of light and tubes give more even light distribution.
• Color temperature could be anything from 5000K to 7,000K. It's better to have some blues as in aquarium lights, but even daylight shop light or desktop lamp will work good enough for basic plants without special requirements.
• Double check if you really need 100W LED for this tank, consult with r/PlantedTank, mentioning plants you want to keep. For low tech planted tank without CO2 injections, complex fertilizing and frequent rimming, 18W should be enough, or you can get overheated tank, filled with algae.
• No UV lights instead of blue lights. If they are truly UV, this is dangerous and hot helping to the plants or animals, being beyond useful range see "planted tank spectrum for photosynthesis". Use blue light instead, low intensity, like a moonlight. For LEDs it could be 4.5-6W. 12W total could be too much, but I am not a planted tank expert, just a plain user.
  • There are UV sterilizers, where water is exposed to UV in the safe way, encased and the speed of flow is regulated for the task at hand.

I have an led light with 2 150 watt ceramic heaters so she is getting her heat with really good light. Link to light fixture-https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=36+inch+led+aquarium+light&qid=1625344601&sprefix=36+inch+led&sr=8-3

TLDR: What light should I get? Was thinking this one.

Hello, I'm currently fishless cycling my tank. Currently on my 2nd day with water and 20lbs of eco complete substrate in the tank. Today I added the filter and ammonia to start the cycle. This weekend I'd like to pick up some plants and I've been looking at lights on amazon. I've got a 20 Gallon long tank with a glass lid on the way and am looking at getting some amazon swords, java moss, java fern, and anubias barteri. Also looking at getting some ohko rock and driftwood for scaping and the plants to attach to. The plan for animals is currently cherry/ghost shrimp, corycats, 5-8 small schooling fish, and 1 longfin betta.

• If You Can, Get a Aqueon Tank - Only because Aqueon Also Sell Tops Separately, But you May have to Buy the Top online. I Haven't seen to Many Petco/smarts Have them On Hand.
• Not sure on Dividers - Sorry.
• When it Comes to a Non-Planted Beta Tank, No Co2 Required.
• And I Buy my Lights off Amazon from Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sUz8BbMEG2AT2

Thanks, it's not prettiest tank on here by any means but as long as the fish are happy I am too.

But yeah I just have gravel, the plants grow really well in it and are rooted firmly. They grew a little bit slow at first when the tank was new since there weren't many nutrients in the gravel but not anymore. I'm using a bottle of Seachem Flourish sparingly, only about half a cap full a week at most. The ones at the bottom don't really need it but it has helped my java moss up top a lot. As for lighting I'm just using this LED from Amazon.

I would definitely recommend the live plants, they're really easy to maintain and are fun to watch grow. But most importantly they act as a secondary filter for your tank and convert the ammonia in the water to oxygen. Plus they're cheaper than fake plants as once you plant them you can easily get most to propagate.

I narrowed down a led i found on amazon NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 28 to 36 Inch, 18 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fuwMCbH9GQH7E

Now i just need to look for a filter thats quiet and simple but doesn’t cost too much.

Nicrew Classic, basic economy light, is 18W. It works well over few 5 gal tanks, r/PlantedTansk people said that PAR is as for medium light. I keep low light plants there (anubias, java fern, mosses, subwassertang, dwarf lettuce, banana plant, nymhoides Taiwan), they are growing well, a little less intensity would be better.

If you keep more light demanding plants, Nicrew has better options, and Beamswork was recommended.

I don’t know if you’d happen to know what kind of lights are good for beginner plants (an amazon spear and some dwarf grass) but this is what I have:

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=led+aquarium+light+36+inch&qid=1597888062&sprefix=led+aq&sr=8-3

This light says 18 Watts. What do you think the recommended wattage would be just in case I can find any for cheaper?

I don't know that much about Red Lotus in particular but bulb plants I grow outside have all they need to grow stored in the bulb itself, they can grow into a full sized plant in a cup of water without any soil. Your Red lotus may be using the nutrients in it's bulb to grow well even without bright lights. I would go for this Nicrew it's $40. It will give you light you need to to try more varieties of plants and see them really thrive. If you want to save more money try a 30" LED shop light from Home Depot, don't worry that it's not made for growing plants, in my experience overall brightness(intensity) is much more important than wavelength(color temperture)

Hm. Might do that. Apparently i cant find these in canada. How are these?

https://www.amazon.ca/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=sr_1_2_m?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1513021965&sr=1-2&keywords=nicrew%2Bled%2Baquarium%2Blight&th=1

I use the NICREW LED light on my 20g long:

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S

Not sure on the PAR, but I grow low/medium light plants in that tank. Rosette Sword, Aponogeton ulvaceus, Sagittaria chilensis, and some sort of dwarf lily. It's not very low light though because Anubias and Java Fern grow algae under that light.

Yep, it has extension legs. The 36" on this light denotes the maximum extension length. It'll fit fine.

I've got that exact one on my 20G long, and I have 2 20-27" on two 10G tanks.

Any low-light plant (java fern, anubias, etc.) will be fine. Check online to see which plants need to be planted in substrate and which ones will grow on other surfaces. I have both nana petite anubias & java fern in my tank - neither grows in substrate, so they're easy! My light stays on about 5 hours a day.

5 Peppered Cory 1 Angelfish 1 Gourami 6 Cardinal Tetra 1 Male Blue Ram

No issues with the fish in terms of aggression so far!

No idea what the plants are, just started dosing excel today.

This is the light I have, will it be OK for the plants or should I get something different? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aQMQybDVK40K7

Thanks for all advice in advance :)

As it stands, I'm looking to go with an mbuna tank (considering overcrowding maybe in the future to reduce aggression as some recommended) & no plants. Lights: I was looking for a light that's just for a fish aquarium, not for plants since algae growth and all. The ones you suggested should still be fine? Plus, I came across this on amazon before I read your post, what do you think about this? Filter: Would (2) AquaClear 50's be enough for a 50 gal. overstocked tank, since you mentioned 8-10x tank volume?

Also, your answer was very helpful to me as I'm looking to get started with my new tank, thank you so much!

Edit: Might be a silly question, but I was wondering, would it be risky to put 1 or 2 haps/peacock in my mbuna tank (considering going with a 50 gal.)

For lighting, it depends on what you're trying to do. If you're just keeping fish, then any lighting would work although an adjustable one will help you a lot with fighting algae (if you end up needing to). If you're keeping plants, it depends on what types. In general, I always recommend NICREW because they've worked great on all of my tanks. On a 29g, the Classic should be good just by itself for a fish-only tank. The Classic Plus would probably be better for a planted tank since it has more PAR:

Classic - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/

Plus - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F6XD2FH/

NICREW also makes a ramp timer and dimmer combo that can help control the light and provide a nice and slow on/off that won't scare the fish. I think they're re-stocking with a newer model right now since I can't find it on Amazon. Other options that I use are the Current USA Dual Ramp Timer (single ramp doesn't dim) or a "DIY" version of a standard plug timer and an inline dimmer dial:

Current USA Dual Ramp Timer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8PCS90/

no hard feelings here. the reason i was so passionate about endorsing this article is that i am usually very harsh and disappointed with NPR/CPR coverage. i literally email them complaining about once a week. it was refreshing to see what i thought of as a well put together, informative, non emotional piece.

now to aquariums, depends on if you go new or used, and how handy you are.

your basics will be

tank - $40 stand - $100 versa top - $40 filter & airpump - $30 light - $40 substrate - $5.00 plants - $5-$50 fish - $5-$100 decorations - free

approximate total new - $255 without plants or fish

i personally recommend what is called a 40 breeder to start. breeder for fish tanks refers to a wider footprint instead of the tank being taller. i like the 40 breeder over a standard 55 gallon show tank for several reasons. the fish like a larger footprint more than a tall tank, and it makes maintenance on the tank much easier.

a 40 gallon breeder will run you $40 during the petco $1 a gallon sale.

stands are a little more difficult to source but not very hard. if you are handy at all a couple of 2x4's, some birch plywood, and a little stain will get you an absolutley beautiful stand for under $100. you will also be able to get a simple metal stand for around the same price.

versa top - a simple clean hinged glass top. i highly recommend a top out here. i have one 38 gallon tank that i have to add abouut 5 gallons a week, compared to my other 6 tanks that have almost no evaporation because they have tops. now, if you want a humidifier feel free to go topless, helps with the dry skin! just remember during water changes that the water evaporates, the poop doesn't, so you will still need to take water out not just add water.

for a filter i highly, highly, highly recommend an air driven sponge filter. it is simple, easy to clean, and just works. cannister filters are nifty but a pain, hang on the back filters are worthless pieces of junk unless you get an aquaclear and additional ceramic media. also sponge filters work great on a battery powered air pump if the power goes out. they also help to oxygenate the water. lastly they are cheaper, and the only thing that can break is the air pump, and if the air pump goes out you will not kill your beneficial bacteria because the filter sits in the aquarium instead of isolated from the tank water.

for a light i would go with the linked below. it is a great light that will allow you to grow just about any plant you will want. in addition the led is more energy efficient, and produces an amazing light reflection above the tank that is just beautiful.

https://smile.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=aquarium%2Blight&qid=1595967357&sr=8-3-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTDlIVTg1UlNIREk0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkP...

for substrate (the pebbles, sand, etc, on the bottom of the tank) i like to use black diamond sandblasting slag. you can get it for about 10 dollars for 50 pounds. more than enough to cover a 40 breeder, 55 gallon show tank, etc. you can also use pool filter sand if you want a lighter color. another option is to go bare bottom for easier maintenance and a cool mirror look, or decorative colored pebbles if that's what your feeling.

for plants i like to use java moss, anubius, tiger lillies, and bucce. all very easy to care for, and for the most part fish won't try to eat them. java moss is pretty cheap, grows relatively quickly, and you can do some really cool stuff with it. tiger lillies can be found in bulb form, and have a very cool red color. anubius and bucce are both slow growing, but very hardy and pretty. a mix of those plants will get you a fantastic looking planted tank with little fuss and you can plant out the whole tank for around $50. you can also spend a little less and give the plants a couple months to fill in.

for rocks and driftwood i always go out and find it in nature, boil the wood if possible, use hardwoods, soak in a bleach solution if you can't boil. for rocks scrub them well with a light bleach solution, do not boil or bake as they can explode!

now to fish, do you know of any that you like? there are several smaller cichlids that look wonderful in a 40, such as the electric blue acara, german, several gouramis will do well also, a bristlenose catfish would work depending on the bioload of the tank, a betta as a centerpiece fish with a non fin nipping school of tetras is beautiful. fish is an area where you need to be careful to not overstock and you will be sure to enjoy the tank and fish much more!

this is what im really passionate about, feel free to ask anymore questions!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

75 liters. Long.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_85JX8Y2HBAXE9K1M3H1Z

NICREW ClassicLED

NICREW and Beamswork are cheaper aquarium light brands as well:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303326066310

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/

nicrew led

I think it’s this one I bought on amazon a few years ago. Not sure though.

>NICREW Classic LED 30"

Thank you!

This one?

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S

Try amazon smile to donate to a charity of your choice automatically at no cost to you!
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NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GqztFbXXCZ5ZQ

This is the one I have on all my tanks!

Current setup for my female hypo Central American locality B. imperator, Amor. She’s 3.5 years old and about 4 ft long.

Enclosure: ExoTerra 36x18x18 Lighting: NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Heating: Fluker's Repta-Clamp Lamp with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DHOE0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share and OMAYKEY 75W 2 Pack Ceramic Heat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XJXPGC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thermostat: iPower 2-Pack 40-108 Degrees Fahrenheit Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QDQV9GJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_lz5r5VnF721HZ Fogger: Coospider Reptile Fogger... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVNP7F3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Substrate: topsoil Decor: rock cave, skull, medium driftwood, bonsai tree, large cork bark, several artificial plants

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share that’s the link for the light. The tank I got from petco

Old light from my 29 gallon, works perfectly fine, but decided to go with a more high tech lighting setup.

Local pickup only!

Here's the amazon listing for more specs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have two of these:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=twister_B0772N6YMJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Plants have been in for about 2-3 weeks. I use seachem flourish twice a week for the nutrients. And the light is this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=twister_B0772N6YMJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This light will definitely go up to medium level on a 20g long. It's what I use on mine where I keep a mix of medium and low light plants. On max setting, I actually start growing algae.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01ID3OK3S/

My lights. i dose 5ml for my 20g. ~~They~~ My plants don't show any deficiencies save for my red flame sword, they aren't as red as they should be.

I have a cheap($40) LED light from amazon

I use this one on mine with all of my low/medium light plants:

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S

I use a NICREW 28-36" on my 20g long. It will depend on what plants you pick, but I've had success with low to medium light plants:

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S

you know, i'm almost certain my light isnt strong enough for this plant anyway :(

Nicrew LED Hood Light for Aquarium Fish Tank, Adjustable from 28" - 36" Length https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_qnivbbLXikco4

It's got bad reviews from people in this sub before but... you can see the results.

Nicrew LED Hood Light for Aquarium Fish Tank, Adjustable from 28" - 36" Length https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_qnivbbLXikco4

It's got bad reviews from people in this sub before but... you can see the results.