NICREW SkyLED Plus Review
A genuinely affordable planted light with a proper external controller: adjustable spectrum, programmable schedule and sunrise/sunset ramps — features that usually cost twice as much.
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👍 Pros
- Programmable controller with a built-in timer and 6 sunrise/sunset ramp options — rare at this price
- Adjustable brightness and spectrum across white, red, green and blue channels
- Enough output to grow easy and mid-demand plants on a nano-to-small tank
- Slim extendable brackets fit a range of rimmed and rimless tanks
👎 Cons
- Modest peak PAR — not for demanding high-light carpets
- Wired controller rather than a phone app
- The small model suits nano tanks; you must size up for larger tanks
Premium features, budget price
The NICREW SkyLED Plus punches well above its price by including the thing budget lights usually drop: a proper programmable controller. You get an adjustable spectrum across white, red, green and blue, a built-in timer, and six sunrise/sunset ramp options that ease the tank in and out of the day rather than snapping the light on. For a small planted tank, that is most of what an expensive fixture offers, minus the phone app.
Know its ceiling
Be realistic about output. Peak PAR is moderate, which makes it a great match for low-to-mid-tech tanks and easy-to-mid plants, but not for a demanding high-light carpet. That moderate output is also forgiving: it is harder to trigger an algae bloom than with a high-PAR RGB bar, since more light without matching CO2 and ferts is simply more algae. Keep a 6–8 hour bright period on the timer, and only add pressurised CO2 (see our CO2 systems hub) and an all-in-one from the plant fertilizers guide if you decide to push for faster growth.
How it fits our other picks
Stepping up in output and colour, the Chihiros WRGB II 45 is the aquascaper’s RGB pick, and the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 adds a hands-off automatic day cycle. For an even simpler timer light, see the NICREW ClassicLED Plus, or the clip-on NICREW Nano Clip for tiny tanks. For the full line-up, visit our aquarium lighting hub, and match the light to your tank on the aquariums page.
The best value in planted lighting: a real programmable controller, adjustable spectrum and sunrise/sunset ramps at a price that undercuts the premium brands. Perfect for a budget low-to-mid-tech nano or small tank.
NICREW SkyLED Plus — frequently asked questions
Is this enough light for a planted tank?
For a low-to-mid-tech nano or small tank, yes. It grows easy and mid-demand plants comfortably, and the adjustable spectrum lets you favour growth. It is not a high-PAR fixture, so it will not carry a demanding carpet under high light — but for most beginner and mid-level planted tanks it is plenty.
Do I need CO2 with it?
Not necessarily. Because output is moderate, it pairs well with a low-tech, no-CO2 setup and easy plants. If you later add pressurised CO2 and dose ferts you can push growth, but remember the rule: more light without CO2 and nutrients just feeds algae. Keep a 6–8 hour photoperiod on the controller's timer.
How is it different from the cheaper NICREW ClassicLED?
The SkyLED Plus adds a proper programmable controller — adjustable spectrum, dimming and sunrise/sunset ramps — where the ClassicLED range is simpler. If you want dawn/dusk ramps and per-channel control on a budget, the SkyLED Plus is the upgrade.
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