Nicrew Classic Plus LED Aquarium Light Review: Inexpensive Light but What About The Quality?

Hello Everyone,
In this vide owe unboxing and provide our thoughts on the Nicrew Classic Plus LED Aquarium Light. It has some cool features but is still relatively inexpensive. If you are looking for an aquarium light this may be one to consider.
Here is the Amazon Affiliate Link for the Nicrew Light: amzn.to/3tqzW2O
Want to learn more about aquarium lighting and look at other options? Check out these videos!
Aquarium Lighting 101: • Aquarium Lighting 101:...
Beamswork Light Review: • Beamswork Fish Tank Li...
Hygger Light Review: • Hygger Aquarium Light ...
Current USA Light Review: • Current USA Satellite ...
Finnex Stringray Light Review: • Finnex Stingray 2 Aqua...
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member!
/ @primetimeaquatics
If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel!
/ @thesmallscape
We would like to thank our channel sponsors for 2021: Flip Aquatics and Fritz Aquatics. For 2021 our fish are being fed Northfin Foods from flipaquatics.com! They help make what we do here possible and are worth checking out!
Thank you so much for watching!
#aquariums #aquariumfish #fishtank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here is the Amazon Affiliate Link for the Nicrew Light: amzn.to/3tqzW2O Want to learn more about aquarium lighting and look at other options? Check out these videos! Aquarium Lighting 101: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HaYodvgtGbnq8 Beamswork Light Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioGXnHdpataAhZI Hygger Light Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3uWq39tjJaVaa8 Current USA Light Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ-qdGp6pNSIiJY Finnex Stringray Light Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Kwc2d3eMedgdE Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics For more cool behind the scenes stuff consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! kzbin.info/door/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg

[@georgeluna8050]

Need help getting one for a 75 gallon fish tank, dont know what size to get

[@RespectTheReef]

Please tell us which light you like the best!

[@Tirfing88]

been using nicrew lights exclusively over the 3 years I've been fish keeping, got 6 and zero problems so far. They're great!

[@cherylbelott]

I love honest product reviews. Thank you! I’ve been using the Nicrew SkyLED 18-24” 6500K for about 6mo and I’ve been very pleased. It comes with a programmable remote and several modes you can simulate (not a timer). Doesn’t get too hot either. Paid $30.

[@dustinduram3903]

I’ve had the 30 inch one too. And I am currently running the 48 on my 90 gallon. Had it going for months now. No issues. Works great for plants even on the deep 25 inch tank

[@madturtle8826]

I’m considering this for my 29, which after dirt and substrate will be around 14 inches to the top. I am growing low light plants (crypts) and ludwigia(maybe medium) , so enough PAR for those type plants? I was considering a hygger, but they don’t supply PAR ratings, and I can’t find anything on the internet about them either.

[@aaronfitz2892]

Question, I recently got this light to. What would u say is the best hues of white blue and red hues of light to get the best plant growth?

[@phamz413]

I have been hearing lots about nicrew lights! Thank you for doing a review!

[@terrymartins2552]

Good job on the review. Sharing of your experience with different products really helps people like me who just got into fish keeping.

[@deletethemedia3445]

Bought this light for my first attempt at a planted tank. Also got the ramp up/down timer. Plants are doing great so money well spent!

[@da-waterlily]

I have the exact light on a 20 long. The light fixture itself is slightly shorter then 30”. Grows plants like a champ. I like the green LEDs that the hygger (which I also have) doesn’t have. Compared against the Hyggers, this light is far whiter so if you like a warmer tone, go with the hygger. I also have the 18” version and it works exactly the same. Great review.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

I always appreciate your honest and great reviews Jason!! Nicrew its one I haven't tried yet!! Thank you for sharing!!🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Once I turned it down a couple levels it looks very similar to the hygger lights I like.

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

I have used two of these exact same lights on my 20 gallon long tanks for over a year and a half and I love them.

[@ojreantazo4230]

I ordered this exact light a few days ago and it's arriving tomorrow. Thanks for the review, I can't wait to set it up on my 20 gallon long, just like you have.

[@feliciaheater5548]

I have this exact light on my 20 long and it’s done me well for the last year.

[@lyrieth8833]

I have a smaller Nicrew light on my 20 tall, I bought their dimmer and timer that I like a lot. I bought it about 2 years ago and it is still going strong. I like how they have the setting built into this model. I have had a few Nicrew in the past and they all worked very well the first one got super got but it worked fine for quite a long time!

[@edwinreyes7699]

Jason thank you for your honest input 👏 🙏, you settled my confusion with the light options out there starting a planted tank but looking for a reasonable price long time follower learned so much from you guys thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@JDfan3340too]

I have NiCrew lights on all my tanks. Bought it as a replacement for one, and then loved it so much I went back and got 10 more for all of my other tanks!

[@chrispeters2645]

Love Nicrew lights, been using them since I started fishkeeping in June 2019. Currently running them on four tanks.

[@feralon9570]

I like this light, I have it on my 20 long. I did turn off the blue hues and went more with reds and whites, no algae issues and I run it 10 hours a day on a lower setting. My plants are thriving and it is one of my favorite tanks. (low to medium light plants no co2, 9 plant types in that tank)

[@aaronfitz2892]

Question, I recently got this light to. What would u say is the best hues of white blue and red hues of light to get the best plant growth?

[@feralon9570]

@@aaronfitz2892 , I can only speak for the tank I have it on which is all low light plants and some floaters. I use the red and the white and turned off the blue.

[@darthlobster]

Interesting, I bought this light a month ago for my 20L Star Wars tank (planted, Dagobah crash site), have had no algae issues yet. Amazon showed it to me on a discount for $25 and I could not have been happier with it, my tank is beautiful, the plants are growing really well, and it brings out the color in my fish! I wish you all had a Discord or something where we could post pictures of our tanks because boy am I proud of this one.

[@jacks4733]

Good review. Thanks!

[@thomasstone3513]

I like how it remembers the settings. You don't normally see that is a price point type light.

[@anthonyragan2696]

Thanks for this and especially for the PAR data. I wish more manufacturers would include that, as well as at different depths.

[@Chimichuru4782]

Bought a 55 off a lady she said she had it for 4-5 years and a nicrew light came with it. The light works pretty good except the plug has some rust from being used for so long and if you move the light just right it will lose connection. But considering it’s been in service for years I’m impressed

[@zookinir]

so far so good bought two Nicrew, one for a 29gal one for a 40 and have no complaints, like Cory on the other CH was saying most people have to much light. Thanks for the video, I am a subscriber from Canada.👍

[@Barb5001]

Thanks for the great review and all the the info. I am actually having one delivered tomorrow (9-13-21) and I now know know exactly how to adjust it etc. .

[@georgeleiter6277]

Seems like a very good budget light for us money frugal folks. I have Beamswork 36 for my 30 gal long and after two years it working great. My plants love it.

[@JDS8]

One thing I'm not sure if he mentioned (maybe I missed it) - if you press the B button while the white light is on you can change the balance of blues to greens, the more green hues look more natural and less like a very strong, bright white. I like to keep mine somewhere in between.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I didn't mention that - thanks for the tip!

[@julianaquascaped]

I've been using the 30" - 36" for over a year and it's been running great. I wish mine had your buttons, though! Mine came with touch buttons, which work fine but I prefer the tactile ones for the reason you mention here.

[@LogacysAquaticLove]

Man U guys do great with these reviews! Show exactly what you get and how to work it. All without the vid being and hr long! 🤝👏👌

[@angelosaxon7358]

I've got this exact light as well as several other variations of other nicrew lights. I haven't tried other brands so can't compare that way but I've been happy with nicrew thus far!

[@monsterfishgal]

I run these lights i love love them. Great Video

[@bonnieeden228]

Very cool light. Thanks Jason

[@Mr68hemicuda]

I have 6 Nicrew lights on my tank's, never had a problem with any of them. Great product for the money

[@ArticulatedDoom]

I just started an aquarium and I got a NICREW for it. Everyone was saying they were good, but I feel genuinely like people undersold em. A cousin of mine who has far longer in the hobby gave me some old light he wasn't using any more and it was ok, but this one is pretty damn cool. My kids love the tank so much more and just sit and stare in a trance

[@darrylmoore5847]

Great review as always.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@hammysexoticanimals6598]

Nice! Love your channel!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@kesomon]

This review was very helpful, I'm getting the 18-24 inch size for my 10 gallon betta tank as upgrade to the kit-hood lights.

[@GlitchAQ]

I have 6 Nicrew lights in various models and they are all great!

[@therineo7839]

Nice and deserved Rant, keep it up, Professor.

[@dragonslayer8724]

i have these on all of my tanks bigger than 20 gal except for my main 55 that has a finnex planted plus. love love this light, very good budget light that does very well for planted tanks.

[@toomanyhobbies8351]

Great review. Thanks. Just bought a water color shirt. Love that design 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you so much! Hope you like it. :-)

[@jennifertolbert2937]

I have two of these lights and I love them!!!

[@BKAqua]

Omg are those platys!!!? Beautiful I want some

[@sweetbailey1177]

I have this light on both my 20 long and 10 gallon. I definitely like them better than a bog standard fluorescent light due to the flexibility of light levels. One thing I would HIGHLY recommend is to also purchase the timer/dimmer switch from Nicrew. Once you get your levels dialed in, it's a "set it and forget it" kind of convenience. Plus, the dimmer gives you even more control of the light level.

[@Edward-rw3kq]

Got the same yesterday,,I already had a smaller one....j love them.

[@MrsBaRCa]

Thanks for the great video! will you make a review on Nicrew submersible planted light?

[@Leo-uj1ei]

Thank you I just bought one

[@aaronedwards4916]

I run these lights on two my my tanks. They’re absolutely fantastic for the price point. I have them on timers and they remember all my settings. I have dropped one of them in the tank a few times being clumsy and it works just fine still.

[@aghaali5512]

Is that light enough for L60cm depth 16cm Height 18cm plated low tech tank?

[@markhunter2244]

Looks a decent light, might give this one a try the next time I need a new light. Really like the blue light in the evening for the bedroom tank 🤓

[@cainkopczynskie6296]

I have a Nicrew with no issues going on 6 months and my plants are happy

[@cichlidchickloverofarizona3101]

I have a few of these, and I love them

[@sergeiz.5815]

I recently ordered a 20 gallon tank this will be perfect. I have 10 gallon right now. :) I put light in my shopping basket. I like blue light

[@JC-ps2zy]

I have the classic led and the 24/7 planted plus and both are brilliant for price.

[@jenxu2]

I own that light. I've been using it for over a year. It's one of my favorite lights. I lights up a deep tank. You can adjust the hue of light. But no timer. It is still a great light.

[@aaronfitz2892]

Question, I recently got this light to. What would u say is the best hues of white blue and red hues of light to get the best plant growth?

[@noelbrucker135]

I haven’t had the chance to try this light yet, but just looking for an excuse to express some high-fin platy love! My thanks for trying this out on their tank ;)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Woohoo! :-)

[@farmert9679]

I find these lights great. I have one on my 5 and 10 gallon tanks. Not as expensive and running on its second year so far. Best over the expensive ones.

[@mothergoose7314]

Omg, thank you! I couldn't figure out how to use the buttons (this is my first LED light fixture). There was no instruction booklet and nothing on their website. That is my only complaint. Thanks again!

[@valeriekopiske9968]

I use the Nicrew sky LEDplus lights on my 29 gallon and 20 gallon. Works great on my 29 gallon. It's been causing a slight algae problem in my 20 gallon but nothing a little manual removal can't fix. But I love the color of the lights, how adjustable they are, and like you mentioned it remembers the program so when they turn off and on with my timed outlet it remembers the program. The SkyLED plus I think has more blue lights than the classic. I recommend maybe giving the skyLED plus a try next. Would love to know what you think.

[@mekat861]

I have had incredibly good luck with Nicrew. I'm running a Nicrew Classic on a 40 breeder and my Java Fern, Vallisneria and Amazon Sword are doing great that tank and the light has been running a little over 2 years. My other one is a 75 gallon which is running Nicrew Classic Gen2 and also has the generic Marineland LED light that came with the tank (running both simultaneously since the tank is deep). The plants seem to be doing okay but the tank has only been set up for 5 weeks so still too new to be sure since some of my plants are still melting but I am seeing new growth that looks promising. Hopefully you have the same good luck. I have decided if I have to buy an off brand LED again I will stick with Nicrew because every time I tried other off brands it has always gone badly.

[@jwings1484]

I have the gen 2 model which doesn't have the red or green lights but comes with an extra button that is a timer for either 8, 10 or 12 hrs. Once set it will turn on and off by itself. It will remember which setting you choose unless you lose power. I have had this light for about six months without a problem.

[@ZenFocus007]

I have a Nicrew on my 20 high.... Love it, and the plants (Amazon Swords) got huge... So all around a good, cheap lighting alternative, IMO...

[@jordlc3480]

Thank you 🙏

[@azureaviantoo2352]

Mine remembers the setting no matter how long I've had it off. I really like that.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool feature!

[@williamm8702]

Hi I have the nicrew classic on my 29 20 and my 75 and all have the nicrew programmable timer dimmer switch on all. Thought about the fluval 3.0 but I've been using nicrew since I got back in the hobby. For a budget light it works great!

[@PediatricsVolunteer]

Great light, I accidentally fried the blues when it went for a swim. But got a new one. It's super bright.

[@samuelsherwood5123]

I've been waiting for your opinion on these lights!! I run them on most of my tanks due to the price as well as them being bought for some of the first planted tanks i set up, but now its time to have my question answered of if i should upgrade soon!! In my opinion i have found them so far to be a decent inexpensive light with decent growing ability. I run the 30 in.-36 in. lights on a 29 gallon and a 40 gallon and so far they have done a pretty decent job growing low light plants, i have been using them for about 2-3 years now.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@didostempest2966]

Using the red blue and white led clip on Nicrew about 16$ for my planted 5.5 gallon. It’s making my plants grow incredibly fast.

[@ollielloydjones5774]

as a long term review how is the light for you now?

[@marybeth4881]

I have these on my 60 gallon, 55 gallon, 30 gallon and my 20 tall. Low to medium light plants are all I have. Works great on all the tanks that I have changed to glass lids. The old plastic lid is on the goldfish tank. Plant growth is not so great. But it is a goldfish tank...

[@fbasantajr]

Hi Jason, I currently have 2 Nicrew lights, very happy with them... Also purchased the Hygger light, but the fact when the light is shut off, and turned back on it goes to the highest settings when turn on again is a big concern, since all my lights are on timers. Take a look at the Hygger heaters I purchased one thanks to Simply Betta..... Thank from NYC

[@kend6359]

That's a neat light! I have been using Aquaneat lights full spectrum. These work very well on my planted aquarium and generally less expensive than Nicrew. Time well tell as I just started switching over this year.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@jillclark4876]

I have this light on one of my tanks. I highly recommend a dimmer/timer to use with it. I had issues with algae growth until I got the intensity under control. I run Fluval lights on 4 other tanks without similar issues, so if it’s in your budget, I would skip this one. I’ll replace the Nicrew with a Fluval when it dies.

[@TripleJAquatics]

I just did a review of the 48-60" SlimLED version with the built in timer on my channel. Been using it for about 6 weeks. I've enjoyed it. I think it's a great light per dollar

[@CrayZJo3Davola]

I used nicrew classic led plus and it grew my low-medium light plants great. I wouldn't try on high tech though. For the budget it was great but I dropped it in the water once and surprisingly it still work but eventually got dimmer few months later.

[@deonmorgon3718]

Its not good for high light plants?

[@pfcmagik]

Thanks for the wetspot info I bought 6 Julio Marleri it took a year for them to finally breed they were about an inch when I got them, last night I finally saw them moving around I think some have yet to hatch. 👊👽✌❤

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! Good luck with the fry!

[@pfcmagik]

The fry are all over the place, there's two breeding pairs, I'm going to wait a few more weeks and sell/ trade the adults, then order some lelupi juveniles and raise those along with the Julio fry, I figure if I add more limestone holy rock it will provide enough cave systems to breed both species.. Hope all is well ✌️❤️

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

I use the aqua neat Led light off of Amazon it works well I have 2 for a 20 and my 55. They are similar to the light that you are reviewing.

[@lorenzolopez15]

I have the nicrew classic plus and the classic G2. Both are great for the price and a huge jump when compared to other budget lights! I would like a review of the sky if it’s good enough for highlight plants?

[@sans6040]

This is a topic I’m super interested in

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@jl644]

You missed the test where if you attach it to an analog a external timer and would that save the settings once the light turns off for a long period of time when it turns back on.

[@max_-bq5rk]

I have this and its great

[@martyborst5645]

Hi Jason. I really like how the light can change the brightness. I have a Finnex with red, blue and white light. I have been happy with it but I like the one you showed better. Sincerely, Marty Borst

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks Marty! Looking forward to seeing how it holds up over time.

[@mikecollins3793]

I have been running this light on a 37g it's a good light for the money however I am running nicrew skyLED plus and it is a much better light. All my plants have much more growth and are thriving very well.

[@rallywagon261]

I use these lights as well. Unfortunately when coupled with a timer, they will not retain memory of your light settings. I tend to hang my lights rather than place it on the tank and use height to adjust the brightness in the tank. Thankful it does turn on when the timer supplies power again though, so at least there is that.

[@2tardi]

I have the slim led version. I’ve just used it for my spare tanks (breeding, extra plants). It’s cheap and good. I don’t think it’s really water proof but that is ok. The classic has less lumen (slim 4000lumen). It’s stronger than my chihiros. Both are for 60-75 cm tanks. But the nicrew light reaches 40cm depth. That is great value for money.

[@davec1294]

Yeah great review I do a 50 percent water change about once a week for my peacocks and haps.

[@ryant4664]

Hi love the vid trying to find a good light but if you turn it off at the wall and then turn it back on does the setting stay the same

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

At least on a timer I don’t believe it does.

[@wwsweetonion]

I had to return two of these. Only white lights would work on both right out of the box.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Well, that stinks!

[@markvonwisco7369]

Hygger may have recently upgraded their light. I currently have two. Both of the lights I have remember the settings overnight.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@mikehowell9053]

Can this go on refugium for saltwater

[@blaze2987]

Do they make a reef tank version

[@foreverautumn2315]

I wonder which Hygger lights forget their settings because mine do retain settings - UNLESS they become unplugged from their power source, for instance, if there is a power outage, or you have them in a power strip and turn off the power strip. I manually turn them on and off, or use the built in timers, though. The lights in the 4 gal Hygger aquarium kits, however, those do not remember settings, regardless.

[@BassManStrikes]

I just got the V2 with the digital wired remote and it's pretty darn good. I also got the Hygger 957 and the Nicrew is better. The problem with the Hygger is they have the controls built into the light and there are no LEDs in that area which make it smaller. Got the 48-54 on order for my 75 and will compare to the same size Hygger. The remote on the Nicrew gives you just what you need and nothing else which I like.

[@dwsnono9104]

Nicrews are amazing lights. I have had several for over 3 years have not failed. I have one over a dirted tub no fish growing tons of plants. Also, no snails.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@cherylcalifornia125]

Never heard of them but appreciated the review. I wish you showed us how they look/fit on your tank too though. I’m considering upgrading my 15g rimless to a 24g rimless tank (as soon as my lfs gets them in) and will keep these lights in mind. Do they work on rimless? Right now I have twin star and some inexpensive 15 watt clip ons.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point. It's definitely low profile.

[@dougm275]

I have this light on a 20 gallon long that gets CO2 and it does a good job, but lower growing medium-high light plants will have a tough time. I wish mine came with the dimmer but i bought it last year. Don't go past 90% or many stem plants will get leggy. The intensity drops off pretty steep as you move away from the edge of the fixture, but that's good for Buce and slow growers. If you want to do high light plants and CO2 on the cheap but don't want to do the flood light thing, go for Nicrew Bright.

[@littleshopintheshed]

Thanks for the video. I just got a 36” 35 gal tank. Wondering if I get the 36”-40” light if it will be too bright. Or would the 30”-36” light be better?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you don't have high-light plants the 30" should be ok?

[@robertmedina8963]

Hi Jason, First let me say, as a newbie to this hobby, I find your videos very informative. I find it a real whirlwind as I move along from just enjoying my fish to my new involvement with a planted tank. I am now looking to upgrade my lighting and I’m interested in the Nicrew Classic Plus Led light. My question is, can I simply turn the light on and off with my own timer so I can turn the light on or off at different times of the day basically bypassing the automatic settings. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Robert Medina

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They do fine with a timer - turn on and off based on timer parameters. Thanks for being here!

[@Jstroman221]

I've had mine for going on 6 months now, so far so good. Although I have the same model I must has the previous generation bc my light dosent have the individual controls & and dimming features shown in the video (Just on/off switch, and the all blue mode). Same product Classic Led Plus. I have it setup on a 40 breeder 30-36" planted.

[@Jstroman221]

@Gen M 👍kinda wish I waited bc the dimming feature I would find useful. I had to resort to using electrical tape to cover a few of the LED's bc I was getting some algae.

[@Sean3D2Y]

I have a 50 Gallon long. At 48 inches and it has that split in the middle to have the two openings. My question is should I buy the one meant to be up 48inches to go fully across the tank or should I get 2 24inch lights for each side? Appreciate any help.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would go one 48"

[@TheHoardingPeon]

Is the 30-36" fits a 40 breeder that is 36 1/4? not sure if i should buy next size because the ring make it larger

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We have the 30-36” and it works well on our 40B.

[@brittanyphillips528]

Has anyone had issued with purchasing this light and only the blue lights working on both settings? Any work around there or is the light just defective?

[@Gkeese]

I use nice exclusively on my tanks. Love them. Great price and durable. Only downside, they are NOT waterproof. So if you drop them in the tank for some reason (like I did during maintenance once. Dry them out. Otherwise, I love them.