Nicrew ClassicLED vs. SkyLED? Also a fert recommendation..

[Kyle E.]

Hello!

I have a 29gal standard with an amazon sword, some dwarf hairgrass, and some amazon frogbit.

The current light on it is a flourescant light (came with the second hand tank so idk what it really is).

The fact of the matter is this: It ain't growing my plants.

So needless to say I want something better but I am on a budget. I have heard good things about the Nicrew brand for budget lights as well as they were recommended to me by @NCaquatics.

I was wondering. What is the difference between the ClassicLED and SkyLED? I am leaning towards the SkyLED because it says specifically for plants but I have found one or two of the classic ones say that as well.....

And are these lights good enough for my aforementioned plants? I wish I had done more research on plants I wanted before I got them and I probably would have gotten slightly less light demanding plants, but oh well.

I have had the sword for around 2 1/2 months now and it has grown some new leaves, just not very many and not gotten any taller.

I am quite sure it is my light so I would love some feedback on these 2 models.

Also while I am on the topic I have been using API root tabs but I have heard they are basically useless. I would like a recommendation on a good all around fertilizer that is preferably easy to get and cheapish. Maybe seachem flourish? (not the excel I have heard that that is useless). I would prefer a liquid fertilizer. I assume a good liquid fertilizer is good enough for the rooted plants as well? Or do I need root tabs?

Thank You!

 

[CassCats]

Swords need a root tab yes.

I was comparing the nicrews and chose the skyled plus for myself because its better suited for higher light plants.

Swords are low to high light plants, so perhaps pick one in the middle? Both lights would work for Swords. So depends which you want to go. Medium light or high light?

 

[Kyle E.]

Well it depends on what my other plants need. I don't really know lol. I am not planning on getting more plants right now so whichever would be best for the hairgrass and frogbit... So probably medium? In that case the skyled not plus would probably work right?

And what is the difference between classic and sky?

 

[CassCats]

Well it depends on what my other plants need. I don't really know lol. I am not planning on getting more plants right now so whichever would be best for the hairgrass and frogbit... So probably medium? In that case the skyled not plus would probably work right?

And what is the difference between classic and sky?

I chose mine looking at the chart on Amazon, I went with the SkyLED Plus has highest watts so better for high light.

Hairgrass is higher light, so id opt for one of the "plus" options

 

[Kyle E.]

Ahh I see. Thank you I will have to think on that. I just did a bit more reading and does anyone have any thoughts on Aquarium co-op easy green? Their website makes it sound pretty good but then again, every website makes their products sound good. I don't know who to tag on here for plant questions, so I guess I will just have to wait and see who replies.

Another question on the lighting thing. The skyLED has the "night mode". What is the point of this? It just looks like a blue light.

 

[CassCats]

Ahh I see. Thank you I will have to think on that. I just did a bit more reading and does anyone have any thoughts on Aquarium co-op easy green? Their website makes it sound pretty good but then again, every website makes their products sound good. I don't know who to tag on here for plant questions, so I guess I will just have to wait and see who replies.

Another question on the lighting thing. The skyLED has the "night mode". What is the point of this? It just looks like a blue light.

Yeah its got a night mode. Which is okay, my kid likes it lol

Easy green is good, so is nilocg products. Your swords and hairgrass though are root feeders, so liquid ferts will be wasted on them

 

[Kyle E.]

Ok so then are the Aquarium co-op root tabs good as well?

Not sure I would have a use for the night mode lol.

 

[CassCats]

Ok so then are the Aquarium co-op root tabs good as well?

Not sure I would have a use for the night mode lol.

Yep their tabs would be just fine too!

Lol yeah its sorta meaningless. But you don't have to use it, can just turn it off instead at night

 

[Essjay]

All lights should be turned off for a period during the night. Fish need a few hours of total darkness in every 24.

 

[Kyle E.]

100% agree. They always go off for 8ish hours a night.

 

[ember04]

as far as ferts go aquarium co op easy green is a good one if you are in the states or C-chem are recommended or though I have not used either off these I have heard there good