hygger 18W 24/7 LED
The cheapest useful planted light: a full spectrum fixture with a built-in timer, 24/7 modes and extendable brackets. Fine for low-to-medium light plants on a small-to-mid tank, at a rock-bottom price.
- +Timer built in, with sunrise-daylight-moonlight 24/7 modes that ramp up and a DIY mode
- +Full spectrum with adjustable brightness — bright enough for low and medium light plants
- +Extendable bracket and 7 colours; dimmable for algae control
- +The lowest price here — a great first planted light
- −Small (18 W) — sized for a nano to mid tank, not a big one
- −Not water resistant, and the on-unit menu takes learning
This is the hygger 18W 24/7 LED, the cheapest useful planted light here: a full-spectrum fixture with a built-in timer, sunrise-daylight-moonlight 24/7 modes, a DIY mode and extendable brackets. It suits low-to-medium light plants on a small-to-mid tank and is not water resistant.
- A first planted light on a nano-to-mid tank
- Keepers who want a built-in timer at the lowest price
- Low-to-medium light plants
- Large tanks, since 18W is small
- High-light carpets
- Open-top tanks where splash matters, since it is not water resistant
We separate what the maker claims from what independent sources confirm, what owners report, and where we are drawing an inference. We do not bench-test products.
- Full spectrum with 7 colours and adjustable brightness
- Built-in timer with sunrise-daylight-moonlight 24/7 modes and DIY mode
- Extendable bracket; dimmable; 18W
- Sized for nano to mid tanks, not large ones
- Not water resistant; on-unit menu
- Well rated as a great-value first planted light
- The budget entry to planted lighting: a real built-in timer and 24/7 modes at a rock-bottom price, sized for smaller tanks
The lowest upfront cost here, low running cost at 18W, no bulbs to replace, and no separate timer needed. Keep it clear of splash since it is not water resistant.
- Too small for a large tank
- Not water resistant
- On-unit menu takes some learning; algae if overdriven on a low-tech tank
We do not measure PAR; figures are the manufacturer's specification and paraphrased owner reports. Plant results depend on CO2, nutrients and stocking, which are beyond a light's specification. We give gear and method guidance only, not livestock or disease advice; route fish-health questions to a veterinarian or an established authority.
A nano to mid tank. For a larger tank, step up to a bigger fixture such as the 30 to 36 inch hygger or a NICREW.
It grows the plant levels stated in its spec. Too much light without matching CO2 and nutrients drives algae, so dim it if you see algae rather than adding more light.
Check the spec above; several of these fixtures are not water resistant, so mount them clear of splash and condensation.