Finnex
Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED Aquarium Light
The Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED Light is a reliable, budget-friendly option for planted aquarium hobbyists who want an automated light cycle without manually adjusting timers.
The Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED Light is a reliable, budget-friendly option for planted aquarium hobbyists who want an automated light cycle without manually adjusting timers. It delivers solid growth for low-to-moderate light plants and looks clean on most tanks, though dedicated high-tech planted tanks may want a more intense fixture.
How it scored
Key features
- Built-in 24-hour automated light cycle simulating sunrise, daytime, sunset, and moonlight
- High-output White and Red LEDs optimized for planted tank photosynthesis
- Slim aluminum housing with adjustable extendable legs for various tank widths
- External controller with cycle mode and manual color/intensity presets
- IP54 rated splash-resistant housing for aquarium hood use
Full specifications
Pros & cons
What we liked
- Fully automatic day/night cycle, no timer needed
- Excellent plant growth support for low-to-medium light plants
- Sleek low-profile design fits most rimless and standard tanks
- Simple external controller is easy to program
- Good value compared to similar full-spectrum planted lights
Worth noting
- Not intense enough for high-light demanding plants like carpeting species without CO2
- Controller wire is somewhat short for larger tank setups
- No app or Bluetooth control, only physical buttons
- Color temperature runs slightly blue-heavy for some viewing preferences
Our full review
The Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED light is purpose-built for freshwater planted aquariums, designed to mimic a natural day-and-night cycle without the hassle of manual switching or external timers. Housed in a slim, low-profile aluminum fixture, this light strip integrates a built-in controller that automatically cycles through dawn, daytime, sunset, and moonlight phases, giving your tank a realistic progression of light throughout each twenty-four-hour period. Aquarists who want their planted tank to look vibrant during the day and calm at night will appreciate that this transition happens on its own, creating a more natural rhythm for both the plants and any fish or invertebrates living beneath the surface.
At the core of the fixture are multiple LED chip types, including white, red, blue, and specialized daylight diodes, all tuned to support photosynthesis in live aquatic plants while also enhancing the visual pop of fish coloration and plant foliage. The full-spectrum output during peak daytime hours delivers enough intensity to support low to moderate light plants such as anubias, java fern, and various stem plants, making it a solid choice for hobbyists building out a lush, green aquascape. During the simulated sunrise and sunset phases, the light shifts to warmer amber and red tones, and at night it transitions into a deep blue moonlight setting that lets you view nocturnal fish behavior without disturbing their rest or triggering algae growth from unnecessary light exposure.
Practical features round out the design, including adjustable mounting legs that fit most standard rimmed aquariums, a slim profile that avoids blocking view or access to the tank, and a straightforward control unit that lets users fine-tune the timing and intensity of each lighting phase to match their specific tank setup. Because the entire 24/7 cycle runs automatically once programmed, the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 LED light is especially appealing to hobbyists who want a low-maintenance lighting solution that still delivers the horticultural performance needed for a thriving planted tank, along with the aesthetic benefit of watching their aquarium naturally shift in mood and color from sunrise through moonlight every single day.
What owners say
Great for low-tech planted tanks
Been running this on my 20 gallon long for six months and my anubias, java fern, and crypts are thriving. The automatic sunrise/sunset cycle is a nice touch and my fish seem calmer with it.
Solid light, wish it was brighter
Works well but if you're doing carpeting plants like monte carlo you'll need supplemental lighting or CO2 injection. For basic stem plants and mosses it's more than enough though.
Easy to set up
Controller was simple to program and the legs adjusted perfectly to my 36 inch tank. Only gripe is the cord to the controller could be longer since my stand is behind the tank.
Fish love the sunset simulation
My bettas seem so much less stressed with the gradual dimming at night compared to my old light that just switched off abruptly. Plants are pearling nicely under the daytime setting too.
