This review details my experience upgrading my aquarium lighting from a Nano Phoenix LED to the Lominie Asta 20 planted tank lights. My previous lighting proved insufficient for my larger tank, resulting in stunted plant growth and overall poor aquarium health. The transition to the Lominie Asta 20 dramatically improved my aquarium's ecosystem, revitalizing struggling plants and promoting vibrant growth. This review will cover the light's performance, features, and ease of use, highlighting both its strengths and minor drawbacks.The Lominie Asta 20 significantly exceeded my expectations. I initially tested a single unit, but ultimately used two for optimal coverage in my larger tank. This upgrade led to a remarkable transformation, showcasing accelerated growth in various plant species. From struggling baby tears to a flourishing bacopa, the impact of improved lighting was undeniable. This review will delve into the specifics of this transformation and offer a comprehensive assessment of this highly-recommended product for planted tank enthusiasts.
Pros And Cons
- Comes with a six-foot cord.
- Is dimmable with a remote control offering 20%, 40%, 80%, and 100% power levels and other settings.
- Includes a quiet internal cooling fan that keeps the unit cool to the touch.
- Mounting bracket is designed for rimless tanks; adjustments may be needed for rimmed tanks.
Read more: Top 5 NICREW Aquarium Lights
Upgrade from Nano Phoenix LED
My previous nano tank thrived under a Nano Phoenix LED clip light. However, this new, larger aquarium demanded a more powerful solution. The Nano Phoenix simply couldn't provide the necessary illumination for optimal plant growth. Many plants struggled, with some even exhibiting signs of decline.
The inadequate lighting led to stunted growth and a decline in the overall health of several plants. It was clear that I needed a significant upgrade in lighting to revitalize the aquarium ecosystem.
Introducing the Lominie Asta 20
After exploring various options, I discovered the Lominie Asta 20 planted tank lights on Amazon. Initially, I started with a single 16-watt unit to assess its performance. I was immediately impressed by its effectiveness.
Even a single light significantly improved the tank's appearance and plant health. However, for my larger aquarium, two lights proved necessary to achieve optimal coverage and plant growth.
Dramatic Plant Growth Improvement
The most noticeable improvement was the accelerated plant growth. My dwarf sagittaria, already doing well, experienced a significant boost in growth. The baby tears, previously struggling, filled in completely, transforming from a sparse patch to a lush carpet.
The bacopa, which was nearly dead, also showed a remarkable recovery. Even the Ludwigia, while previously healthy, expanded and began exhibiting a richer red coloration. The Lominie Asta 20 lights dramatically revitalized the entire planted environment.
Pros and Cons
The Lominie Asta 20 boasts several advantages: a long cord (approximately six feet), dimmable settings via a small remote control, and a quiet, efficient cooling fan that keeps the unit cool to the touch even after hours of use.
The primary drawback is the mounting bracket's suitability for rimless tanks. However, I easily modified it to fit my rimmed tank with minimal effort. I also chose to use smart WiFi plugs for convenient scheduling, which provides additional control and monitoring.
Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Upgrade
At approximately fifty dollars each, the Lominie Asta 20 lights represent an excellent value. Over three months of use, they have consistently delivered outstanding results, exceeding my expectations in terms of plant growth and overall aquarium aesthetics.
The combination of brightness, dimmability, quiet operation, and ease of use makes this a top choice for planted tank enthusiasts. While the mounting bracket may require slight adjustment for rimmed tanks, the overall benefits significantly outweigh this minor inconvenience. Highly recommended!