Finnex Planted+ 3.0 Review (2026): Specs, Fit, and Who It Suits

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Finnex

Finnex Planted+ 3.0 (36 in)

Model: PL-36S

Best for

Planted tanks about 36-45 in long where you want a simple built-in timer and dimmer with no app.

Skip this if

You want app control or custom color-channel scheduling.

Fixture length

35.47 in

Max length with mounts extended

45.47 in

Fixture width x height

2.34 x 1.30 in

Power

45 W

PAR at 12 in

135 umol/m2/s

PAR at 18 in

80 umol/m2/s

Spectrum

Includes 660 nm deep red LEDs; CRI > 92

Control

Inline controller: manual dimming 0-100%, daylight/moonlight modes, Auto 24/7 Lunar+ with 6H/9H/12H timer

Water resistance

IP67

Mounting

Adjustable sliding tank mounts

Strengths

• Built-in 24/7 Lunar+ timer (6, 9 or 12 hours) without needing an app
• Manufacturer PAR chart lists 135 umol/m2/s at 12 in
• IP67 water-resistance rating

Limitations

• Timer offers only 6, 9 or 12 hour presets
• No app or per-channel color control

Check Price on Amazon ↗ (opens Amazon in a new tab)Specs checked 2026-10-05. Prices and availability are on Amazon.

This review covers the Finnex Planted+ 3.0, model PL-36S, the 36 inch size. The same product page and listing family also covers the 24 inch (PL-24S) and 48 inch (PL-48S) sizes, so check that the listing you open names the 36 inch fixture before you buy. This review is about the 3.0 version with the Lunar+ controller.

Specifications

What these numbers mean in practice:

• Fit range. The fixture is just under 36 inches, and the sliding mounts extend it to about 45.5 inches. That gives a working range of about 36 to 45 inches, which covers the common 40 breeder (usually about 36 inches long).
• PAR. PAR measures the light plants can use. Finnex lists 135 umol/m2/s at 12 inches and 80 at 18 inches. Light falls off with depth, so for a tall tank use the 18 inch figure as your guide. Our light intensity guide explains what those levels mean for different plants.
• Spectrum. Finnex lists deep red 660 nm LEDs and a color rendering index (CRI) above 92, which describes how natural colors look under the light.
• Controller. Everything runs from an inline controller on the cable. The Auto 24/7 Lunar+ mode runs a daily cycle on a 6, 9 or 12 hour preset, so you do not need a separate timer or a phone.
• IP67. A water-resistance rating, which is reassuring over an open-top tank where splashes happen. Still keep the controller and power supply dry.

Suitable setups

• 40 breeder and other tanks about 36 to 45 inches long.
• Low-tech tanks, where you can dim the light and pick the 6 or 9 hour preset to keep algae in check.
• High-tech tanks with injected CO2, where the published PAR helps you plan for carpeting and stem plants. See our low-tech vs high-tech guide.
• Keepers who do not want an app. The whole schedule is set at the controller.

Strengths

• Built-in timer with no app needed, using 6, 9 or 12 hour presets.
• Published PAR at two depths, so you can compare it with other fixtures before buying.
• IP67 water-resistance rating.
• Simple dimming from 0 to 100% at the inline controller.

Limitations

• Only three timer lengths. If you want, say, an 8 hour photoperiod or a custom ramp, you would need to run it in manual mode on a separate programmable timer.
• No app and no per-channel color control. You cannot tune red, blue and white separately.
• Rim-mounted only. The sliding mounts rest on the tank rim, and Finnex does not mention a hanging kit.

Compatibility and required extras

• Tank length: about 36 to 45 inches, based on the fixture and extended-mount lengths. For shorter tanks, the 24 inch size covers about 24 to 30 inches; for longer tanks, the 48 inch size covers about 47 to 56 inches.
• Mounting: sliding mounts that sit on the rim. If you want to hang the light, look elsewhere.
• Extras: nothing is required beyond an outlet. A programmable plug-in timer is optional if the 6, 9 and 12 hour presets do not suit you; see our timers and lighting schedules guide.

Maintenance

• Wipe splash marks and mineral spots off the light underside so they do not dim it. Unplug it first.
• Keep the inline controller and power supply dry and away from the tank, with a drip loop in the cable.
• Check that the mounts are still seated after water changes or rescaping.
• If algae appears, try a shorter preset or lower dimming. Our algae troubleshooting guide walks through the causes.

Alternatives

Product	Fits	Best for	Skip if
Fluval Plant 3.0 Bluetooth LED (46 W / about 36-46 in (manual: up to 48 in)) Model 14522 Check Price ↗ (opens Amazon in a new tab)	36–46 in long	Planted tanks about 36-46 in long where you want app-programmed sunrise/sunset scheduling.	You want a light you can schedule without a smartphone app, or your tank length falls outside the bracket range.
Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Pro (36-48 in) Model 4012 Check Price ↗ (opens Amazon in a new tab)	36–48 in long	Planted tanks about 36-48 in long where you want a programmable, color-adjustable light with a remote.	You want app control or published PAR data before buying.

• Fluval Plant 3.0, 46 W: choose this if you want to program a full 24-hour cycle with sunrise and sunset from the FluvalSmart app, and you are fitting a tank about 36 to 46 inches long.
• Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Pro, 36-48 in: choose this if you want programmable sunrise, sunset and adjustable color with a wireless remote, rather than fixed timer presets. Current USA's product page does not list PAR figures.

If your tank is not 36 to 45 inches, the 24 or 48 inch Planted+ 3.0 is the simpler swap. For a size-by-size comparison with Fluval, see Fluval Plant 3.0 vs Finnex Planted+ 3.0, and for more 40 gallon options read our 40 gallon lighting picks.

Verdict

The Finnex Planted+ 3.0 36 in is a sensible choice for a planted tank about 36 to 45 inches long when you want a light that runs itself from a built-in timer and you value published PAR figures over app features. It works for both low-tech and CO2-injected tanks, provided you are happy with 6, 9 or 12 hour presets. If you want custom schedules or color control, the Fluval Plant 3.0 46 W or the Current USA Satellite Plus Pro is the better match. To check what size and style suit your tank, use the setup finder or browse the lighting equipment page.