Guides

Chihiros WRGB II Slim vs PRO: Which Planted Tank Light?

Chihiros WRGB II Slim vs WRGB II PRO aquarium lights compared on brightness, power, color channels and best plants, with who should buy which.

Please read: This content is researched for general information only and is not professional, medical, or veterinary advice. Every situation is different, so use your own judgment and double-check before acting, especially when adding chemicals or feeding and treating animals. Consult a qualified professional when in doubt. This page also contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The short version

Buy the WRGB II PRO for a planted tank with demanding, high-light plants. Buy the WRGB II Slim if you want a gentler light for low-to-medium light plants and fish. Chihiros lists the Slim as 40 to 50% less bright than the PRO. Choose the model length to match your tank.

The WRGB II comes in two lines, Slim and PRO, in lengths for tanks from 30 cm to 120 cm. The cards below show the Slim 45 and the PRO 60, but both lines come in several sizes, so match the size to your tank width. Our WRGB II PRO review covers the PRO in detail.

Gentler light

Chihiros WRGB II Slim Edition (45 cm shown)

Under $200

Check price on Amazon
High-light plants

Chihiros WRGB II PRO (60 cm shown)

Under $500

Check price on Amazon

At a glance

Chihiros WRGB II Slim Edition (45 cm shown)Chihiros WRGB II PRO (60 cm shown)
Brightness 40 to 50% less bright than the PRO Higher brightness (6,630 lm for the PRO 60)
Power 23W to 90W across sizes 37W to 138W across sizes (74W for the PRO 60)
Color control 3-in-1 RGB with adjustable color temperature 4-in-1 WRGB with individual white, red, green and blue channels
Best for Low-to-medium light plants and fish High-light plants, carpeting and stem plants
App Bluetooth My Chihiros app, sunrise and sunset modes Bluetooth My Chihiros app, timers and per-channel control
Sizes 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 30, 45, 60, 80, 90 and 120
Water protection Not listed IP43 splash-proof
Budget tier Under $200 Under $500

Specs from each manufacturer's published listing. Confirm the current listing before you buy.

Choose the Chihiros WRGB II Slim Edition (45 cm shown) if…

Your plants are low-to-medium light, or you keep mostly fish and want a lower-intensity light that is gentler on algae. The Slim is also the lower price tier.

Check Chihiros WRGB II Slim Edition (45 cm shown) on Amazon

Choose the Chihiros WRGB II PRO (60 cm shown) if…

You grow demanding plants, carpets or stem plants and want the highest output with individual control of the white, red, green and blue channels.

Check Chihiros WRGB II PRO (60 cm shown) on Amazon

Who should skip both

If you want a simple always-on light with no app, a basic LED is cheaper (see planted vs basic LED). If you want a Fluval option, see Fluval Plant 3.0 vs AquaSky 2.0.

Related

Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Chihiros WRGB II Slim and PRO?

The PRO is the brighter, higher-power line with 4-in-1 WRGB control for high-light plants. The Slim is listed as 40 to 50% less bright and is designed for low-to-medium light setups.

Which is better for a planted tank?

The PRO for demanding plants. The Slim for low-to-medium light plants.

Do they need an app?

Both use the My Chihiros Bluetooth app for timers, intensity and color control.

How do I pick the size?

Match the model length to your tank width. The Slim 45 fits tanks 45 to 60 cm wide, and the PRO 60 fits tanks 60 to 80 cm wide.

Planning or running a tank?

Use our free calculators and guides to get every number right.

Aquarium Planner: $39