AIPAI A7 III Quick Review

[ironreef]

Here is my quick review of the new A7 III. I was about to go with a used Kessil until I found this. There aren't alot of reviews on the light, so I am adding mine to the pile. I recently picked up the AIPAI A7 III from AliExpress for $130 shipped to the US, and it arrived in about 2 weeks. Setup happened yesterday on my ~4-month-old Innovative Marine (IM) 15 tank, and overall, I'm very impressed for the price.


Pros:

• Aesthetics — This was a major requirement for me. I really dislike the boxy, dated look of many budget lights that resemble old gaming consoles. The A7 III has a sleek, modern point-source design that mimics the premium Kessil shimmer and ripple effect on the water surface. It looks clean and high-end.
• Mounting & Adjustability — The included stand is excellent. You can route the power cable through the stem for a super tidy appearance, no messy dangling wires. The swivel joint where the light connects to the arm is a standout feature; I angled it slightly backward to prevent light spill forward, which is a nice touch for glare control.
• Reflectors/Shroud — It came with reflectors that do a great job shrouding the LEDs, reducing direct eye contact and making the light much more pleasant to look at.
• Noise — The internal fan is impressively quiet—barely noticeable even in a quiet room.
• Performance & Control — It's a full-spectrum light with multiple color channels (6, from what I can tell), and while the app is in pretty broken English and feels clunky, I got it figured out in about 45 minutes. I set up my own custom schedule and intensities for each channel, no major issues once I poked around.
• Value — For $130, this delivers a very close "Kessil look" in terms of shimmer, spread, and spectrum without the $400+ price tag. It's a fantastic entry/mid-level option for smaller tanks like my IM 15.

Cons:

• The app could definitely use better translation and UI polish, it's functional but not intuitive at first.

If you're after an affordable LED that punches way above its weight in looks and shimmer while keeping things quiet and adjustable, the AIPAI A7 III is a strong recommendation. Highly recommend for budget reefers who want that premium aesthetic without breaking the bank.

 

[Yab00ku]

Hi, I’m considering buying an AIPAI A7 III and wanted to ask about your experience with it.
I currently run Kessil lights on my tank and may need to replace one of them with the A7 III.

Does the color and overall look feel close to the Kessil spectrum? and can I use the kessil mount I already have to mount this light?

If the light is programmed through the app, does it continue running the schedule normally if Wi-Fi disconnects, or does it require a constant connection?

Also, if the light loses power or Wi-Fi, does the programmed schedule stay saved, or would it need to be set up again?

thanks

 

[eekimov1981]

Today I received my A7 III WiFi App Control Full Spectrum 100W Saltwater Marine LED. The hardware itself isn’t bad, but the application used to control it is absurd.

1. It refuses to connect to my router, which leaves direct connection to a phone or tablet as the only option. The problem is that these lights require a constant Wi-Fi connection; otherwise, they simply do not work.
2. I found an old iPhone, installed and updated the app, and although everything seemed to be working, the app does not automatically update the clock. As a result, the lighting cycle does not run at all—you have to update it manually whenever you remember to do so.

This lamp, without a proper application—which it clearly lacks—is simply fit for the trash.

 

[ironreef]

You need to set the timezone in the app specifically. I had the same issue and figured it out by setting the time zone correctly. Been running all week like clockwork without having to touch the app.

 

[eekimov1981]

You need to set the timezone in the app specifically. I had the same issue and figured it out by setting the time zone correctly. Been running all week like clockwork without having to touch the app.

In my case, it cannot be changed. I’ve tried everything. It always stays at UTC +8. As soon as I try to change it from the settings, it gets stuck on “request” and doesn’t stop until I restart the application.

 

[n1ng]

I've had a pair over my Cade for about a month now. They replaced my pair of kessil A160e. Can't argue with the price. I would agree that the app can use some work, but it's fine - I only mess with my schedule and lighting initially. About a couple weeks ago one light would not sync with the app and I had to factory reset it. Otherwise they operate like clockwork.

When compared to my old kessils I would say that the shimmer is really not the same. When I look at my ceiling with kessils there are distinct, intense ripples. The A7 are more blurred and less uniformed. I'm using the 90° reflectors. I would think this is because the A7 array is not nearly as dense.

Overall I'm getting more than I expected for a fraction of the price of a new A360XE. Heck for the price I paid I think I could of got 4 A7 for the price of one kessil.

 

[penfold2]

Today I received my A7 III WiFi App Control Full Spectrum 100W Saltwater Marine LED. The hardware itself isn’t bad, but the application used to control it is absurd.

1. It refuses to connect to my router, which leaves direct connection to a phone or tablet as the only option. The problem is that these lights require a constant Wi-Fi connection; otherwise, they simply do not work.
2. I found an old iPhone, installed and updated the app, and although everything seemed to be working, the app does not automatically update the clock. As a result, the lighting cycle does not run at all—you have to update it manually whenever you remember to do so.

This lamp, without a proper application—which it clearly lacks—is simply fit for the trash.

I haven't used this specific light, but it looks like it uses the same AIPAI app as my A8SE. In order to connect the light to wifi, you want to use a 2.4g only network. Routers that supply both 2.4g and 5g usually allow the creation of a separate 2.4g only network for devices like this. You also need to avoid using any special characters in the SSID and password, numbers and letters only (both upper and lower case are fine).

Here's an excellent guide that a R2R member wrote for connecting the A8 lights to the AIPAI app. I'm guessing the process is the same for the A7.

It would be nice if they used a network adapter that allowed 5g connections, but that would probably increase the cost, and it does work once you get past the initial hurdles.

 

[ironreef]

I haven't used this specific light, but it looks like it uses the same AIPAI app as my A8SE. In order to connect the light to wifi, you want to use a 2.4g only network. Routers that supply both 2.4g and 5g usually allow the creation of a separate 2.4g only network for devices like this. You also need to avoid using any special characters in the SSID and password, numbers and letters only (both upper and lower case are fine).

Here's an excellent guide that a R2R member wrote for connecting the A8 lights to the AIPAI app. I'm guessing the process is the same for the A7.

It would be nice if they used a network adapter that allowed 5g connections, but that would probably increase the cost, and it does work once you get past the initial hurdles.

This is probably the fix for the guy above. I have my wifi already split to 2.4 and 5ghz channels because alot of home automation devices require 2.4ghz to communicate.

 

[69cam]

I've had a pair over my Cade for about a month now. They replaced my pair of kessil A160e. Can't argue with the price. I would agree that the app can use some work, but it's fine - I only mess with my schedule and lighting initially. About a couple weeks ago one light would not sync with the app and I had to factory reset it. Otherwise they operate like clockwork.

When compared to my old kessils I would say that the shimmer is really not the same. When I look at my ceiling with kessils there are distinct, intense ripples. The A7 are more blurred and less uniformed. I'm using the 90° reflectors. I would think this is because the A7 array is not nearly as dense.

Overall I'm getting more than I expected for a fraction of the price of a new A360XE. Heck for the price I paid I think I could of got 4 A7 for the price of one kessil.

Agree on the shimmer.
My A7 doesn't have much more shimmer than my Hydra26.

 

[n1ng]

In my case, it cannot be changed. I’ve tried everything. It always stays at UTC +8. As soon as I try to change it from the settings, it gets stuck on “request” and doesn’t stop until I restart the application.

My lights have the same problem after a factory reset. Before the reset one was turning off prematurely hence the reset. I tried changing my timezone with no luck. It would seem that without changing the tz you can't even program. I could link my A7s to my wifi, but couldn't change the timezone. I ended up directly connecting to them and trying to change the timezone.

Same issue - after changing the timezone, clicking save it gets stuck on "requesting". I would use the back function on my phone to get out of the stuck request. I would land on the homepage. After doing this a couple of times (unlike when connected through my network), the timezone would change to my selected timezone. It's bananas.

I'm using Android version 3.1.23. I think the programming is working as the lights are currently off based on my schedule. I would troubleshoot for wifi connectivity but right now I'll test out the manual config. The direct connection has many limitations vs the cloud. You can't seem sync multiples, you can't save settings afaik.

Would anyone know how to contact the developer of the app for feedback? I'm thinking it's a software or comm issue at this point.

 

[dedragon]

i was looking at these versus the kassray version but seeing the app issues im leaning kassray at this point (if i get rid of my orpheks that is)

 

[JWontor]

I just ran into issues with the app connecting to my AS8 Pro. I turned off cellular data for the AIPAI app and everything started working again.

 

[n1ng]

My lights have the same problem after a factory reset. Before the reset one was turning off prematurely hence the reset. I tried changing my timezone with no luck. It would seem that without changing the tz you can't even program. I could link my A7s to my wifi, but couldn't change the timezone. I ended up directly connecting to them and trying to change the timezone.

Same issue - after changing the timezone, clicking save it gets stuck on "requesting". I would use the back function on my phone to get out of the stuck request. I would land on the homepage. After doing this a couple of times (unlike when connected through my network), the timezone would change to my selected timezone. It's bananas.

I'm using Android version 3.1.23. I think the programming is working as the lights are currently off based on my schedule. I would troubleshoot for wifi connectivity but right now I'll test out the manual config. The direct connection has many limitations vs the cloud. You can't seem sync multiples, you can't save settings afaik.

Would anyone know how to contact the developer of the app for feedback? I'm thinking it's a software or comm issue at this point.

Can add the pair to the app now. Strange something must have changed. Linked both on the first try and for now behave as expected. No update for the app or firmware ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[kevin-aa]

Today I received my A7 III WiFi App Control Full Spectrum 100W Saltwater Marine LED. The hardware itself isn’t bad, but the application used to control it is absurd.

1. It refuses to connect to my router, which leaves direct connection to a phone or tablet as the only option. The problem is that these lights require a constant Wi-Fi connection; otherwise, they simply do not work.
2. I found an old iPhone, installed and updated the app, and although everything seemed to be working, the app does not automatically update the clock. As a result, the lighting cycle does not run at all—you have to update it manually whenever you remember to do so.

This lamp, without a proper application—which it clearly lacks—is simply fit for the trash.

please connect to the 2.4G WiFi

 

[kevin-aa]

Agree on the shimmer.
My A7 doesn't have much more shimmer than my Hydra26.

i like it blue color,its very comfortable

 

[fmd87]

Any idea if the Kessel 35 degree reflector will fit it? Id like to get these but will be mounting about 4ft from my tank (FOWLR). Thanks!

 

[Reus Reef]

He perdido el QR para bajarme la aplicacion, alguien tiene algun enlace para poder bajarla, ya que en el Play Store no esta, gracias

 

[ReefreshinglyBlue]

Here is my quick review of the new A7 III. I was about to go with a used Kessil until I found this. There aren't alot of reviews on the light, so I am adding mine to the pile. I recently picked up the AIPAI A7 III from AliExpress for $130 shipped to the US, and it arrived in about 2 weeks. Setup happened yesterday on my ~4-month-old Innovative Marine (IM) 15 tank, and overall, I'm very impressed for the price.


Pros:

• Aesthetics — This was a major requirement for me. I really dislike the boxy, dated look of many budget lights that resemble old gaming consoles. The A7 III has a sleek, modern point-source design that mimics the premium Kessil shimmer and ripple effect on the water surface. It looks clean and high-end.
• Mounting & Adjustability — The included stand is excellent. You can route the power cable through the stem for a super tidy appearance, no messy dangling wires. The swivel joint where the light connects to the arm is a standout feature; I angled it slightly backward to prevent light spill forward, which is a nice touch for glare control.
• Reflectors/Shroud — It came with reflectors that do a great job shrouding the LEDs, reducing direct eye contact and making the light much more pleasant to look at.
• Noise — The internal fan is impressively quiet—barely noticeable even in a quiet room.
• Performance & Control — It's a full-spectrum light with multiple color channels (6, from what I can tell), and while the app is in pretty broken English and feels clunky, I got it figured out in about 45 minutes. I set up my own custom schedule and intensities for each channel, no major issues once I poked around.
• Value — For $130, this delivers a very close "Kessil look" in terms of shimmer, spread, and spectrum without the $400+ price tag. It's a fantastic entry/mid-level option for smaller tanks like my IM 15.

Cons:

• The app could definitely use better translation and UI polish, it's functional but not intuitive at first.

If you're after an affordable LED that punches way above its weight in looks and shimmer while keeping things quiet and adjustable, the AIPAI A7 III is a strong recommendation. Highly recommend for budget reefers who want that premium aesthetic without breaking the bank.

Sorry for the noise, but is there any chance I can message you, or another owner of this light, privately? I am not sure how to do that on this forum (maybe it's because I have a new account or maybe you need to 'follow' me first)

 

[brad65ford]

I added a few of these A7s alongside the AIPAI A8s, and they bring back that extra shimmer the A8s are missing. I really like them and I’m surprised there isn’t more discussion about these lights.

I ran two over a 50-gallon tank without lenses, and within about two months, coralline algae was growing all over the system. I also really like the blue spectrum and ran them with 0% white on our other system.

They may not be Kessils, but they can definitely grow coral.