AliExpress A8SE Reef Light

[KoenE]

I have the one with the chinese adapter, and got it from someone near me who ordered one to many, so no clue which aliexpress seller he used. The lens I just bought from a LFS over here that got them in stock, it's the original high intensity lens kit for the XR30 (Ecotech products can sometimes be scarce here in the netherlands, so I had to wait for a week or 2-3 before I could order it).

 

[chicago]

thanks for the info...

 

[Jonreefer]

thanks for the info...

pretty much all XR30 accessories fit this light
I have the XR30 diffuser and the blade mount on mine and it fits perfectly

 

[VDR]

would be cool if we could control the lights locally, rather than through the internet.

I did some tests and every time I disconnect the internet, I lose the ability to control the lamps, even though I'm on the same local network and I'm able to ping the IP addresses that the lamps received.

 

[mikesreef83]

What is the benefit of requesting the Meanwell driver over what the lights comes with? I'm asking because I requested the driver upgrade but the seller (Breezeaqua) stated they are currently out of stock atm.

 

[Jonreefer]

What is the benefit of requesting the Meanwell driver over what the lights comes with? I'm asking because I requested the driver upgrade but the seller (Breezeaqua) stated they are currently out of stock atm.

I did that and got the meanwell with mine. I wanted to make sure I had a high quality driver that wouldnt give me issues. I saw some other post the generic driver if you started using to much power it didnt seem like it could keep up and the lights would blink. This thing feels like a tank as well. Its probably double the weight of the light. Its oputdoor rated to so if it would ever get a splash i wouldnt have to worry

 

[mikesreef83]

I did that and got the meanwell with mine. I wanted to make sure I had a high quality driver that wouldnt give me issues. I saw some other post the generic driver if you started using to much power it didnt seem like it could keep up and the lights would blink. This thing feels like a tank as well. Its probably double the weight of the light. Its oputdoor rated to so if it would ever get a splash i wouldnt have to worry

That's good to know. What supplier did you go with? I am going back and forth between Alibaba and AliExpress and not sure to get the A8se II Blue or the A8 Pro II Blue. Whichever is best! lol

 

[Jonreefer]

That's good to know. What supplier did you go with? I am going back and forth between Alibaba and AliExpress and not sure to get the A8se II Blue or the A8 Pro II Blue. Whichever is best! lol

I got mine from Breezeaqua on aliexpress. I got the A8SE II Blue and I am happy with it. Pretty much seems to mimic my G5 XR15 blue I had on a previous tank
I had good dealings with them. I got 3 DMP pump and this A8 light and they all came super fast

 

[apac]

I’ve just received and tested my first A8 pro ll max from Breeze Aqua. Having read this whole thread I feel it put me at an advantage before it arrived. Last weekend I split my WiFi into separate 5ghz and 2.4ghz settings, making sure I was on 2.4 when connecting. Made sure WiFi password was only letters, numbers and no symbols.
I had no issues at all. Was very quick and easy and the app also auto set the time zone for the U.K. I have another that should arrive in few days.
My order of the two lights was initially delayed due to low stock back in February, but once the lights were posted they took two weeks to arrive. The seller responded quickly to messages I sent them via AliExpress.
I’ve got the Chinese power supply, and my next move is to add some thermal paste to the heatsink inside the light cover (without unplugging the main pin board!).

 

[apac]

As much as it’s pretty easy to add thermal paste, I did not enjoy doing it. I may leave the next light and see what temp differences there are.

Also, is it normal when re-opening the app and going into the light settings that you are asked if you want to update the time zone again? I press OK and the time changes to my local time. Is this normal?

 

[Jonreefer]

As much as it’s pretty easy to add thermal paste, I did not enjoy doing it. I may leave the next light and see what temp differences there are.

Also, is it normal when re-opening the app and going into the light settings that you are asked if you want to update the time zone again? I press OK and the time changes to my local time. Is this normal?

yea mine does that ever since daylight savings started. It doesnt adjust for that and it keeps trying to match it when i open the app. I just ignore it

 

[ryudo80]

Does this light have alot of spillage? Also, when doing the order check out, it doesn't ask what type of plug. Does it come with plugs for many different regions?

 

[penfold2]

As much as it’s pretty easy to add thermal paste, I did not enjoy doing it. I may leave the next light and see what temp differences there are.

I noticed no temperature change after adding thermal paste to mine. In theory it should help, and I'm still glad I did it, but I can't say that it makes any difference.

Also, is it normal when re-opening the app and going into the light settings that you are asked if you want to update the time zone again? I press OK and the time changes to my local time. Is this normal?

It does this when there is a time mismatch between the light and your phone. If you update to the correct UTC time zone in the app, the times will match, and it will stop asking.

yea mine does that ever since daylight savings started. It doesnt adjust for that and it keeps trying to match it when i open the app. I just ignore it

It's because UTC time does not recognize daylight savings. If you didn't change the app's time zone setting at daylight savings then your time zone is now off by an hour. Your light is trying to set itself to both the incorrect time in your app, and the correct time on your phone. It will stop asking if you change the app's time zone to match your local time.

 

[Jonreefer]

It's because UTC time does not recognize daylight savings. If you didn't change the app's time zone setting at daylight savings then your time zone is now off by an hour. Your light is trying to set itself to both the incorrect time in your app, and the correct time on your phone. It will stop asking if you change the app's time zone to match your local time.

I just press the button to shift my schedule 1hr and resolved my schedule.

 

[LittleMaui]

Has anyone found, or made, a video that walks through how to setup and use the app including all the features?

 

[penfold2]

I just press the button to shift my schedule 1hr and resolved my schedule.

That works too, but either way you're changing something twice per year, your schedule, or your time zone. Changing the time zone is just as easy, and has the benefit of eliminating the nagging time update every time you open the app.

 

[LunchboLobster]

Could someone post a direct link to the correct meanwell power supply? Also, does the meanwell run cooler? The other stock one runs crazy hot

 

[Jonreefer]

Could someone post a direct link to the correct meanwell power supply? Also, does the meanwell run cooler? The other stock one runs crazy hot

Mine barely gets warm at 60w usage. I havnt turned it up yet. Once I upgrade my tank i am sure i will crank it up a good bit more

they are out of stock at the moment. I got it from this vendor with my light on purchase
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...anage-home.0.0&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

 

[LunchboLobster]

Mine barely gets warm at 60w usage. I havnt turned it up yet. Once I upgrade my tank i am sure i will crank it up a good bit more

they are out of stock at the moment. I got it from this vendor with my light on purchase
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...anage-home.0.0&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Thanks. That price seems high, looks like you can buy that driver for $50 in the states. Would have to wire the connections through.

 

[Jonreefer]

Thanks. That price seems high, looks like you can buy that driver for $50 in the states. Would have to wire the connections through.

price went up. It use to be 70 I only paid $30 for it as an up charge add on to my light