AliExpress A8SE Reef Light

jackson6745 · Mar 25, 2025

Keep an eye on your spectrums. It started by missing a few diodes of blues, became visually noticeable, significant drop
In par, then just dimmed out to the point where it’s not usable.

Toob · Mar 25, 2025

I bought 4 more of these lights - so 6 total now. Once I figured out how to solve the time zone problem I have had zero issues with the lights so far.

Even paid just $145 each for the 4x purchase on Alibaba - pretty hard to beat that deal, warranty or not.

The app actually functions better than most (I have experience with Kessil, straton, Reefi, and mobius) - if you can look past some of the translation issues. But the way it manages light groups and keeps them synced is probably the most straightforward out of any app. Kessil did this really poorly, and Reefi often de-syncs lights.

UK-Reefer · Mar 25, 2025

Toob said:
I bought 4 more of these lights - so 6 total now. Once I figured out how to solve the time zone problem I have had zero issues with the lights so far.

Even paid just $145 each for the 4x purchase on Alibaba - pretty hard to beat that deal, warranty or not.

The app actually functions better than most (I have experience with Kessil, straton, Reefi, and mobius) - if you can look past some of the translation issues. But the way it manages light groups and keeps them synced is probably the most straightforward out of any app. Kessil did this really poorly, and Reefi often de-syncs lights.

Which version did you buy A8, A8SE, Max, Pro, Blue?

Jonreefer · Mar 25, 2025

I am thinking of getting a 2nd light but the vendor is out of the meanwell driver. How is the stock power supply working for everyone

jackson6745 · Mar 25, 2025

Jonreefer said:
I am thinking of getting a 2nd light but the vendor is out of the meanwell driver. How is the stock power supply working for everyone

2 mean wells crapped out on me with x30s while the stock one from a8se working fine since last summer.

Jonreefer · Mar 25, 2025

jackson6745 said:
2 mean wells crapped out on me with x30s while the stock one from a8se working fine since last summer.

hmm maybe i will order the other with the stock power supply

penfold2 · Mar 25, 2025

Jonreefer said:
I am thinking of getting a 2nd light but the vendor is out of the meanwell driver. How is the stock power supply working for everyone

My A8SE II with stock PS has been working great for a month and a half now. Currently at 45% output.

LittleMaui · Mar 25, 2025

Jonreefer said:
Yea they are super tight in there. Must be lock tight.
I used a PH1 size bit from my precision screwdriver kit and a lot of downward force while removing. I got them out with no issue other than being tight

Thanks for the advice and photos! I used a PH1 and followed your instructions and was able to easily get to the fan. When I initially unpacked and grabbed the light, I put pressure on the fan cover pushing it down. It's only slightly glued in place. I applied a tiny bit of super glue between the fan guard and plastic cover. Also, used a little bit of 3m padding to slightly raise the cover above the fan. There are two existing padded spacers, which I used to raise the fan guard a bit.

apac · Mar 26, 2025

Jonreefer said:
I am thinking of getting a 2nd light but the vendor is out of the meanwell driver. How is the stock power supply working for everyone

The standard power supply is only rated for about 200w. So keep this mind if you want to go full radioactive with your light intensity. I ‘assume’ it will get very hot if trying to push it with maximum settings.

Output: 32v at 6.25amps = 208w

Jonreefer · Mar 26, 2025

apac said:
The standard power supply is only rated for about 200w. So keep this mind if you want to go full radioactive with your light intensity. I ‘assume’ it will get very hot if trying to push it with maximum settings.

Output: 32v at 6.25amps = 208w

I only use 50w currently but I feel like it may bump up to 75w each when I upgrade tanks so not pushing anywhere near the limit