AliExpress A8SE Reef Light

[apac]

If anyone is interested in the AliExpress light shades, as in my photo. I added stronger N52 8x3mm magnets as the magnets that come with the shades are really weak. The lightest of knocks and they are in the water. The 3mm thick magnets I added leave a small gap between the shades and the light, but there is no light spillage through the gap.

I also superglued a small piece of 5mm white acrylic to the back of the ‘A’ logo on the shades. This stops the harsh light coming through but also nicely illuminates the white acrylic with a soft glow.

 

[Aaron75]

Do the a7 lights get controlled by the same app?

 

[coralbeauties]

Yes mine make a hum. I have 3 and the fans are the noisiest item in my whole set-up. I assume it’s normal? Is there anything that can done to quieten them?

I have 5 of them running and I cant even hear them. I have to feel for the air coming out the ends to tell they are running. My hearing isnt the best so Im sure they are making some noise be very little.
Jeff

 

[bradreef]

I agree, much quieter than my simplicity skimmer.

 

[apac]

Maybe I am being over sensitive to the fan noise, but they definitely have a distinct hum.

 

[dbroncos]

Hello everyone just hooked up one of these lights and am having a hard time. I tried searching because I’m sure it’s been discussed. Every time I click on time correct it works until for a few seconds and then pops up again. Also trying to run AB+ and when I click on that and hit save to device and come back in it’s not checked anymore. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dbroncos]

Sorry also how to you turn the overall intensity down?

 

[Aaron75]

Hello everyone just hooked up one of these lights and am having a hard time. I tried searching because I’m sure it’s been discussed. Every time I click on time correct it works until for a few seconds and then pops up again. Also trying to run AB+ and when I click on that and hit save to device and come back in it’s not checked anymore. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Change your time zone under the "My" tab on the home page. To change intensity, use the slider right there in the middle between "in" and "back"

 

[dbroncos]

Change your time zone under the "My" tab on the home page. To change intensity, use the slider right there in the middle between "in" and "back"

awesome thank you!

 

[Stephers]

I haven't been able to find much of a consensus between whether the blue or max is "better" and whether the pro or regular SE is "better." Any opinions? Can anyone explain for me?

 

[Aaron75]

I haven't been able to find much of a consensus between whether the blue or max is "better" and whether the pro or regular SE is "better." Any opinions? Can anyone explain for me?

Blue is the more popular option. Pro option is "better" because of the Led's used and the power supply, cree and meanwell. There isn't enough time/data to suggest one or the other will perform better or last longer, but it is assumed the pro will be better long term.

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

If you want to see ridiculous, I just installed 5 more A8SE lights making 10 total for my 200 gallon reef we got spread baby! At 30% I’m getting 375 par to majority of the tank

 

[Stephers]

Blue is the more popular option. Pro option is "better" because of the Led's used and the power supply, cree and meanwell. There isn't enough time/data to suggest one or the other will perform better or last longer, but it is assumed the pro will be better long term.

Thanks a bunch. I'm setting up a standard 180g soon. I'm going to have at least 4 t5 bulbs in addition but was thinking about these as well. Do you think 3 blue Pros would be good?

 

[Aaron75]

Thanks a bunch. I'm setting up a standard 180g soon. I'm going to have at least 4 t5 bulbs in addition but was thinking about these as well. Do you think 3 blue Pros would be good?

Ya, I think that will be perfect. I have mine using the stock AB+ settings where blues are at 80%, 10" over the water for a 28x28 coverage. The first # is just light, other # is with my bars. Plenty of par.

 

[fufoow]

If you want to see ridiculous, I just installed 5 more A8SE lights making 10 total for my 200 gallon reef we got spread baby! At 30% I’m getting 375 par to majority of the tank

Did you put thermal paste or you just go without it ?

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

Did you put thermal paste or you just go without it ?

I did add thermal paste. I documented the process on page 41

 

[LittleMaui]

Yes mine make a hum. I have 3 and the fans are the noisiest item in my whole set-up. I assume it’s normal? Is there anything that can done to quieten them?

Yes, I had a similar problem that I created. The fan grill is only lightly glued in place. If you put any pressure on the grill (say a finger pushing down), the grill will rub against the fan blades. If you look back many pages ago, there is discussion and photos of fixes.

 

[LittleMaui]

If anyone is interested in the AliExpress light shades, as in my photo. I added stronger N52 8x3mm magnets as the magnets that come with the shades are really weak. The lightest of knocks and they are in the water. The 3mm thick magnets I added leave a small gap between the shades and the light, but there is no light spillage through the gap.

I also superglued a small piece of 5mm white acrylic to the back of the ‘A’ logo on the shades. This stops the harsh light coming through but also nicely illuminates the white acrylic with a soft glow.

Thanks. The price is right on the shade and they do the job - but you are correct, those OEM magnets suck. I'll search for the ones you mentioned.

 

[LittleMaui]

Question for app users. I installed the app on a new phone and used my username to login. I then selected to download the configurations in the cloud, but they don't show on the app. Ideas?

 

[fufoow]

I did add thermal paste. I documented the process on page 41

Ok ok, I’ve watched your video I’m currently using 2 radions xr15 g6 blue, 2 hydras 32 hd and my A8 SE, I’m really happy with the my A8 that I’m thinking to sell my hydras to get a pair of A8, how is your tank with these lights? Better color? More growth?