Nicrew hyper reef gen2 100w or Popbloom rl115

[angsess]

My new tank will be 3ftx2ftx16 in deep. I want a mixed reef with the ability to get into sps eventually. Should I do 2 nicrew hyper reef gen 2 100w with the controller or 2 Popbloom hl115?

Are there any other options you would suggest in the same price range or a little more?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I've used them both, I find the color they put out is very similar, not too blue which I like. I've grown anything under these lights, they both work very well. However I don't like the popbloom app its pretty bad. I didn't get the nicrew controller so I can't comment on that.

 

[Baldyreef]

My new tank will be 3ftx2ftx16 in deep. I want a mixed reef with the ability to get into sps eventually. Should I do 2 nicrew hyper reef gen 2 100w with the controller or 2 Popbloom hl115?

Are there any other options you would suggest in the same price range or a little more?

in my opinion nicrew would be better, they're quieter and more reliable, great lights like a less expensive radion

 

[angsess]

in my opinion nicrew would be better, they're quieter and more reliable, great lights like a less expensive radion

I am thinking this is the case. I am concerned about the lack of app control. Do you know anything about the controller? Does it do everything I would need it to do to able to dial in the lighting?

I am also concerned about whether getting budget lights mean making compromises I'll regret. Its hard to know sometimes in this hobby when I "need" to pay more for the premium option or the "budget" option is just fine.

 

[Baldyreef]

I am thinking this is the case. I am concerned about the lack of app control. Do you know anything about the controller? Does it do everything I would need it to do to able to dial in the lighting?

I am also concerned about whether getting budget lights mean making compromises I'll regret. Its hard to know sometimes in this hobby when I "need" to pay more for the premium option or the "budget" option is just fine.

the controller is very nice and even without it the buttons are pretty versatile but I definetly reccomend the controller its similar to app controllers, as far as "need" to pay more for premium options, I personally use nicrew lights and find they have same quality as more expensive options and are even a bit queiter, and they're very good power for their price, I've grown acros with them and even acros with the smaller nicrew navareef 65 in my 5 gallon when it was running a year ago

 

[angsess]

the controller is very nice and even without it the buttons are pretty versatile but I definetly reccomend the controller its similar to app controllers, as far as "need" to pay more for premium options, I personally use nicrew lights and find they have same quality as more expensive options and are even a bit queiter, and they're very good power for their price, I've grown acros with them and even acros with the smaller nicrew navareef 65 in my 5 gallon when it was running a year ago

Honestly, based on everything I have read I think you are right. Do you think 2 100s is going to be sufficient?

 

[Baldyreef]

the controller is very nice and even without it the buttons are pretty versatile but I definetly reccomend the controller its similar to app controllers, as far as "need" to pay more for premium options, I personally use nicrew lights and find they have same quality as more expensive options and are even a bit queiter, and they're very good power for their price, I've grown acros with them and even acros with the smaller nicrew navareef 65 in my 5 gallon when it was running a year ago

Honestly, based on everything I have read I think you are right. Do you think 2 100s is going to be sufficient?

Definitely

 

[averagesteve]

Have you considered the 100w noopsyche K7 pro IV ? They are cheaper than the Nicrew and have an app so you don't need a controller. I believe most say the light spectrum is better than the Nicrews also.

 

[Scorpius]

I use the Nicrew HyperReef 200 on a 3 ft tank and I have zero issues and it grows coral. I do have the controller which is extremely similar to a Kessil controller which I used on my old setup. Physical control is always better than an app.

 

[Michael Hughes]

I use two Nicrew HyperReef 100 gen 2s on my new 125. Dead quiet and they put out a really pleasing spectrum (I personally like a more natural whiter light). The controller is great too.

FWIW I use a Nicrew 65W on my 14 gallon frag tank and get really good results with it there too. The 65W does run a tad more blue but I still like it.

 

[Josh Will]

I own both lights, and honestly I prefer the popploom rl115. It has higher wattage and stronger PAR output, plus the shimmer effect looks amazing.
As for the app, it supports remote access and group control. You can find tutorial videos for the app on YouTube. Once you get the hang of it, everything works perfectly.

 

[rtodd76]

Im leaning to the Nicrew hyper reef gen2 . I am thinking getting one for my tank.

 

[rtodd76]

An honorable mention could be the reefi uno 2.1 , I habe heard really good things about that one and it comes with multiple reflectors included