Nicrew HyperReef 200 vs A8se Pro

[Addicted2Reef’n]

I ordered and installed the HyperReef 200’s with the Nicrew bar from ceiling. These lights are nice. The lights and the bar are high quality. My only issue I have is that the lights only have 5 channels. Violet, Blue, White , Red and Green. I can only tune the color so much and that is why I am thinking of returning to purchase what I originally was looking into buying the A8se. I held back because reviews about the app being wonky and I like the idea of a backup controller to set and forget. I have done par test with the Nicrews and even at 50% blue and 20% white it is way more than I will ever need so that’s lot the issue here. I am only dissatisfied with the color capabilities.
I ordered the Nicrew 200’s on Black Friday for $280 each which is less than the usual $400. Am I making a mistake returning these and ordering the 3 A8se for $650 w meanwell power supplies ? Any one on here that has used both and can give me your experience would be greatly appreciated thank you

 

[Jposch]

I have had the a8se for over a year. They work, but the app and connecting them is a huge pain. If you want whiter light, the a8se will do that for you. I have 3 connected via the app/cloud, but for some reason, the 4th one will only work with direct connection. I did not opt for the meanwell power supplies. I run them near max power, all channels, no issues so far.

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

I have had the a8se for over a year. They work, but the app and connecting them is a huge pain. If you want whiter light, the a8se will do that for you. I have 3 connected via the app/cloud, but for some reason, the 4th one will only work with direct connection. I did not opt for the meanwell power supplies. I run them near max power, all channels, no issues so far.

I was told the 3 units A8se blue with meanwell driver will be USD619, include shipping. Compared to Ali express where it wld be $820 for same thing.

You have the A8se blue or the Max. The max has whiter channels

Btw they cld not name these different models in a more confusing manner if they tried lol

 

[Jposch]

I was told the 3 units A8se blue with meanwell driver will be USD619, include shipping. Compared to Ali express where it wld be $820 for same thing.

You have the A8se blue or the Max. The max has whiter channels

Btw they cld not name these different models in a more confusing manner if they tried lol

I believe i have the A8se. That's it for the name. I know they have a gen II now or whatever.
I used the nicrew controller in a friend's tank, and I thought it was pretty confusing to use. Then again, the app setup for the A8's isn't a treat either.

 

[Seansea]

How many channels you looking to cover? Doesnt that 5 about do it? I use the nicrew 150s on a mix with kessils and quanta bars. I have the whites ramped up cuz i like to see the colors on my fish and it looks pretty good. Contoller is easy as 2+2 after u get use to it.

 

[JonoH]

I believe i have the A8se. That's it for the name. I know they have a gen II now or whatever.
I used the nicrew controller in a friend's tank, and I thought it was pretty confusing to use. Then again, the app setup for the A8's isn't a treat either.

The A8se comes in either Blue or Max - depends on your selection when purchasing.

I am trialling one of these on my Frag tank, and its been great (albiet I would get a Max next time not the Blue).
Honestly I have not had any issues with the App - sure its not as good as AI or Mobius, but it works for me.

 

[Jposch]

The A8se comes in either Blue or Max - depends on your selection when purchasing.

I am trialling one of these on my Frag tank, and its been great (albiet I would get a Max next time not the Blue).
Honestly I have not had any issues with the App - sure its not as good as AI or Mobius, but it works for me.

I bought mine nov 2023 when they were under $200 each. Before all those extra versions. They only had the A8 and A8se. The A8 was (allegedly) Cree diodes, and meanwell driver. Personally, I wouldn't trust a company that makes a perfect copy/Dupe of a name brand product to actually use authentic and top binned cree diodes and meanwell drivers.
At the current price plus tarriffs, I don't think they are such a deal.

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

How many channels you looking to cover? Doesnt that 5 about do it? I use the nicrew 150s on a mix with kessils and quanta bars. I have the whites ramped up cuz i like to see the colors on my fish and it looks pretty good. Contoller is easy as 2+2 after u get use to it.

Oh the controller is great and one of the reasons Nicrew was what I bought. My issue is that there is only one blue channel to control and it’s very windex blue for my taste I have to tune from that blue color I don’t like with the violet and just one white channel and red or green. More channels will allow me to tune them more.

 

[Addicted2Reef’n]

Mounting ;

My only issue is that I want to keep the Nicrew mount bar bc I think it’s the nicest one out there. I think I can save a slider from the Nicrews and bolt the top of the A 8’s to the slider in the Nicrew frame. But not sure. Have similar x mounts on both

 

[Hooz]

I thought I read somewhere that Nicrew was planning a wifi controller/adapter, and that new adapter would offer more channels of adjustment. Depending on which version of the A8 you get, they also have a varying number of channels that you can adjust, so make sure the one you want actually has all the adjustments available.

Might want to just hang on to the Nicrews for a bit and see what comes out.

 

[tautog83]

It would be nice if they had a wireless controller but im not sure where you read that. ive been trying to look into that. Ive heard that by switching to the 90 degree optics the blues look a bit better .. how or why im not sure , its just what some people are saying .