Nicrew HyperReef Gen 1 vs Gen 2

[Cow]

I’m considering picking up a set of used Gen 1 Nicrew HyperReef lights (two 150W units and one 100W) for $225 total. It seems like a solid deal, but I wanted to get some opinions before I pull the trigger.

From what I’ve gathered, Gen 2 offers a few improvements:
Revised spectrum for better coral growth and color
Redesigned lens for improved light spread and fewer hotspots
Smoother transitions and ramping compared to the abrupt steps in Gen 1

My question: Do you think Gen 1 units are still worth it at this price, or would I regret not going with new Gen 2s? I don’t mind managing hotspots if the performance is still solid.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I've been using a gen 1 100 watt nicrew for the past 2 years, I'm very happy with it. I don't have the controller, but I don't need it for my purpose, I bought a wifi plug timer for it so it turns on and off daily. Never had a problem. Frankly, I'm always skeptical of corporate advertising of improved this and improved that....

 

[oreo54]

I’m considering picking up a set of used Gen 1 Nicrew HyperReef lights (two 150W units and one 100W) for $225 total. It seems like a solid deal, but I wanted to get some opinions before I pull the trigger.

From what I’ve gathered, Gen 2 offers a few improvements:
Revised spectrum for better coral growth and color
Redesigned lens for improved light spread and fewer hotspots
Smoother transitions and ramping compared to the abrupt steps in Gen 1

My question: Do you think Gen 1 units are still worth it at this price, or would I regret not going with new Gen 2s? I don’t mind managing hotspots if the performance is still solid.

Does that include the gen 1 controller? Or any controller?
Gen 2 controller will work with it but won't be mixable..i.e all gen 1 or all gen 2 on it.

Gen 1's are 2 channels. Don't remember the exact for gen 2 (6?).


Gen 1 out of the box can be controlled by Apex and other 0-10v controllers
Gen 2 needs an add on.

Gen 2 apparently has a bluer( wider) spectrum and an increase of blue over not blue...

56 cents a watt ..

 

[Hooz]

There is no doubt that the Gen 1 will grow coral. A lot of people have been doing it for several years now. That being said...

The improved spectrum is a worthy upgrade by itself, IMO. Wider, more complete blue band equals better color on your corals. Gen 1 is pretty "narrow" with a huge 450nm spike.

The wider spread is more of a personal preference based on your application, but wider means better blending, and better (more even) coverage at a lower mounting height.

 

[Cow]

Does that include the gen 1 controller? Or any controller?
Gen 2 controller will work with it but won't be mixable..i.e all gen 1 or all gen 2 on it.

Gen 1's are 2 channels. Don't remember the exact for gen 2 (6?).


Gen 1 out of the box can be controlled by Apex and other 0-10v controllers
Gen 2 needs an add on.

Gen 2 apparently has a bluer( wider) spectrum and an increase of blue over not blue...

56 cents a watt ..

No controller included but I do have an Apex and a new VDM module. I think purchasing the Gen 1 lights will be a smart choice for myself with my current budget. Later down the road once I get all my tanks situated I will look more into the spectrum adjustments.

After finding FB marketplace after years out of the hobby I picked up 5 tanks. I'm wondering if reefing got more popular because I don't recall seeing nearly as much used equipment floating around and it's hard to resist.

Thank you for the help everyone, you guys are on it!

 

[Cow]

There is no doubt that the Gen 1 will grow coral. A lot of people have been doing it for several years now. That being said...

The improved spectrum is a worthy upgrade by itself, IMO. Wider, more complete blue band equals better color on your corals. Gen 1 is pretty "narrow" with a huge 450nm spike.

The wider spread is more of a personal preference based on your application, but wider means better blending, and better (more even) coverage at a lower mounting height.

Appreciate the insight! Looks like something I'll add to the list of upgrades while using the time in between to learn more. I'm setting up a T5 hybrid fixture for the first time and curious how everything will blend.

 

[rtparty]

No controller included but I do have an Apex and a new VDM module. I think purchasing the Gen 1 lights will be a smart choice for myself with my current budget. Later down the road once I get all my tanks situated I will look more into the spectrum adjustments.

After finding FB marketplace after years out of the hobby I picked up 5 tanks. I'm wondering if reefing got more popular because I don't recall seeing nearly as much used equipment floating around and it's hard to resist.

Thank you for the help everyone, you guys are on it!

Reefing exploded starting 7-8 years ago, Covid shot it through the roof, and now there is a MASSIVE pull back. That is why you are seeing a ton of used equipment for sale. People are leaving in droves

 

[oreo54]

Appreciate the insight! Looks like something I'll add to the list of upgrades while using the time in between to learn more. I'm setting up a T5 hybrid fixture for the first time and curious how everything will blend.

You didn't mention the tank dimensions nor target species.
I suppose w/ 5 tanks one can mix/match..

 

[Cow]

Appreciate the insight! Looks like something I'll add to the list of upgrades while using the time in between to learn more. I'm setting up a T5 hybrid fixture for the first time and curious how everything will blend.

You didn't mention the tank dimensions nor target species.
I suppose w/ 5 tanks one can mix/match..

Haha I was debating if anyone wanted to hear about my first month back into reefing.

My pond sprung a leak and my goldfish needed a tank so I hit marketplace to find something for them. This got me motivated to redo the bulkhead on my 75g that was leaking and the reason why I got out the hobby with a move (5 years out). This is my display tank with with a 30g sump. I'm gonna run 2 150w Nicrews in a Aquatic Life hybrid T5 fixture. I'm doing a mixed reef mainly with soft and LPS corals and gonna try some Stylophora.

Picked up a complete 50g frag system when I went to buy an AI Sol, a complete 20g innovative marine with corals and fish (this I gifted to my soon to be stepson, with me running it), a 15g IM and 2 no name 26g and 60g cubes.

Just yesterday I finally got a 120g tank for my living room, I now have a reef tank in every room of the house besides the bathrooms and garage. I'm trying to find a tank I can fit in the bathroom. Was looking at a 1.6g that was only $20 but that low water volume is a little intimidating, would prob just do a softy zoa tank that size but I gotta research.

The best part is finding all the equipment I bought during sales when I was out, dug out a new PAR meter, energy bar and some DC pumps.