Nicrew NavaReef Lights

[Skep18]

I bought the Nicrew HyperReef Gen2 lights on release and was really pleased with them (that thread is here). Since then I haven't looked at the lighting scene much. Apparently Nicrew released a newer line called the NavaReef. While there are some clearly listed differences (lens angle, led color/qty selection, etc.) the two lines, to me, looked to have some overlap. The HyperReef Gen2 comes in 100W, 150W and 200W models. The NavaReef comes in 65W and 135W. I'll add the HyperReef Gen1 came in 30W, 50W, 100W and 150W. I assumed the NavaReef was intended to replace the lower end of the HyperReef Gen1 line. However, with some other differences and the splitting of the line I decided to just ask Nicrew what the two lines were intended for. They replied so I thought I would share with the community.

 

[Skep18]

My email to them read as follows:

Can you advise what the intended market the newer NavaReef lights are for? I see they have more blue LED's compared to the HyperReef. It looks like the box and controls may be a little simpler in design than the HyperReef. Is the HyperReef supposed to be a "more premium" product than the NavaReef or are the two available just to allow a more blue light option at lower wattage?

They replied very quickly with the following:

Thank you for reaching out. Below is a comparison between the NavaReef and HyperReef:

Spectrum: The NavaReef is more blue-focused, using most of its power in the blue and violet range, which is more efficient for coral growth. The HyperReef, with higher power output, maintains the blue and violet spectrum while offering better overall color rendering.

Lenses: The NavaReef uses 90-degree standard lenses, ideal for 24-inch tanks, providing optimal PAR values. The HyperReef features 120-degree wide lenses, ensuring excellent coverage and even PAR distribution while also maintaining depth.

Fan System: Both models use the same fan system (newly designed fans and heat sinks) for superior cooling efficiency. The NavaReef is particularly designed for quieter operation and dust resistance.

Control: Both models feature simple button controls and support the HyperReef Gen 2 Controller, with 5 control channels. In the second half of 2025, we will release a Bluetooth Dongle for app control, which will enable 8-channel control on the HyperReef, along with a moonlight mode.

Mounting System: The HyperReef comes with the HyperReef Mount System, which is durable and compatible with various tank shapes. Additionally, new mounting accessories, such as suspension ropes and crossbars, will be available in the coming months. The NavaReef includes the NavaReef Tank Mount, which is compact, durable, and universal, but it doesn't support as many extension accessories.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional assistance.

 

[RNiko218]

I’m interested in the Bluetooth controller.
I see on Amazon they are selling:
0-10V Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, DIY Breakout Box for Third-Party Controllers, Support to Control HyperReef Gen 2 and NavaReef, 3D Printing Shell

 

[rtparty]

I hope they made the fan quieter than the Gen 2 fan. While it wasn’t a deal breaker, it could have been better

I love the new dust guard is magnetic for easy cleaning on this one and $110 for the 65w version is a total bargain

 

[RNiko218]

 

[oreo54]

So they did it.. came out wit ha 0-10v adapter.

Wirings a bit confusing atm..
Took a bit to understand their channel diagram.

 

[CoralNewb]

I have 2 Navareef 65 Lights - I love the mounting arm and the lights themselves are very sleek. Fan noise is only present at the higher output level, and is unnoticeable imo.

The output is very strong, I am using it at like 11% for my small reef bowl and at 25% for an 8 gallon tank that will be spared for SPS.

Not sure about par, but as compared to my Maxspect Razor, the Navareef at 25% appear a bit brighter than my Razor at 65%. Of course, that is just visual. I don’t have a par meter.

The blue spectrum is definitely very dominant. Definitely won’t give you a balanced look imo.

I have both units paired with a nicrew controller, which seems to be a nicer version of the Kessil Controller.

Overall, quite pleased with the units, and they are so affordable for what they do. Also, no need to worry about apps! I was debating between this and the popbloom, but this looked sleeker.

 

[Skep18]

I have both units paired with a nicrew controller, which seems to be a nicer version of the Kessil Controller.

Overall, quite pleased with the units, and they are so affordable for what they do. Also, no need to worry about apps! I was debating between this and the popbloom, but this looked sleeker.

At first I was a little annoyed that I had to buy the controller but after using it, I really am a fan. To me it seems easy to use and intuitive. My last light setup, the internal clock on one of the two units wouldn't keep time right. That was my main reason for switching. With the controller being separate, it only costs me $50 to swap.

 

[bishoptf]

So they did it.. came out wit ha 0-10v adapter.

Wirings a bit confusing atm..
Took a bit to understand their channel diagram.

Yeah I am looking into these, I had the gen one and could never get the color like I wanted since it was 2 channels but the gen 2 are much better. What I think is odd is there controller manages 5 channels but the the third party only lets you control 4 channels. That and the price is pretty expensive vs the normal one, 30.99 vs 49.99. I had 0-10v working for my gen1 just need to add 2 more channels but wonder why you only get 4 channels vs 5...

Update, i see it in the third party red and green are on the same channel, still curious why you do not get to control all 5 channels.

 

[oreo54]

Yeah I am looking into these, I had the gen one and could never get the color like I wanted since it was 2 channels but the gen 2 are much better. What I think is odd is there controller manages 5 channels but the the third party only lets you control 4 channels. That and the price is pretty expensive vs the normal one, 30.99 vs 49.99. I had 0-10v working for my gen1 just need to add 2 more channels but wonder why you only get 4 channels vs 5...

Update, i see it in the third party red and green are on the same channel, still curious why you do not get to control all 5 channels.

Well I " believe" it's sort of catering to the base apex as I understand it.

The VDM has four channels on two connectors.....

.

And since, unfortunately, most dim or ignore red,green moreso than any other color well it is " logical".

That's what happens when people lose sight of the fact that using red and green with the obligate blue is a better " white" ( well historically as in the tri color phosphors of t5's or the green and amber spikes in metal halides ) than the whites used. Point is arguable.

 

[bishoptf]

Well I " believe" it's sort of catering to the base apex as I understand it.
.

And since, unfortunately, most dim or ignore red,green moreso than any other color well it is " logical".

That's what happens when people lose sight of the fact that using red and green with the obligate blue is a better " white" ( well historically as in the tri color phosphors of t5's or the green and amber spikes in metal halides ) than the whites used. Point is arguable.

Yeah I have 0-10v working on 2 reef-pi but for only 2 channel since that is what they old one used, would have to add 2 more channels to get this working....pretty lazy these days, problem is fitting in the additional 2 channels into my sandwich plastic bin, lol....

 

[rjb301]

I need to get the controller. I recently got the 65w and I'm not sure whats going on with the time schedule. It turned off for a few hours one night and was back on before I got up for work (5 am). So i started just turning it on and off myself.