Reeflink worth it for Radions Only?

clm65 · Feb 27, 2020

I just bought some used Radions XR30s, and should be picking them up this weekend. These are the only Ecotech devices I will have. Does getting a Reeflink provide any benefit over setting them up with a cable to my computer? I know the wireless feature would be nice, but once they are set up, is there a reason to need to access the program?

Crabs McJones · Feb 27, 2020

If you like to tweek your programming it's worth it. If you're a set it and forget it then it's not really worth the extra $$

Fishingandreefing · Feb 27, 2020

Not really. I mean you can adjust the settings on your phone if you have the reeflink.

Potatohead · Feb 27, 2020

All Reeflinks should be thrown into the nearest volcano

clm65 · Feb 27, 2020

Crabs McJones said:
If you like to tweek your programming it's worth it. If you're a set it and forget it then it's not really worth the extra $$

Yeah, I'm more of a set-it-and-forget-it kind of guy. I'm not sure how long it will take to find the right setting, but once I'm there, I don't plan to mess with it.

clm65 · Feb 27, 2020

Fishingandreefing said:
Not really. I mean you can adjust the settings on your phone if you have the reeflink.

That sounds convenient, but if that is the only benefit, then I can probably live without it.

clm65 · Feb 27, 2020

Potatohead said:
All Reeflinks should be thrown into the nearest volcano

So, I'll take that as a "NO" vote. Thanks!

Miller535 · Feb 27, 2020

I don't know what Gen you bought, but I thought some of the older revs worked with their Mobius app. I may be wrong though

clm65 · Feb 27, 2020

Miller535 said:
I don't know what Gen you bought, but I thought some of the older revs worked with their Mobius app. I may be wrong though

They are gen 3. I would be surprised if they worked with Mobius. I read something about a chip change, so if that is a possibility I may go that route if it is not too expensive. But after I get some time on them, if I don’t get the urge to mess with the settings, I probably won’t bother with it.

dadnjesse · Feb 27, 2020

I have the gen 4 and I love the reeflink. It' very easy to load the AB+ program, or change the sliders. Whey easier than the buttons. Also changing the intensity and extending times. Also if you have the MP 40 pumps they are so easy to set compared to trying to push certain buttons in different sequence.

Luis1992 · Feb 27, 2020

I recently bought 4 used radions xr15pro and immediately knew I needed the reeflink. I didn’t want to be next to my light constantly with my cord. One thing I can say for sure if you get a reeflink hard wire it yo your internet. It does not need to directly connected to the lights or right next to them.

jeffrey750750 · Feb 27, 2020

I had bought the gen 4 xr15 pro new and the cable hook up only worked one time. It was stuck on a setting i didn't want. The next day i went out and bought the reef link which for me was not easy. it's hooked up to my wifi at home and it disconnects all the time. I love the light but will never buy another one ;Drool

dadnjesse · Feb 28, 2020

jeffrey750750 said:
I had bought the gen 4 xr15 pro new and the cable hook up only worked one time. It was stuck on a setting i didn't want. The next day i went out and bought the reef link which for me was not easy. it's hooked up to my wifi at home and it disconnects all the time. I love the light but will never buy another one ;Drool

Wifi has problems on lots of devices. Ethernet is the way to go to get the best reliability.

clm65 · Feb 28, 2020

Seems like most people would not recommend that I get the Reeflink, mostly because of connection issues or because I don't plan to mess with the settings too much. I should have the light Sunday and will set them up with the cable. But I may just keep my eyes open for someone selling their Reeflink cheap due to the introduction of the new Mobius app. But it doesn't sound like it is worth paying full price for.

Thanks for the responses!

GlassMunky · Feb 28, 2020

As someone who spent over 6 years NOT using the reeflink and then geting one, its SO MUCH BETTER than having to hardwire your lights to your computer every time you need to do something, and half the time it doesnt work through the usb.
The reeflink is much more reliable than the usb

clm65 · Feb 28, 2020

dadnjesse said:
I have the gen 4 and I love the reeflink. It' very easy to load the AB+ program, or change the sliders. Whey easier than the buttons. Also changing the intensity and extending times. Also if you have the MP 40 pumps they are so easy to set compared to trying to push certain buttons in different sequence.

No MP40s or any other Ecotech devices. My understanding is that I can still load the programs, change the sliders, adjust time and intensity, etc., with the cable connected to a computer. So all I should be missing is the ability to change things with a phone or ipad. Please let me know if my understanding is incorrect!

italquam · Feb 28, 2020

Definitely worth getting the Reeflink

clm65 · Feb 28, 2020

GlassMunky said:
As someone who spent over 6 years NOT using the reeflink and then geting one, its SO MUCH BETTER than having to hardwire your lights to your computer every time you need to do something, and half the time it doesnt work through the usb.
The reeflink is much more reliable than the usb

Wow, I didn't expect to hear that from what I have read about the reeflink! How often do you change something on the lights. I don't mess with my current lights' settings (simple black boxes with only blue and white adjustments). So I figure I probably won't mess with the Radions too much either.

italquam · Feb 28, 2020

clm65 said:
Wow, I didn't expect to hear that from what I have read about the reeflink! How often do you change something on the lights. I don't mess with my current lights' settings (simple black boxes with only blue and white adjustments). So I figure I probably won't mess with the Radions too much either.

Well worth the money for a Reeflink

GlassMunky · Feb 28, 2020

clm65 said:
Wow, I didn't expect to hear that from what I have read about the reeflink! How often do you change something on the lights. I don't mess with my current lights' settings (simple black boxes with only blue and white adjustments). So I figure I probably won't mess with the Radions too much either.

Once the tank is going, I don’t tend to mess with it much but since this tank is just starting up I’ve been adjusting the light strength and color to match what the corals like and also for my own viewing pleasure ( little more blue at night) about once a week.

Using the USB to connect and program the lights sometimes took me multiple days and phone calls to ETM to have them fix whatever issues were causing the lights to run correctly on their schedules.
After I got the reeflink haven’t had a single issue