Derek's 225g - Magnifica / SPS Reef

[derek_SR]

Bought a couple of the A8SE lights on AliExpress to play around with. These are Radion XR30 knockoffs ($180 each). I've always been chasing the AB+ spectrum with the Reefis (which are excellent lights) but haven't been able to really replicate it all the way. It seems the AB+ on these a8se are pretty close, if not exact.

I decided to hang a couple of them over my frag tank, using some janky parts I had laying around in the garage:

Way overkill for a frag tank so I have them tuned down pretty low. No issues with the software so far other than I can't get the time zone sync to stick. Need to do some reading, there's a large troubleshooting forum on R2R. Otherwise adding them, connecting them to wifi, making them into a group, setting the light schedule - all relatively intuitive and easy to do (better than the Reefi web app).

The plan is to see how they perform and if I have any issues for a few weeks. If they are going strong and the corals grow, I may consider buying a few more and adding them to the DT to replace the Reefis...we shall see.

Couple screenshots of the interface:

 

[derek_SR]

I figured out the timezone issue.

So far, my experience with these lights is that they have a solid build quality, very nice AB+ spectrum, and a pretty functional iOS app. It's translated from Chinese so it's a LITTLE bit funky but in the grand scheme of terrible light apps, it's really pretty decent. I haven't had a single issue since figuring out the time zone sync. Color me impressed!

They do have some crazy side glare though, I need to get some 3d printed shades.

BTW the mounting screws on the top are M6, 1.25 thread pitch - different from my Ecotech XR15 (but maybe the same as the XR30?)

 

[MichaelB]

I figured out the timezone issue.

So far, my experience with these lights is that they have a solid build quality, very nice AB+ spectrum, and a pretty functional iOS app. It's translated from Chinese so it's a LITTLE bit funky but in the grand scheme of terrible light apps, it's really pretty decent. I haven't had a single issue since figuring out the time zone sync. Color me impressed!

They do have some crazy side glare though, I need to get some 3d printed shades.

BTW the mounting screws on the top are M6, 1.25 thread pitch - different from my Ecotech XR15 (but maybe the same as the XR30?)

I have one of those plus another type i'm debating trying one my main biocube32 tank. If it is able to grow a and color sps.

No idea which is better.

 

[RandyC]

BTW the mounting screws on the top are M6, 1.25 thread pitch - different from my Ecotech XR15 (but maybe the same as the XR30?)

XR15 & XR30 are the same screw.

 

[derek_SR]

XR15 & XR30 are the same screw.

Interesting, that implies that the size and thread pitch on the A8SE is different from the Radion, which is odd since it seems like everything else is identical. They do come with mounting screws (thumb screws with little holes drilled laterally).

 

[MarcosD]

I figured out the timezone issue.

So far, my experience with these lights is that they have a solid build quality, very nice AB+ spectrum, and a pretty functional iOS app. It's translated from Chinese so it's a LITTLE bit funky but in the grand scheme of terrible light apps, it's really pretty decent. I haven't had a single issue since figuring out the time zone sync. Color me impressed!

They do have some crazy side glare though, I need to get some 3d printed shades.

BTW the mounting screws on the top are M6, 1.25 thread pitch - different from my Ecotech XR15 (but maybe the same as the XR30?)

If you find a file let me know and I can’t print it for you. Although I probably wouldn’t be able to print many before tomorrow considering they take a decent amount of time each to print

 

[derek_SR]

If you find a file let me know and I can’t print it for you. Although I probably wouldn’t be able to print many before tomorrow considering they take a decent amount of time each to print

XR30 G6/G5 Ecotech Radion Light Shade by Kevin Martens | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Shades for Radion XR30 Gen 6/Gen 5, to minimize the light spill outside the tank. | Download free 3D printable STL models

www.printables.com

I think this one? Maybe just try a single and I'll test it out?

 

[MarcosD]

XR30 G6/G5 Ecotech Radion Light Shade by Kevin Martens | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Shades for Radion XR30 Gen 6/Gen 5, to minimize the light spill outside the tank. | Download free 3D printable STL models

www.printables.com

I think this one? Maybe just try a single and I'll test it out?

Cool I’ll give it a try. I’ll try to make two if there’s enough time

 

[derek_SR]

I have one of those plus another type i'm debating trying one my main biocube32 tank. If it is able to grow a and color sps.

No idea which is better.
View attachment 67123View attachment 67124View attachment 67126

I have the a8se "max" which is similar to the xr30 "pro." looks like you've got the blue version - can't speak to the actual spectrum but it looks like the same light as mine other than that, at this point I would recommend it but I've only had it 2 days.

not sure about the other one - haven't seen anything on it.

 

[jhuynh]

u can use the xr30 sliders, but need to drill the holes little bigger on the mount to fit the screws.

 

[Baykes]

I figured out the timezone issue.

What was the solution?

 

[derek_SR]

u can use the xr30 sliders, but need to drill the holes little bigger on the mount to fit the screws.

You are using some of these A8SE too right? The MAX or the BLUE?

What was the solution?

You have to go here first to the "MY" account page and set the master timezone to UTC-7 (PST DST):

THEN when you go into the light and confirm the timezone sync you click "save device" and it will actually stick this time. I think you have to do this for each light. Haven't had an issue since and am now able to use schedules for my own timezone.