Any love from Orphek Natura Icon users?

[reef’r]

I haven't seen any updates on user experience with the Natura so i thought i would post an update on mine. I'm running my own simple 20Kish program along with the lunar cycle and things are looking very good. I'll post a short video soon of my little 75 but in the meantime here's a few pics.

This was taken with my phone yesterday on the ramp down about 2 hours before lunar kicks in. the POP isn't really captured well but it DOES BRING OUT POP!

i have a couple good size galaxias and both have great color but the Natura really pops this one and brings out the purple.

Do you think one of these would be sufficient on a 36x36 tank with two OR3 bars? For SPS dominant?

 

[mboley]

Do you think one of these would be sufficient on a 36x36 tank with two OR3 bars? For SPS dominant?

As long as the SPS are more centered I you'll be fine.

 

[mboley]

I'm having trouble with the App but maybe I'm just not understanding it yet. I'm hoping you can clarify some things for me? I'm in San Diego so our days are the same.

I don't want to run SunMoonSync because I have my lights on 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. So under the SunMoonSync Program I have deactivated the Enabled and MoonCycle toggles and pressed send.

BUT when I move out of range or exit and open the app again, and then go to SunMoonSync to check, both settings show as active again.

You mentioned your lights do go off at 9.00pm. Do they go off even though your Enabled and MoonCycle toggles show ON/Blue? Right now mine runs the custom Helios program I sent up EXCEPT my ON and OFF times are controlled by SunMoonSync.

I have been going back and forth with Orphek tech support but there's a language barrier. I can see why some have issues with their customer service.

Nevermind. My issues were caused because I paired it initially using Bluetooth. With WiFi the app works perfectly.

 

[Arkayology]

I have 1 Natura over my 36x24. I really like the fixture and the colors that I am getting from it. Super well built from what I can see so far. It is a bit loud when you set intensity to above 50% and the fan really starts going, but it's OK.

The app has confused me a lot. I have no idea what the difference between programming the SunMoonSync setting and the lunar feature. I'm not really sure why the SunMoonSync is an option because of the existence of the lunar feature. What does it do that the Lunar feature doesn't? The instructions don't really tell me how these different programs interact with one another. Do I need to have the SunMoonSync enabled and Moon Cycle enabled in order to have the moon and cycles to work? I have both the SunMoonSync and Moon Cycle enabled, lunar off, but when I click on my custom program the moon light turns off. If I have lunar on does it cycle through the moon phases as it should? Overall, I don't like the SunMoonSync option because I can't adjust the intensity of the light using it (is there a way to do it?). Right now I have a custom program with lunar active because I really liked the geolocated sunrise/sunset and lunar phases setting with this light. I am just not sure if it really is active. I noticed that when there was last a new moon (no moon visible) the light still had light at night.

As others have noted, I really don't like the sliders to choose the intensity. I have medium-sized fingers and have a hard time selecting times and making fine adjustments.

 

[mboley]

I have 1 Natura over my 36x24. I really like the fixture and the colors that I am getting from it. Super well built from what I can see so far. It is a bit loud when you set intensity to above 50% and the fan really starts going, but it's OK.

The app has confused me a lot. I have no idea what the difference between programming the SunMoonSync setting and the lunar feature. I'm not really sure why the SunMoonSync is an option because of the existence of the lunar feature. What does it do that the Lunar feature doesn't? The instructions don't really tell me how these different programs interact with one another. Do I need to have the SunMoonSync enabled and Moon Cycle enabled in order to have the moon and cycles to work? I have both the SunMoonSync and Moon Cycle enabled, lunar off, but when I click on my custom program the moon light turns off. If I have lunar on does it cycle through the moon phases as it should? Overall, I don't like the SunMoonSync option because I can't adjust the intensity of the light using it (is there a way to do it?). Right now I have a custom program with lunar active because I really liked the geolocated sunrise/sunset and lunar phases setting with this light. I am just not sure if it really is active. I noticed that when there was last a new moon (no moon visible) the light still had light at night.

As others have noted, I really don't like the sliders to choose the intensity. I have medium-sized fingers and have a hard time selecting times and making fine adjustments.

I've had mine for just five days so I've been studying the on-line manual. Be sure and download that, it has more detailed information than the book that comes with the light.

The problem I have with the SunMoonSync is when it gets dark at 4:30 or whenever it does in your area, your tanks' dark too. I like a 9 to 9pm light schedule, I don't see myself ever using it.

I disabled all 3 blue toggles under the SunMoonSync Program.( toggle left). I've made my own Helios programs with various peaks; if you use the one provided it peaks at 100%. Make your own with the peak intensity best for your tank.

I use the Lunar Expand to set the moon timing. You can use the other option under SunMoonSync but the Lunar Expand is easier and you can adjust the color. And I run the Cloud Expand over three hours at peak light intensity .

The smooth ramping and the control you have over it, along with total control over the color spectrum day and night are great on this light. I like it so far.

 

[reeftivo]

I have 1 Natura over my 36x24. I really like the fixture and the colors that I am getting from it. Super well built from what I can see so far. It is a bit loud when you set intensity to above 50% and the fan really starts going, but it's OK.

The app has confused me a lot. I have no idea what the difference between programming the SunMoonSync setting and the lunar feature. I'm not really sure why the SunMoonSync is an option because of the existence of the lunar feature. What does it do that the Lunar feature doesn't? The instructions don't really tell me how these different programs interact with one another. Do I need to have the SunMoonSync enabled and Moon Cycle enabled in order to have the moon and cycles to work? I have both the SunMoonSync and Moon Cycle enabled, lunar off, but when I click on my custom program the moon light turns off. If I have lunar on does it cycle through the moon phases as it should? Overall, I don't like the SunMoonSync option because I can't adjust the intensity of the light using it (is there a way to do it?). Right now I have a custom program with lunar active because I really liked the geolocated sunrise/sunset and lunar phases setting with this light. I am just not sure if it really is active. I noticed that when there was last a new moon (no moon visible) the light still had light at night.

As others have noted, I really don't like the sliders to choose the intensity. I have medium-sized fingers and have a hard time selecting times and making fine adjustments.

Mboley hit it on the head. The lunar program will run opposite your set lighting schedule and the SunMoon Sync program uses the natural moon cycle which for many of us may not be optimal with our varying lighting schedules. Some of us want lights ON later in the morning so we can see our tanks longer during the evening. But the SunMoonSync is a cool option to have if you don't mind setting your lights OFF earlier in the evening. like Mboley, i just toggled off the SunMoonSync and run the Lunar with Clouds.

Love my Natura

 

[Sdbuehler1]

I have 1 Natura over my 36x24. I really like the fixture and the colors that I am getting from it. Super well built from what I can see so far. It is a bit loud when you set intensity to above 50% and the fan really starts going, but it's OK.

The app has confused me a lot. I have no idea what the difference between programming the SunMoonSync setting and the lunar feature. I'm not really sure why the SunMoonSync is an option because of the existence of the lunar feature. What does it do that the Lunar feature doesn't? The instructions don't really tell me how these different programs interact with one another. Do I need to have the SunMoonSync enabled and Moon Cycle enabled in order to have the moon and cycles to work? I have both the SunMoonSync and Moon Cycle enabled, lunar off, but when I click on my custom program the moon light turns off. If I have lunar on does it cycle through the moon phases as it should? Overall, I don't like the SunMoonSync option because I can't adjust the intensity of the light using it (is there a way to do it?). Right now I have a custom program with lunar active because I really liked the geolocated sunrise/sunset and lunar phases setting with this light. I am just not sure if it really is active. I noticed that when there was last a new moon (no moon visible) the light still had light at night.

As others have noted, I really don't like the sliders to choose the intensity. I have medium-sized fingers and have a hard time selecting times and making fine adjustments.

I was setting up the lighting schedule this past weekend for my new tank and I have to agree that I am not a fan of the sliders for the intensity or the time slot. It is really difficult to select a precise value like 40%. The interface is way too small even on an iphone max and selecting time points within 30 mins of each other is near impossible. Even with my reading glasses on, I can not read what the time is in the tiny box when selecting a new data point. I tried using the simple schedule option which lets you select the time slots much easier but the simple schedule doesnt work along with the lunar schedule (and probably not acclimation either).

The lights are beautiful and the dimming capabilities are excellent, the app could use some better usability improvements though. Once you get your schedule set, hopefully you wont have to mess with it very often.

 

[reeftivo]

I was setting up the lighting schedule this past weekend for my new tank and I have to agree that I am not a fan of the sliders for the intensity or the time slot. It is really difficult to select a precise value like 40%. The interface is way too small even on an iphone max and selecting time points within 30 mins of each other is near impossible. Even with my reading glasses on, I can not read what the time is in the tiny box when selecting a new data point. I tried using the simple schedule option which lets you select the time slots much easier but the simple schedule doesnt work along with the lunar schedule (and probably not acclimation either).

The lights are beautiful and the dimming capabilities are excellent, the app could use some better usability improvements though. Once you get your schedule set, hopefully you wont have to mess with it very often.

i dont know if your iphone has full screen APP capabilities but i have a samsung zfold and changed it from 16:9 to full screen and it expands it great. i use my S pen for precise adjustments and it works perfectly. much easier to make fine adjustments!

 

[reeftivo]

I have 1 Natura over my 36x24. I really like the fixture and the colors that I am getting from it. Super well built from what I can see so far. It is a bit loud when you set intensity to above 50% and the fan really starts going, but it's OK.

The app has confused me a lot. I have no idea what the difference between programming the SunMoonSync setting and the lunar feature. I'm not really sure why the SunMoonSync is an option because of the existence of the lunar feature. What does it do that the Lunar feature doesn't? The instructions don't really tell me how these different programs interact with one another. Do I need to have the SunMoonSync enabled and Moon Cycle enabled in order to have the moon and cycles to work? I have both the SunMoonSync and Moon Cycle enabled, lunar off, but when I click on my custom program the moon light turns off. If I have lunar on does it cycle through the moon phases as it should? Overall, I don't like the SunMoonSync option because I can't adjust the intensity of the light using it (is there a way to do it?). Right now I have a custom program with lunar active because I really liked the geolocated sunrise/sunset and lunar phases setting with this light. I am just not sure if it really is active. I noticed that when there was last a new moon (no moon visible) the light still had light at night.

As others have noted, I really don't like the sliders to choose the intensity. I have medium-sized fingers and have a hard time selecting times and making fine adjustments.

have you tried quiet mode in SETTINGS? works better for me. DT is in the living room and i run 3 computer fans over the tank. I can't hear the Natura over the CP fans which are already pretty quiet.

 

[mboley]

Another capability I wish the app had is the ability to modify an existing custom program you've made. As it is if you want to make just one minor change you have to start over.

One last comment; my impression after going back and forth with customer service is that these are Chinese folks using American names and their written English skills are just okay at best. So I found getting clarification on things in the manual was challenging.

 

[reeftivo]

Another capability I wish the app had is the ability to modify an existing custom program you've made. As it is if you want to make just one minor change you have to start over.

One last comment; my impression after going back and forth with customer service is that these are Chinese folks using American names and their written English skills are just okay at best. So I found getting clarification on things in the manual was challenging.

you can modify an existing program

you see those 4 blue dots under each time stamp on my program?

if you tap one of those it will wake up that time point and allow you to make adjustments

you can do that on any time point. works great!

 

[reeftivo]

I stumbled across that when i was having the same issue as you are.

Basically "HMM? what happens when it click this?" LOLOL

i did see that in a video after i found it myself.

 

[mboley]

you can modify an existing program

you see those 4 blue dots under each time stamp on my program?

if you tap one of those it will wake up that time point and allow you to make adjustments

you can do that on any time point. works great!

You're right, Thanks! what the heck, this isn't talked about in any instructions I've read and I think I've read everything.

Orphek needs to get it together; the light is great, the company I don't know. How do you miss putting that in the manual?

 

[Arkayology]

Thanks for the suggestions about how to effectively use the Lunar Expansion

have you tried quiet mode in SETTINGS? works better for me. DT is in the living room and i run 3 computer fans over the tank. I can't hear the Natura over the CP fans which are already pretty quiet.

I've tried that but I wonder if it is a good idea to use it long term. It may result in loss of longevity of the LEDs.

 

[reeftivo]

You're right, Thanks! what the heck, this isn't talked about in any instructions I've read and I think I've read everything.

Orphek needs to get it together; the light is great, the company I don't know. How do you miss putting that in the manual?

Gosh you sure are right about getting it together for that launch!!!!

When i first got it I found some of their Orpheks super quick videos (where i saw the program tweaks after the fact) & they need to be much longer. Lots can be done with the app!!! I suck at making videos but i'm tempted to make a detailed youtube or GoPro video on this thing showing what i've learned so far. it's such a nice light that it needs more attention IMO.

 

[reeftivo]

Thanks for the suggestions about how to effectively use the Lunar Expansion

I've tried that but I wonder if it is a good idea to use it long term. It may result in loss of longevity of the LEDs.

I understand the concern but at under a percent of intensity during lunar i doubt it would affect the diodes longevity very much. I guess time will tell. Lunar isn't really neccessary but if you want lunar without running them off the Natura you could always pick up a couple single diode blue pucks and run those separate from the Natura (bigger options available too depending on tank size). Ebay has some single, 2, 3 and quad pucks that are affordable. Neptune has theirs as well but you would probably need a breakout box for those. mounting them to the sides of the natura or elsewhere may be a little off putting too but who knows. a little velcrotape and whalla! LOL

 

[Arkayology]

I understand the concern but at under a percent of intensity during lunar i doubt it would affect the diodes longevity very much. I guess time will tell. Lunar isn't really neccessary but if you want lunar without running them off the Natura you could always pick up a couple single diode blue pucks and run those separate from the Natura (bigger options available too depending on tank size). Ebay has some single, 2, 3 and quad pucks that are affordable. Neptune has theirs as well but you would probably need a breakout box for those. mounting them to the sides of the natura or elsewhere may be a little off putting too but who knows. a little velcrotape and whalla! LOL

I'm not worried about running the lights on Quite Mode during the lunar cycle. I'm more worried about running the lights at 50%+ in Quite Mode. I like the Lunar Expand and am using it currently.

 

[reeftivo]

I'm not worried about running the lights on Quite Mode during the lunar cycle. I'm more worried about running the lights at 50%+ in Quite Mode. I like the Lunar Expand and am using it currently.

I hear you. with the temp in my house set at 80 when we are at work, my Natura (in quiet mode) runs at an average of 92 degrees shown on the app. My Mitras ran at 120 with no issues and i believe the Natura has better active and passive cooling with it's all aluminum housing.

i may take an IR thermometer just to see the accuracy of the app but that won't really show me the internal temps.

 

[bubbgee]

I've been on the Natura using Helius for a month now. Has anyone been able to configure a schedule similar to Radion AB+

Also looking for a schedule that can make a Walt Disney acro pop. The default helius makes it look bleached out.

 

[reeftivo]

You can try this and bump channels 1 and 2 up to 30%. Ab+ is heavy blues, violet and uv but whites are at around 30% i believe. if you don't get the pop you want then lower channels 1 and 2 more and bump up 4 and 6. 6 is heavy violet and UV.