Meridian (11) original vs shallow reef

[IPT]

I like the blue look in the morning and evening but a more neutral look in the afternoon. Not white, but white with a tint of blue. Can you attain this with the "original" version of the Meridian or is it very strong in the blue no matter what you do?

I currently run the Radion X15 pro with Kessil 360 Tuna blues and can get the colors I want. I want to make sure I get the same (hopefully with a little more pop) from the meridians (without killing all the PAR from cranking down the blues to let the white shine - the whole idea is more PAR at peak hours).

 

[exnisstech]

There is only one version of the meridian which is the original. The predecessor was photons. I have both and have no trouble getting a natural look.
This tank is under a meridian 11 and the colors in the image are pretty much what I see with my eyes.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

There is only one version of the meridian which is the original.

 

[MegabiteOG]

I was just going to post that @Malum Argenteum. If you lean blue, get the original. Plenty of whites on that for mid day. I have the original and love the colors. Lots of pop, but I would not have minded a bit more whites in the lights as I like the whiter look during the day. I'm not sure the "Shallow Reef" will have as deep a blue as the originals if that's what you're looking for.

You'd probably love them both.

 

[exnisstech]

I wasn't aware there were two versions. I don't remember seeing that when I got mine. I wonder if they are offering the light with the encompass lens installed? I guess mine is original which shipped with the balance lens and I had to buy the encompass lens. They are both 75 watt. @Reef Breeders any chance you could explain the difference between the original and shallow reef?

 

[MegabiteOG]

tI wasn't aware there were two versions. I don't remember seeing that when I got mine. I wonder if they are offering the light with the encompass lens installed? I guess mine is original which shipped with the balance lens and I had to buy the encompass lens. They are both 75 watt. @Reef Breeders any chance you could explain the difference between the original and shallow reef?

They just started shipping. The difference is that’s there’s two additional white channels replacing two blues.

 

[MegabiteOG]

From their site.

Original LED Layout:​

Designed with a high white to blue color ratio, based on the most popular lighting schedules created by Photon users. The original layout has a 20K blue look with all channels equal, and has 2 additional 440nm indigo LEDs on a dedicated control channel, for a total of 4 (vs. 2 x 440nm in the 14K layout).

Shallow Reef LED Layout:​

The Shallow Reef LED layout differs from the original spectrum by doubling the number of white LEDs for a more natural, shallow-water reef look. In addition, the 3.5K warm white LEDs are split off from the 5.5K neutral whites. This allows for more color tone adjustment, for example the warm white LEDs can be turned up for a warmer look, or the cool whites for a crisp appearance.

 

[exnisstech]

From their site.

Original LED Layout:​

Designed with a high white to blue color ratio, based on the most popular lighting schedules created by Photon users. The original layout has a 20K blue look with all channels equal, and has 2 additional 440nm indigo LEDs on a dedicated control channel, for a total of 4 (vs. 2 x 440nm in the 14K layout).

Shallow Reef LED Layout:​

The Shallow Reef LED layout differs from the original spectrum by doubling the number of white LEDs for a more natural, shallow-water reef look. In addition, the 3.5K warm white LEDs are split off from the 5.5K neutral whites. This allows for more color tone adjustment, for example the warm white LEDs can be turned up for a warmer look, or the cool whites for a crisp appearance.

That's interesting. I don't seem to have a problem getting a natural look with the original.

 

[MegabiteOG]

That's interesting. I don't seem to have a problem getting a natural look with the original.

I don’t either. I just think the additional white channels may add some crispness that I miss from my halide days. Maybe not.