Reef Breeders Meridians

[mjaustin22]

What would you all recommend for a standard 120g 48x24 sps dominant....currently still rocking an ATI 8 bulb t5 with a single reebrite strip, but these have caught my eye. Thanks!

 

[dwest]

Hi all. I’ve skimmed through this thread and I’m hoping I can get some feedback on my situation.

My tank is a 180 gallon mixed reef. It’s a standard 6’ x 2’ Aqueon with two black center braces and two corner overflows. I currently use an aquaticlife T5 hybrid with 6 kessil 360 WE’s. I also have a canopy over the top. Yep, it’s pretty old school. I’m still happy with the system but I know the lighting system days are numbered.

I read here that a good product might be (3) 24” meridians mounted front to back to cover the (3) 2 ft sections between the center braces. Is this still a good option? The highest I can mount the unit is about 7” above the waterline. Are there special optics I need for lower mounting height? Should I get one bigger power supply that handle all 3 lights or use the normal 3 individual supplies?

Oh, and what about the new 14k? Is anyone using them and like them?

@Reef Breeders
Thanks!

 

[Kazumi]

The 3 24" seems to be the popular recommendation for that type of tank. I forget what the optics are called but there is one that would make it spread out further, since you would be hanging so low.

The 14k option is so new, I haven't heard of anyone actually using them yet.

I would give Reefbreeders a call tomorrow and talk to them.

 

[dwest]

The 3 24" seems to be the popular recommendation for that type of tank. I forget what the optics are called but there is one that would make it spread out further, since you would be hanging so low.

The 14k option is so new, I haven't heard of anyone actually using them yet.

I would give Reefbreeders a call tomorrow and talk to them.

Thank you. (Looks like we might be neighbors?)

 

[exnisstech]

Are there special optics I need for lower mounting height?

Encompass are the optics you would want. They come with balance optics installed but I don't know if there is an option to order them with the optics of choice.

https://reefbreeders.com/products/ohm?variant=48971453399318

 

[Bitflip]

Hello, I have a few questions:

For AB+ which light would be best? (Original or 14K?)

Would the hanging kit work with a Meridian + a single light bar or would it go off balance? (Thinking of adding a 14K bar in case I like more white).

The BOT mount look fairly thick, anyone has picture to see how much it would interfere with a lid?

Anyone has picture of the light with the hanging kit?

 

[Kazumi]

With the hanging kit you could offset it to the side with the light bar to make it hang level. I use the hanging kit with mine, but I don't have a picture of it.

I believe that the AB+ schedule is a very blue light, so I would think that the original version would be what you want.

 

[mrpontiac80]

Hi all. I’ve skimmed through this thread and I’m hoping I can get some feedback on my situation.

My tank is a 180 gallon mixed reef. It’s a standard 6’ x 2’ Aqueon with two black center braces and two corner overflows. I currently use an aquaticlife T5 hybrid with 6 kessil 360 WE’s. I also have a canopy over the top. Yep, it’s pretty old school. I’m still happy with the system but I know the lighting system days are numbered.

I read here that a good product might be (3) 24” meridians mounted front to back to cover the (3) 2 ft sections between the center braces. Is this still a good option? The highest I can mount the unit is about 7” above the waterline. Are there special optics I need for lower mounting height? Should I get one bigger power supply that handle all 3 lights or use the normal 3 individual supplies?

Oh, and what about the new 14k? Is anyone using them and like them?

@Reef Breeders
Thanks!

I ended up using the three 24” front to back. I upgraded to one large power supply. You will also want the daisy chain cords too. My light coverage is fantastic. I did hang mine so I’ve got 15-18” above the water though.

 

[exnisstech]

The BOT mount look fairly thick, anyone has picture to see how much it would interfere with a lid?

BOT mount. It's a photon mount but I believe the meridian are the same

 

[skey44]

I’m planning to jump in on hopefully a Black Friday sale this year and upgrade my lighting. With the research I’ve done I’m leaning towards the meridian 45 for my 48x24x16. I’m likely to keep adding rockscape for Acropora and cut back on LPS… bc I love Acros and want them all.
Will the Meridian grow wall to wall acropora in my tank or will I need a light bar down the road?
Currently having success.

2x AP9x and 2xa160. Main reason I want to change is reduced shadowing and get less “growing towards the light” with my Acropora. One fixture will also greatly simplify things like wiring. Thanks for any tips or suggestions.
Plan for meridian 45 in 14k bc I like idea of ability to adjust warmth of white and more daylight range of spectrum for acropora. Also my wife hates the blue glow in our living area. Planning 2x BOT mount.
Will reuse one AP9x for my frag tank and re-home one.

Can anyone help answer my main question Will the reef breedes Meridian improve my lighting situation regarding Acropora shadowing? 48x24x16 tank with rock work down the middle. Acropora mostly in the middle foot or so wide section of the tank. I would likely setup at 14” as recommended with BOT mount.
Thanks
Thanks!

 

[Tahoe61]

Bought my Meridian 11 at BRS, glad I did because the price jumped up $90.00. I got the BOT and manual knobs at TSA. Just to cover my self doubt I bought the over the tank mounts as well.
I imagine I will get the Edge 14k within a couple months.
This thread and user reviews helped me make the decision to go with Reefbreeders. Everything gets here on the 20th, Happy, happy birthday Cheryl!!!!!

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

Would adding a Meridian Edge bar to a Photon v2 give me a boost in the blue spectrum that the Photon is missing? If so, would it be enough to make it a worthwhile upgrade?

 

[Bitflip]

Would a Meridian 45 be sufficient for a 49x22x22 mix reef tank? Or should I go for the bundle to minimize shadowing long term or be totally overkill?

 

[Troylee]

Can anyone help answer my main question Will the reef breedes Meridian improve my lighting situation regarding Acropora shadowing? 48x24x16 tank with rock work down the middle. Acropora mostly in the middle foot or so wide section of the tank. I would likely setup at 14” as recommended with BOT mount.
Thanks
Thanks!

It will cover the tank much better than what you got currently.. you might need to add bars down the line as the tank fills in.. I run a pair of 63’s over my display but my tank is 36” wide.. it covered it extremely well.

 

[Troylee]

Would adding a Meridian Edge bar to a Photon v2 give me a boost in the blue spectrum that the Photon is missing? If so, would it be enough to make it a worthwhile upgrade?

That would be my next move on your situation.. the bars are powerfully it would blend nicely with a photon. Plus give you a blue sun rise sunset

 

[Troylee]

Would a Meridian 45 be sufficient for a 49x22x22 mix reef tank? Or should I go for the bundle to minimize shadowing long term or be totally overkill?

Either would work.. bundle would cover better and be able to turn down the intensity prolonging the life of the fixtures them selves.

 

[skey44]

It will cover the tank much better than what you got currently.. you might need to add bars down the line as the tank fills in.. I run a pair of 63’s over my display but my tank is 36” wide.. it covered it extremely well.

Thanks man. Appreciate your input.

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

That would be my next move on your situation.. the bars are powerfully it would blend nicely with a photon. Plus give you a blue sun rise sunset

I have a photon 32 on a 36" tank, would one 24" Edge bar be sufficient?
what color would be best in this use case the UV/Blue hybrid or the Royal ice?

 

[Rocks reef]

What would you all recommend for a standard 120g 48x24 sps dominant....currently still rocking an ATI 8 bulb t5 with a single reebrite strip, but these have caught my eye. Thanks!

The Meridian 35 will cover a 48x24. If you have a lot of SPS, I'd probably go with the 45 or add an Edge bar to the 35

 

[Rocks reef]

Either would work.. bundle would cover better and be able to turn down the intensity prolonging the life of the fixtures them selves.

Solid advice