Reefbreeder Paywall Feature good or bad?

[VintageReefer]

Reefbreeders FB latest post breaks down the latest app update and what is included

 

[TelegrahamTested LLC]

The meridian is a 100% original light designed and built by reefbreeders

Real quick... are you suggesting that there is no shared hardware in the Meridian that may have originated in the Photon V2? That 100% means that they don't share any hardware?

 

[VintageReefer]

Real quick... are you suggesting that there is no shared hardware in the Meridian that may have originated in the Photon V2? That 100% means that they don't share any hardware?

No. I said the Meridian is an original design, not that every single piece of hardware is unique. Those aren't the same thing. Reusing components doesn't mean the product isn't a ground-up design.

Your response attempts to conflate design with parts sourcing. Nearly every electronics company reuses or sources standard components (LEDs, capacitors, controllers, connectors, fans, etc.).

Saying a product is "100% original" in the context of its design doesn't necessarily imply that every physical component was invented specifically for that product

 

[2Wheelsonly]

All the features that were there when I originally bought the light for free so I don't see this as a bad thing.

 

[TelegrahamTested LLC]

No. I said the Meridian is an original design, not that every single piece of hardware is unique. Those aren't the same thing. Reusing components doesn't mean the product isn't a ground-up design.

Your response attempts to conflate design with parts sourcing. Nearly every electronics company reuses or sources standard components (LEDs, capacitors, controllers, connectors, fans, etc.).

Saying a product is "100% original" in the context of its design doesn't necessarily imply that every physical component was invented specifically for that product

I think the question is being interpreted more narrowly than I intended.

To me, this comes down to what “100% original” means to the reefing community. If ReefBreeders designed the enclosure, PCB layout, firmware, optics, and overall architecture themselves, then I understand calling it an original design. But if portions of the electronics originated from an earlier Photon platform or an existing Chinese OEM design, then I think “100% original” becomes a claim that deserves clarification.

Given ReefBreeders’ history with the Photon platform, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask whether any engineering knowledge, architecture, or major electronics carried forward into the Meridian. That’s very different from asking whether every resistor, capacitor, or LED is unique. Nobody expects a company to manufacture its own LEDs, capacitors, or connectors. That wasn’t the point I was making. I was asking whether the significant engineering elements are entirely new or whether they build upon previous hardware. Those are two different conversations.

That’s why I asked the question. It wasn’t a gotcha. It was an attempt to better understand the product’s engineering and, ultimately, its pricing. Words like “100% original” create a specific expectation, so I think it’s fair to ask what that actually means.

One thing I’ve noticed in this hobby is that close relationships with manufacturers can sometimes blur the line between sharing information and speaking on a manufacturer’s behalf. Early software access, trade-in opportunities, review samples, or other benefits aren’t inherently problematic, but they can create situations in which confident statements are made without publicly available evidence. That’s why I prefer to ask questions and see the supporting information whenever possible. It's also why I disassemble most everything I get my hands on.

I apologize to those who are irritated that I'm taking up forum screen space, but what's inside and knowing are both important to me.

 

[BeanAnimal]

No. I said the Meridian is an original design, not that every single piece of hardware is unique. Those aren't the same thing. Reusing components doesn't mean the product isn't a ground-up design.

Your response attempts to conflate design with parts sourcing. Nearly every electronics company reuses or sources standard components (LEDs, capacitors, controllers, connectors, fans, etc.).

Saying a product is "100% original" in the context of its design doesn't necessarily imply that every physical component was invented specifically for that product

Sorry my friend but this reads like you are debating with LLM in hand... You are not typically that pedantic and the response clearly misses the point, just like an LLM would laying out a list of things that are only tangentially relevant.

Of course all fixtures use common electronics. Driver and pwm topology and other building blocks, even board topologies and routing can (and do) often show show lineage and commonality between fixgures, engineers, or OEMs.

 

[areefer01]

Sorry my friend but this reads like you are debating with LLM in hand... You are not typically that pedantic and the response clearly misses the point, just like an LLM would laying out a list of things that are only tangentially relevant.

Of course all fixtures use common electronics. Driver and pwm topology and other building blocks, even board topologies and routing can (and do) often show show lineage and commonality between fixgures, engineers, or OEMs.

Every day it seems that there are more and more posts embedded with it.

 

[VintageReefer]

Sorry my friend but this reads like you are debating with LLM in hand... You are not typically that pedantic and the response clearly misses the point, just like an LLM would laying out a list of things that are only tangentially relevant.

Thank you for the feedback— I respect your opinion —its a well written reply that I find to be:

1. Eye opening
2. Insightful
3. Observational
4. Valuable

Of course all fixtures use common electronics. Driver and pwm topology and other building blocks, even board topologies and routing can (and do) often show show lineage and commonality between fixgures, engineers, or OEMs.

Agreed. I’m not here to define terms. When I inquired about buying the light before it came out, I asked how it compares to my photon v2. I was told it was a new light to market, not a photon v3, not a rebrand of some other light; and 100% original design by RB. The frame/enclosure, LED layout, control methods, modular expansion etc. The optics are original and custom designed and were made for this light. There’s numerous other things unique to this light compared to the photon.

If it has some parts carry over, or if both lights having integrated T Track rails disqualify the claim, so be it lol

My only point in all of this was it’s not another companies light rebranded.
-Best Regards,
Claude
VR

 

[BeanAnimal]

Thank you for the feedback— I respect your opinion —its a well written reply that I find to be:

1. Eye opening
2. Insightful
3. Observational
4. Valuable

Agreed. I’m not here to define terms. When I inquired about buying the light before it came out, I asked how it compares to my photon v2. I was told it was a new light to market, not a photon v3, not a rebrand of some other light; and 100% original design by RB. The frame/enclosure, LED layout, control methods, modular expansion etc. The optics are original and custom designed and were made for this light. There’s numerous other things unique to this light compared to the photon.

If it has some parts carry over, or if both lights having integrated T Track rails disqualify the claim, so be it lol

My only point in all of this was it’s not another companies light rebranded.
-Best Regards,
Claude
VR

I don't know anything about the light. I have no reason not to take them at their word, but I also recognize that Telegraham pokes around inside a lot of lights.

If I cared, my question would be who designed the light and what engineering was brought to the table, and by whom. Is it the same OEM they imported it from, a hired design engineer, in-house expertise, or simply an off-the-shelf, order-by-number feature set? That is, if I cared. I don't in the slightest.

I understand that you're a happy customer and a fan. I have no issue with that at all.

I'm just commenting on the various aspects of this conversation and the situation in general, both with respect to the "paywall" and the broader handwriting on the wall that it exposes.

 

[Rocks reef]

I think the question is being interpreted more narrowly than I intended.

To me, this comes down to what “100% original” means to the reefing community. If ReefBreeders designed the enclosure, PCB layout, firmware, optics, and overall architecture themselves, then I understand calling it an original design. But if portions of the electronics originated from an earlier Photon platform or an existing Chinese OEM design, then I think “100% original” becomes a claim that deserves clarification.

Given ReefBreeders’ history with the Photon platform, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask whether any engineering knowledge, architecture, or major electronics carried forward into the Meridian. That’s very different from asking whether every resistor, capacitor, or LED is unique. Nobody expects a company to manufacture its own LEDs, capacitors, or connectors. That wasn’t the point I was making. I was asking whether the significant engineering elements are entirely new or whether they build upon previous hardware. Those are two different conversations.

That’s why I asked the question. It wasn’t a gotcha. It was an attempt to better understand the product’s engineering and, ultimately, its pricing. Words like “100% original” create a specific expectation, so I think it’s fair to ask what that actually means.

One thing I’ve noticed in this hobby is that close relationships with manufacturers can sometimes blur the line between sharing information and speaking on a manufacturer’s behalf. Early software access, trade-in opportunities, review samples, or other benefits aren’t inherently problematic, but they can create situations in which confident statements are made without publicly available evidence. That’s why I prefer to ask questions and see the supporting information whenever possible. It's also why I disassemble most everything I get my hands on.

I apologize to those who are irritated that I'm taking up forum screen space, but what's inside and knowing are both important to me.

No need to apologize.
I, for one, appreciate your unbiased information. Your opinions are grounded in actual testing of products, research and the desire to “dig deeper” rather than follow with blinders on.
Keep it coming!

 

[jmaneyapanda]

A lot of these conversations are above my "paygrade" and comprehension, for the most part. So, perhaps someone can clarify some simple points for me. Full disclosure, I dont own a RB light, and, as a personal choice, would never own one after this. But, can someone answer these who has better understanding of the lights, the app, and the general history, since they all seem to be crux to this?

1) Did ReefBreeders publicly state that these premium features would be beind a paywall? From what Im understanding, the answer is a clouded "maybe". That someone with the company made a comment on a post somehwhere here on R2R, and thats the basis of their disclosure. Is that accurate? Or did they post themselves? Is it in a blog? On their website? Or just a passing comment on a hobbyist post?

2) Does the website ever, or for that matter, still, say that the features are premium based that will only be available at a cost? Or does it imply that they are pending features that are a feature of the light as advertised?

3) There has been a robust statement from the manufacturer that the premium option will not take anything away from existing customers. Yet, I read a lot of people having difficulties with the new app, and options that were previously available, or optional. Such as shared moonlight, dual patterns, etc. Which statement is true? Is nothing taken away, or are there now options missing?

 

[areefer01]

A lot of these conversations are above my "paygrade" and comprehension, for the most part. So, perhaps someone can clarify some simple points for me. Full disclosure, I dont own a RB light, and, as a personal choice, would never own one after this. But, can someone answer these who has better understanding of the lights, the app, and the general history, since they all seem to be crux to this?

1) Did ReefBreeders publicly state that these premium features would be beind a paywall? From what Im understanding, the answer is a clouded "maybe". That someone with the company made a comment on a post somehwhere here on R2R, and thats the basis of their disclosure. Is that accurate? Or did they post themselves? Is it in a blog? On their website? Or just a passing comment on a hobbyist post?

2) Does the website ever, or for that matter, still, say that the features are premium based that will only be available at a cost? Or does it imply that they are pending features that are a feature of the light as advertised?

3) There has been a robust statement from the manufacturer that the premium option will not take anything away from existing customers. Yet, I read a lot of people having difficulties with the new app, and options that were previously available, or optional. Such as shared moonlight, dual patterns, etc. Which statement is true? Is nothing taken away, or are there now options missing?

They are a member here. Even voted. Tag the member and maybe they can answer those questions.

 

[gkprevite]

I have no skin in this game, however I think to charge monthly to use features on a piece of hardware you already purchased is off putting and would prevent me from considering using said company’s products. Not coming at reefbreeders specifically just speaking in a general sense. If you bought a refrigerator would you be ok with paying a monthly fee to use the icemaker? I don’t think I would be

 

[jt0117]

Thank you to everyone so far for voicing your opinions and voting, at the very least it can give some constructive feedback to Reefbreeders on their new Paywall Feature!

 

[VintageReefer]

A lot of these conversations are above my "paygrade" and comprehension, for the most part. So, perhaps someone can clarify some simple points for me. Full disclosure, I dont own a RB light, and, as a personal choice, would never own one after this. But, can someone answer these who has better understanding of the lights, the app, and the general history, since they all seem to be crux to this?

1) Did ReefBreeders publicly state that these premium features would be beind a paywall? From what Im understanding, the answer is a clouded "maybe". That someone with the company made a comment on a post somehwhere here on R2R, and thats the basis of their disclosure. Is that accurate? Or did they post themselves? Is it in a blog? On their website? Or just a passing comment on a hobbyist post?

Not fully sure, but they did mention it several times here, going back as long as about 24 months ago

They have a new section on the website detailing all the new additions to the app, and some premium info

https://reefbreeders.com/pages/app-patch-notes

2) Does the website ever, or for that matter, still, say that the features are premium based that will only be available at a cost? Or does it imply that they are pending features that are a feature of the light as advertised?

The link I posted above says the 4 features are optional. I don’t see anything about the cost for premium, but it’s explained in the app. That should be more transparent for people that don’t own the light/app yet.

3) There has been a robust statement from the manufacturer that the premium option will not take anything away from existing customers. Yet, I read a lot of people having difficulties with the new app, and options that were previously available, or optional. Such as shared moonlight, dual patterns, etc. Which statement is true? Is nothing taken away, or are there now options missing?

Users have not lost any functionality in any way. Nothing that was available last month or at any point in time has been removed or put behind a paywall. A lot of new functionality and improvements have been added to the app for free.

The thing people are upset about is some features that have been added, have an upgrade charge to get them. And also the concept of having to pay for additional features is a slippery slope that people dislike. RB has publicly stated that the app will remain free, and nothing that currently is free will be something they charge for. Premium is optional and some future enhancements will be deployed for free and some will be included for premium owners

Here are the current premium features:

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Not fully sure, but they did mention it several times here, going back as long as about 24 months ago

They have a new section on the website detailing all the new additions to the app, and some premium info

https://reefbreeders.com/pages/app-patch-notes

The link I posted above says the 4 features are optional. I don’t see anything about the cost for premium, but it’s explained in the app. That should be more transparent for people that don’t own the light/app yet.


Users have not lost any functionality in any way. Nothing that was available last month or at any point in time has been removed or put behind a paywall. A lot of new functionality and improvements have been added to the app for free.

The thing people are upset about is some features that have been added, have an upgrade charge to get them. And also the concept of having to pay for additional features is a slippery slope that people dislike. RB has publicly stated that the app will remain free, and nothing that currently is free will be something they charge for. Premium is optional and some future enhancements will be deployed for free and some will be included for premium owners

Here are the current premium features:

Thank you for the clarification.

 

[fish_collector]

So just for fun, why are you such an avid supporter of the RB platform VintageReefer? Why come here and spend hours defending them? I assume you use their lights, how did you come to take possession of them? Did you buy them at retail or were you gifted them as a beta tester? This whole thread has some odd things unfolding.

 

[VintageReefer]

So just for fun, why are you such an avid supporter of the RB platform VintageReefer? Why come here and spend hours defending them? I assume you use their lights, how did you come to take possession of them? Did you buy them at retail or were you gifted them as a beta tester? This whole thread has some odd things unfolding.

I explain that here, and suggest reading that post through 807. I explain a little more about brands I recommend and reasoning.

Post in thread 'Reef Breeders Meridians'

Jul 15, 2026

As someone who has received gear at a reduced rate, whether that's free for use, free for testing, or sourced from locals, I think it's very important to look at recommendations through the appropriate lens. Without transparency, seemingly harmless recommendations can be more than they seem. Some may be rooted in blurred lines of favor (real or perceived) from manufacturers, while others are open in their approach.

I have not always been good at this, but my current approach to recommending is to start with how I received the gear, then follow up with why I dig it (or why it sucks)...

• VintageReefer

 

[js-3Design]

I really can’t take anyone serious who defends this…

I would love to live in your world vintagereefer, a world full of roses and butterflies where the word enshittification doesn’t exist and you can blindly trust the word of a company because you had a good experience with them in the past.

 

[VintageReefer]

So just for fun, why are you such an avid supporter of the RB platform VintageReefer? Why come here and spend hours defending them? I assume you use their lights, how did you come to take possession of them? Did you buy them at retail or were you gifted them as a beta tester? This whole thread has some odd things unfolding.

Additionally I have extensive experience with the brand and products because I have been a user of their lighting since 2013 when I upgraded from my prior setup, 250x2 halides and 4x54w t5ho

I have owned:
Photon 48 (v1)
Photon 32 (v1)
Photon 48 v2
Pico V2

And now meridians. I have watched the products evolve in quality, functionality and capability. I’ve gone from small touch screens and a basic remote, and used the various version of the app. I have plenty of experience with their lighting, and first hand results with my tank, to recommend them to others, answer questions, and make corrections.

I have owned radions, and a prime 16HD. I also own a noopsyche k7 pro iii and aquaknight v2.

There’s a lot that goes into a successful reef, lighting is one part of the formula. If you want to see results under photons or meridians, feel free to explore my tank thread. It’s been active since I joined here