Updates for the ReefBreeders Photon?

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I'm curious to know what exactly justifies the huge price increase? To claim that these lights will out perform anything else on the market is quite bold. Is there more spectral data that I'm not finding to back this up? Also, I wanted to inquire on why these look like exact copies of the Reef Factory lights?
One more important thing to note- those were estimated prices.

Our current Price list is below:

 
One more important thing to note- those were estimated prices.

Our current Price list is below:


Hi Logan! Do you have any suggestions for a 4'x3' SPS dominate 19" tall? I dont know whether to use bars with a Meridian 35 or get (4) Meridian 11's...... By the way. LOVE the new arm design. Sleek, clean and minimal.
 
Hi Logan! Do you have any suggestions for a 4'x3' SPS dominate 19" tall? I dont know whether to use bars with a Meridian 35 or get (4) Meridian 11's...... By the way. LOVE the new arm design. Sleek, clean and minimal.
I am in the same boat and would love to hear input.
 
Hi Logan! Do you have any suggestions for a 4'x3' SPS dominate 19" tall? I dont know whether to use bars with a Meridian 35 or get (4) Meridian 11's...... By the way. LOVE the new arm design. Sleek, clean and minimal.

I am in the same boat and would love to hear input.
Hey there, here's a breakdown of several options from highest to lowest power. The new Back of tank mount can support up to 6 Meridian Edge Bars, so those are another great option for lighting your tank. Keep in mind all of these options would work for SPS in tanks up to 36" high- so the first few in this list may be overkill for a 19" deep tank. You can always reduce the number of lights and add on our Encompass OHM optics for more spread.

Given the tank is 3 feet front to back, I recommend hanging the lights from the ceiling, or using the side of tank mounts. We are working on a new and improved side mount based off the new rear mounts as well, stay tuned for details on that one!

4-6 x Meridian Edge 45 or 35 Bars, Either Saltwater Spectrum or mix/match SW, UV/Blue
2 x Meridian 45s
1 x Meridian 45 + 2 x Edge 45 Bars, Saltwater Spectrum
2 x Meridian 35s
1 x Meridian 35 + 2 x Edge 35 or 45 Bars, Saltwater Spectrum
4 x Meridian 11
 
Curious to know if these fixtures are any more reliable than the last ones i purchased from Reefbreeders?
I mean they literally spent more time on a UPS truck going back and forth to Logan for repairs then they did over my tank.
After sending my fixtures back numerous times to have the ballasts replaced, Logan finally gave up and told me to only run the fixtures at 50% so they don't burn out. Funny thing is i never ran the fixtures over 50% since the day i bought them. Still waiting to get 50% of my money back.
 
Hey there, here's a breakdown of several options from highest to lowest power. The new Back of tank mount can support up to 6 Meridian Edge Bars, so those are another great option for lighting your tank. Keep in mind all of these options would work for SPS in tanks up to 36" high- so the first few in this list may be overkill for a 19" deep tank. You can always reduce the number of lights and add on our Encompass OHM optics for more spread.

Given the tank is 3 feet front to back, I recommend hanging the lights from the ceiling, or using the side of tank mounts. We are working on a new and improved side mount based off the new rear mounts as well, stay tuned for details on that one!

4-6 x Meridian Edge 45 or 35 Bars, Either Saltwater Spectrum or mix/match SW, UV/Blue
2 x Meridian 45s
1 x Meridian 45 + 2 x Edge 45 Bars, Saltwater Spectrum
2 x Meridian 35s
1 x Meridian 35 + 2 x Edge 35 or 45 Bars, Saltwater Spectrum
4 x Meridian 11
Thanks Logan! I appreciate the response. 1 x Meridian 35 + 2 x Edge 35 it is!
 
Curious to know if these fixtures are any more reliable than the last ones i purchased from Reefbreeders?
I mean they literally spent more time on a UPS truck going back and forth to Logan for repairs then they did over my tank.
After sending my fixtures back numerous times to have the ballasts replaced, Logan finally gave up and told me to only run the fixtures at 50% so they don't burn out. Funny thing is i never ran the fixtures over 50% since the day i bought them. Still waiting to get 50% of my money back.
We sincerely regret to hear about the issues you've encountered with your Photon V1s and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Your satisfaction is paramount to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.

Regarding the Photon V1 lights you purchased in 2014, we want to clarify that they were serviced under warranty for the first two years. Post-warranty, we continued to offer repairs at a discounted rate, understanding the importance of maintaining the longevity and performance of our products. These services were typically spaced about 12 months apart, which is not common as many of our V1 customers are enjoying their lights for over a decade without issue.

We also recognize the importance of regular maintenance, such as cleaning to prevent salt and dust buildup, in ensuring the optimal performance of our lights. While we understand that each customer's experience can vary, we are committed to learning from each case to improve our products and services.

In response to customer feedback, our Photon V2 series, released in 2016, features completely redesigned components for enhanced reliability and performance. The entire V2 acts as a heat sink, and has an external power supply to further reduce heat inside the light. We made these changes to ensure a better experience for all our customers.

The Meridian further is a major upgrade on the Photon's design, with even more features to protect internal components against the intrusion of salt spray and dust particles. The Fans are isolated and sealed, the LED matrixes are a single panel with an integrated splash shield, and the added silicon gaskets on each end of the light provide an additional seal to protect the internals.

Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are here to support you further if needed. Please feel free to reach out directly for any assistance. We are dedicated to resolving your concerns and ensuring a positive experience with our products.
 
Hey Jody,

There are a couple options for a 6 foot tank:

1) Meridian 63- $1,699

2) Meridian 11 x 3 ($399 ea)
2x ICS (integrated connection system- $59/ea)
2 x daisy chaining cables ($19/ea)
400watt power supply ($129).

Total price Estimate is $1300-$1490. Because the Meridian 11s won't need individual power supplies on top of the larger 400w power supply, the price may be lower if they're ordered as a set. Set prices TBD.

The ICS rails connect to the front/back of the meridians- and are the perfect length to link Meridian 11s over tanks in 2 foot increments. They're designed to center a Meridian 11 over each 24" section of tank, and you can connect up to 5 Meridian 11s to a 400watt power supply (available on release), or 8 to a 600watt power supply (Currently being tested).


The new layout is more efficient than the Photons- we reduced the number of white LEDs to match the color ratio most people are using with Photons- and replaced the green/red with a warm white LED to fill that area of the spectrum. There are far more royal blues and violets, as well as new 440nm violets that fill the spectrum perfectly between the 415nm violets and 450nm royals.
I'm loving the spectrum. It'll probably have a Reef Brite XHO look to it with more uv. Most of us shut off reds and green and put white on 10% for only half the day anyways. Now you can set to 100% on all channels like G6 Blues during the day and turn off the whites around 1pm and watch the glow begin. LOVE IT!
 
I'm loving the spectrum. It'll probably have a Reef Brite XHO look to it with more uv. Most of us shut off reds and green and put white on 10% for only half the day anyways. Now you can set to 100% on all channels like G6 Blues during the day and turn off the whites around 1pm and watch the glow begin. LOVE IT!
honestly me too! I think it looks incredible and my acros have responded extremely well. I can not wait to more of these over my tanks! so far, way good!
 
There is no scale on the spectral scan we posted, so this chart simply matched up the 450nm peak, assuming the same peak 450nm output as the Sky LED- so I would take this with a grain of salt. We will release a 1:1 with the Photon when more Meridians come in. Currently our samples are all spoken for.

In terms of results, our testers have been thoroughly impressed with coral coloration since switching to Meridians.

Can you provide an updated spectrum graph for the final product. This is usually provided for other manufacturers but I couldn’t even find it in your website.

I’m sure all of us are eager to get this to know how wide your blue spectrum is compared to your previous generations and competitors.

Thanks!
 
Can you provide an updated spectrum graph for the final product. This is usually provided for other manufacturers but I couldn’t even find it in your website.

I’m sure all of us are eager to get this to know how wide your blue spectrum is compared to your previous generations and competitors.

Thanks!

Meridian All Channels Spectrum Graphic.jpg Meridian Blues and Violets Spectrum Graphic.jpg Meridian White LED Spectrum Graphic.jpg
 
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Here's the Photon V2 (24/48/50) spectrum as a comparison. The Royal Blues are significantly more powerful (more diodes) so the scale is a bit different- the peak at 450nm is significantly larger.

For reference, the output at 420nm is about the same on the Photons and the Meridians. With the Meridians new layout, we added in 405nm near UV, and 438nm Indigo. Notice the dip between the violet and royal blue peak on the Photon spectrum.

That spectral band has been widened significantly to fill out the violet spectrum from 390nm-440nm.

Photon24 V2 spectral Scan.jpg
 
@Reef Breeders Any way to mount these in an open top canopy? I have a new 150g 6 feet long by 2 feet wide and 20 inches tall. I only have about 6-7 inches from surface of the water. Would two 35 inch models be appropriate for this set up? Not sure if this is too close to the water for appropriate spread?

This is the lip around my canopy I would like to find a way to attach lights to such as a bar running across or something.



IMG_4481.jpeg
 
Hey there! Given the tank is 30" front to back- I recommend a Meridian 63 plus 2 Meridian Edge 63 Bars. The Saltwater Spectrum on the bars is ideal for extending the side to side range of your light. That comes out to a total of 400+300=700watts with the wireless bars. The bars mount directly to the front/back of the Meridian using our articulating mounts.
I have a tank with the same dims being built. Am I better off with three 24" V2 Pros mounted front to back or Meridian 63 ? Appreciate any input
 
Thank you for your inquiry about our Meridian lights. We appreciate your interest and are happy to provide more information on what sets the Meridians apart, especially in light of the recent price increase and comparisons with other products like Reef Factory lights. I will address each of your questions:

  1. Meridian Light Features:
    • Upgraded LED Layout: The Meridian lights feature an upgraded LED layout, including 440nm LEDs. This is a unique spectrum that isn't found in other competing lights like Reef Factory, Radions, or AI.
    • Unmatched Control Flexibility: The Meridian stands alone in the market with its unparalleled control options, combining Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and manual control capabilities. This trio of control methods ensures that every user can find a convenient way to manage their aquarium lighting. Particularly noteworthy is our optional manual controller, designed for aquarists who prefer a hands-on approach. With this controller, you can precisely tune your light's intensity and adjust the blue to white ratio to achieve the perfect ambiance for your aquatic environment. Furthermore, the controller enables you to set an 8, 10, or 12-hour lighting timer, complete with a gradual 1-hour sunrise and sunset ramp-up, mimicking natural light patterns. For those who appreciate night-time viewing, the moonlight feature is a standout, allowing the cool blue LEDs to run at a subtle 1% intensity during nighttime hours, creating a serene and natural nocturnal setting. These extensive control features, tailored to meet the needs of diverse aquarium setups, underscore the Meridian’s position as a leader in aquarium lighting innovation.
    • Efficient LED Utilization: The LED layout in the Meridian lights has been thoughtfully redesigned for enhanced efficiency. This is a significant advancement from our previous models like the Photon, where white LEDs were often underutilized compared to blue LEDs. In the Meridian, all LEDs can be run evenly, ensuring the perfect 16K blue look that many aquarists desire. Moreover, this design offers flexibility for users to adjust the lighting according to their specific color preferences. Additionally, we understand the unique needs of different aquarium setups, which is why we also offer custom LED layouts. This option allows for a more personalized lighting environment, catering to the specific needs of your aquatic life and aesthetic preferences.
    • OHM Optics for Versatile Spread: The Meridian is equipped with the Ocular Holo Matrix (OHM) optics, offering three spread options tailored for deep tanks, wide tanks, or average aquariums.
    • Daisy-Chaining Capability: Meridians can be daisy-chained, allowing for up to 600 watts of LED power with just one plug. This feature enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of aquarium lighting.
    • ICS for Physical Linking: The Integrated Connection System (ICS) enables seamless linking of multiple lights, extending coverage without compromising on design or functionality.
    • Meridian Edge Bars Integration: These can be directly plugged into the Meridian's daisy-chaining system and connected to the front/back of the light with an articulating mount, offering greater versatility.
    • Improved Moisture Resistance: The optics design increases moisture resistance. Additionally, the fans are designed to operate on the top of the light rather than circulating air through it, further enhancing durability. In addition, unlike the plastic cases on some of our competitors lights, the Meridians feature silicon seals on each aluminum endcap for superior water resistance.
  2. Pricing: The pricing of the Meridian lights is a direct reflection of the extensive enhancements and unique features they encompass. It’s important to emphasize that these lights were designed from the ground up, involving all custom parts. This intricate process required the development of over a dozen molds, signifying a significant investment in design and manufacturing to ensure the highest quality. In addition to the hardware improvements, we have developed a brand new app specifically tailored for the Meridians, enhancing user experience and control. This app, along with integrated Bluetooth features, represents our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology in aquarium lighting.

    While other brands have increased their prices multiple times in recent years without offering a single upgrade, we have maintained our prices for the Photon range during this period. The price increase for the Meridian lights comes after this considerable upgrade and complete redesign, differentiating them significantly from previous models and competing products. The superior build quality, efficiency, and the combination of advanced technology and custom design work justify the price point, reflecting our dedication to innovation, quality, and value for our customers.
    1. Pricing Comparison with our Photon Range: The pricing of the Meridian lights aligns closely with that of our previous Photon range, reflecting our commitment to offering value alongside innovation. For instance, a 4-foot tank can be efficiently illuminated with just two Meridian 11s, priced at $399 each. This presents a more cost-effective solution compared to the Photon 48-V2 Pro, which is priced at $880. Similarly, for a 2-foot tank, the required investment is around $400 with the Meridian lights, offering significant savings when compared to the $545 price tag of the Photon 16-V2 Pro.
  3. Comparison with Reef Factory Lights: While there might be superficial resemblances in design with Reef Factory lights, the Meridian lights stand out in terms of technology, efficiency, and build quality. For a more detailed comparison, please view our video and photo comparison below, where we showcase these differences and the superior quality of the Meridian lights. Here's a photo from that comparison for reference, on the left, a Meridian 11 prototype. On the right, the ReefFlare Blue S
IMG_B45ABA46CB73-1.jpeg



We understand that choosing the right lighting for your aquarium is crucial, and we're here to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. If there are any further questions or if you need additional details, please feel free to reach out to us.

Hey Logan, this is Luca from Quanta Lights. I know you didn’t mean anything malicious by your comment of no one using 440nm LED’s, I would ask you to correct this and please add in something to the effect of “besides Quanta Lights”. My first product of my brand back in 2021 had 440nm LED’s in it and all of my products since then have 440nm diodes.

Luca
 
I have used both the reefbreeders and the quanta lights and i can confirm thier build quality and longevity were unmatched.
In terms of spectrum and par i believe it all comes down to preferences. I for instance loved the spectrum from both light but the color rendition not so much. Quantas helix meso blue are the closest to the t5 ati blue plus I have seen out of any light bar I tried and thats gtmreat if you want the best health for your corals.

The photon lights I ve used on my frag tank for few years and they were growing corals no issues but the spread was not the greatest.

In summary, I would suggest for the light vendors to promote thier lights and refrain from direct comparison of other light out there as that will not benefit them at all. It will just start a never ending debate that goes no where. Let your customers attest to what thier real life experience away from data sheets. Making claims that aught is "the best" or "the only one that has" is bunch of marketing gimmicks. All modern led lights will get the job done. It just comes down to preference, price and style of what people are looking for.
 

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