Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Reef Breeders Lighting
Why Choose the Reef Breeders Meridian?
The Reef Breeders Meridian is a next-generation LED light fixture built for serious reef keepers who want high PAR output, full-spectrum control, and a low-profile design. Whether you’re lighting a shallow lagoon-style tank or a deep SPS-dominated reef, the Meridian provides consistent, customizable coverage with clean aesthetics.
Available in multiple lengths, it fits a wide range of tank sizes and offers reef-ready output for everything from soft corals and LPS to demanding SPS species.
Key Performance Features:
- WiFi App Control: Adjust spectrum, intensity, and photoperiods directly from your mobile device. The Meridian’s built-in WiFi module makes setup and customization simple — no extra controllers or hubs required.
- Full-Spectrum LED Array: With a carefully engineered mix of UV, violet, royal blue, blue, and white diodes, the Meridian allows you to tailor your lighting for coral growth, fluorescence, and visual balance.
- Even PAR Distribution: Wide optical lenses help deliver uniform light spread across the tank, minimizing shadow zones and ensuring stable coverage even at greater depths.
Mounting Options:
The Reef Breeders Meridian can be suspended using the optional hanging kit or mounted over the tank with compatible mounting arms, both sold separately. Its slim design and quiet operation make it a great choice for rimless displays or minimalist reef setups.
Expert Tips
Dialing in Spectrum for Coral Growth
The Reef Breeders Meridian gives you full-spectrum control, allowing you to fine-tune individual channels — including UV, violet, royal blue, and white — to match the needs of your coral mix. For SPS-heavy systems, lean into the blue and violet range to promote strong coloration and polyp extension. For LPS or soft coral tanks, a balanced mix of white and blue can bring out natural color without overwhelming the tissue.
Setting Up a Natural Lighting Schedule
Use the Meridian’s mobile app to create smooth ramp-up and ramp-down cycles that mimic sunrise and sunset. Gradually increasing intensity in the morning and tapering off at night supports coral health, reduces stress, and enhances viewing. The app also includes moonlight settings for low-output nighttime visibility without disrupting coral rest periods.
Mounting Height and Spread
For optimal coverage, mount the Meridian approximately 8–10 inches above the waterline. This provides strong PAR spread while reducing hotspots and ensuring full-tank illumination. For wider or deeper tanks, consider positioning two fixtures side-by-side for edge-to-edge uniformity.
Keep It Cool & Clean
While the Meridian is passively cooled and runs quietly, it’s important to keep vents free from dust or salt creep. Wipe the fixture with a soft cloth every few weeks, and periodically check lens clarity to maintain consistent light transmission and intensity.
Installation & Maintenance
Installing the Reef Breeders Meridian
The Reef Breeders Meridian is designed for a clean, straightforward setup that suits a variety of reef tank styles. While the light includes everything needed to power and program it, mounting arms and hanging kits are sold separately. Choose the setup that works best for your system:
- Hanging Kit (Optional): Suspend the Meridian from the ceiling or a light rack for a minimalist look. Ideal for rimless and open-top aquariums.
- Mounting Arms (Optional): Install the fixture directly over your tank with separately available mounting arms. This setup keeps cables organized and the fixture stable, with adjustable height and positioning.
Position the light 8–10 inches above the water surface for optimal PAR distribution and visual balance across your aquascape.
Routine Maintenance
To keep your Reef Breeders Lights running smoothly:
- Clean the Lens: Every 2–4 weeks, gently wipe the lens with RO/DI water and a microfiber cloth to remove salt creep and dust buildup.
- Check Vents: Ensure airflow is unobstructed by regularly inspecting the passive cooling fins or vents. This helps maintain internal temperature and consistent performance.
- Update the App: Reef Breeders may release firmware or control updates through their app. Stay up to date to ensure optimal spectrum presets, scheduling features, and device stability.
Using a PAR Meter for Accuracy
If you’re fine-tuning coral placement or planning a mixed reef, use a PAR meter to measure light levels at various depths:
- Soft Corals: 75–125 PAR
- LPS Corals: 100–200 PAR
- SPS Corals: 200–400+ PAR
Adjust your Meridian’s intensity or mounting height based on your tank’s depth and aquascape layout for balanced coral growth.
