Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ReefBeat.
For more Information & Technical support, Check out our Contact Us page.
For Advanced product support please check our Technical support form.
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ReefBeat.
For more Information & Technical support, Check out our Contact Us page.
For Advanced product support please check our Technical support form.
The ReefLED is Reef-Safe as it has been designed to provide only REEF-SPEC light however the user will set it.
Based on our research into the photobiology of corals, we have been able to identify the specific light spectrum and intensity (REEF-SPEC) that is required to support corals and other inhabitants in a reef aquarium.
Light that is outside of these parameters may become an unwanted energy source that turns into heat, promotes the formation of toxic free oxygen radicals and damages coral tissue, zooxanthellae, etc.
Many LED units on the market can be set to provide theREEF-SPEC requirements however most of them also provide undesired wavelengths, have a higher than desired intensity and allow the user to set unbalanced ratios of the desired wavelengths. These features significantly increase the possibility of user error which may damage a reef through incorrect settings.
The compact LED array of the ReefLED includes a multi-wavelength, “REEF-SPEC Blue” channel (a proprietary blend of blue, violet and ultraviolet LEDs) that is equivalent to 23,000 Kelvin, which together with an 8,000K White channel, provides a reef-safe spectrum that enables all corals to flourish. The compact array sits under an optical-glass hollow lens that ensures a homogenous light spectrum with ideal PAR values throughout the aquarium, without hotspots or areas with insufficient light for coral growth and coloration. With 80 watts of “REEF-SPEC Blue” and only 10 watts of the 8,000K the ReefLED can be set according to your personal color preference while maintaining a REEF-SPEC setting at all times.
Not exceeding the correct daily Photoperiod is also important for the safety of your reef so the ReefBeat App that controls the ReefLED gives warnings if any settings are outside or our Reef-safe guidelines.
PAR is a measurement of light intensity that combines the energy from all the wavelengths in the visible spectrum (400–700nm) measured at a specific point under a light source. It represents the energy that stimulates photosynthesis in terrestrial plants and is easily measurable with a PAR meter.
The aquarium hobby uses PAR levels since it is easy to measure however PAR does not provide a proper indication of the suitability of the light for a reef aquarium. For example, green, yellow and red light in the visible range (over 480nm) are included in the PAR measurement however, corals cannot utilize these wavelengths which become harmful as the excess light energy turns into heat. The PAR measurement also does not include the UV light that is below 400nm which is essential for corals.
Irrespective of the exact light spectrum, high levels of PAR (over about 550) will result in local hotspots where corals cannot utilize the excess light energy and will eventually cause them harm (mostly bleaching). Practically, under lights with higher PAR values the corals will need to be placed lower in the water column or alternatively will require a significantly shorter photoperiod.
For optimal coral growth and light utilization, an evenly distributed light throughout the aquarium is required, which by definition means lower peak PAR values directly under the light source.
A better measurement of light intensity for reef aquariums is PUR (photosynthetic utilized radiation), which is the sum of the specific wavelengths that are utilized by the corals. Unfortunately, there are no meters that can directly measure PUR for corals which can only be calculated from individual wavelength measurements. Testing of the ReefLED 90 shows that 95% of the PAR value of theREEF-SPEC Blue channel is PUR.
In fact, only the “REEF-SPEC Blue” channel, which is a proprietary combination of blue, violet and ultra-violet wavelengths, is actually required to ensure healthy coral growth.
Based on our extensive research, the ratio of the blue, violet and UV in the “REEF-SPEC Blue” channel has been set to optimal levels and therefore splitting it to its component parts introduces an unnecessary margin for error.
In addition, the ReefLED includes a relatively small amount of an 8000 Kelvin (“White channel”) allowing the hobbyist to set a color that is more pleasing to the human eye. The combination of the 2 channels will always produce a spectrum that can be found on natural reefs to a depth of approximately up to 30M. ReefLED also includes a third channel but it is dedicated for moonlight.
Using a compact LED array together with a single optical-glass, hollow lens ensures a homogenous light spectrum with an even spread throughout the aquarium.
This combination provides ideal PAR values without hotspots or areas with insufficient light for coral growth.
The design of the ReefLED ensures that SPS corals will thrive anywhere in an aquarium, within the stated coverage area and depth.
The ReefLED can be attached to the existing arms that were supplied with the system however the units will be 3cm (1¼”) too high causing slightly lower PAR values and excess light spillage outside the tank. Contact Red Sea support for replacement parts.
A usage guide for Red Sea tanks can be found on the website.
Development of the ReefLED was based on our understanding of the needs of corals and hobbyists and not in comparison to the specs of other products on the market.
It has been designed to provide a plug & play solution for typical hobby aquariums that will guarantee coral health and growth without having to understand the intricacies of LED lighting. Check in this section about “Reef-Safe” and “PAR vs. PUR”
All elements of the ReefLED have been developed by Red Sea’s team of biologists and engineers. They are manufactured and go through 100% QC testing at Red Sea’s own factory.
PAR is a measurement of all light in the visible spectrum (400–700nm) relative to a single point under a light source and is easily measurable with a PAR meter. The aquarium hobby has learnt to use PAR levels since it is easy to measure, however these numbers do not really provide a good indication of the suitability of a light for a reef aquarium.
Light in the visible range over 480nm (green/yellow/red) are part of the PAR measurement but can be harmful for corals due to the excess energy from the unused light. PAR also does not include the UV light that is below 400nm and is essential for corals. A better measurement is PUR (photosynthetic utilized radiation) which is the sum of the specific wavelengths that are utilized by the corals. Unfortunately, there are no meters that directly measure PUR for corals.
Irrespective of the exact light spectrum, high levels of PAR (over about 550) will result in local hotspots where corals cannot utilize the excess light energy that will eventually cause them harm. Under lights with higher PAR values the corals will need to be placed lower in the water column.
For optimal coral growth and light utilization, you need an evenly distributed light throughout the aquarium which by definition means lower peak PAR values directly under the light source.
Yes. The Schedule enables you to implement the same Program for every day of the week or to select a different Program for each day of the week. The default setting is “Daily.”
Opening the drop-down menu enables you to select any of the Programs that are already saved in your Program Library. If you wish to have a different program for different days of the week, choose the “Weekly” option and select a Program for each day of the week.
The Schedule page includes a direct link to the Program Library so that you can easily view, edit or create new Programs.
Acclimation allows corals to get used to the ReefLED lights by starting at a lower intensity and gradually increasing the intensity every day over the acclimation period.
For systems that have not had LED lighting in the past, we recommend starting at 50% of the intensity set in the D-Program and allowing 50 days to reach the full program intensity.
When replacing other LED lights, a shorter period may be possible. However, in such cases we recommend you check your corals daily for signs of stress as there are differences between LED lighting systems. For systems that have not had LED lighting in the past, we recommend starting at 50% of the intensity set in the D-Program and allowing 50 days to reach the full program intensity.
When replacing other LED lights, a shorter period may be possible. However, in such cases we recommend you check your corals daily for signs of stress as there are differences between LED lighting systems.
ReefBeat is available for both Android and iOS smart mobile devices. ReefBeat is compatible with most devices that have the following operating systems: Apple iOS 10 and higher, Android OS 5.1 and higher. To see the full list of devices – click here
All of Red Sea’s connected devices will be controlled by the ReefBeat app.
You must have an Internet connection on your smart mobile device in order to download and install ReefBeat. For full functionality your Red Sea devices should have an active internet connection at all times.
If this is not possible, you can onboard and operate your Red Sea devices in an “Offline” mode however some functionalities will not be available.
You can install the ReefBeat on multiple smart mobile devices (SMD) by entering the same user account details. All SMDs will have the same rights for operating and changing all of the settings.
You should keep this in mind before giving your user details to any 3rd party. This feature is only available if your ReefLEDs are connected to the Internet.
Access to your location is a prerequisite of the operating system to enable ReefBeat to locate and onboard Wi-Fi devices.
ReefBeat is designed to control multiple devices installed on multiple aquariums that belong to a single user and therefore you must set up at least 1 aquarium to operate your device.
The details of the aquarium will allow ReefBeat to make recommendation that are appropriate for your system.
All of the account and aquarium information, including your email address are editable at all times.
In every screen that changes can be made you will find either an “Apply” or a “Save” link at the top right corner. Be sure to click it once you are ready for your changes to be implemented.
Go to main menu and select “My Aquariums”. Click on the plus icon to add a new aquarium.
ReefBeat enables you to set up and manage any number of aquariums and add multiple devices to each of them.
Go to main menu and select “My Aquariums”. Press on the 3 dots menu of the relevant aquarium to open the menu, and select either “Edit Aquarium” or “Delete Aquarium”.
Note: by deleting an aquarium you are also deleting all devices that are associated with it.
For full functionality Red Sea’s connected devices should be connected to the internet and your aquariums should be set to “Online”.
In the event that you do not have an available Wi-Fi network at your Aquarium, set it as “Offline”. You can change the settings from Offline to Online from “My Aquariums” in the homepage main menu.
In both Online and Offline modes, the devices will provide exactly the same performance. The differences are related to the interaction with the units, ease of set up and making changes- specifically when multiple Red Sea connected devices are in use on the same aquarium.
Your devices are set up with a permanent connection to the internet and will have full functionality with all of the ReefBeat cloud related services.
This includes real time status of your devices in the ReefBeat homepage, notifications if communication with one or more units has been lost or is malfunctioning and controling your devices from multiple phones.
Your devices are set up without a permanent connection to the internet. In Offline mode your devices can still be connected to a home network (without a permanent internet connection) and enjoy almost all features of the ReefBeat.
If you do not have a home router ReefBeat can connect directly to each individual device, one at a time.
In Offline mode with a home network, your smart mobile device (SMD) will need to be connected to the same network as your Red Sea connected devices to communicate with them. When connected to the same network, you will see the real-time status on the homepage and have full functionality for grouped devices except for Notifications and Firmware updates, which cannot be done offline.
When your SMD is not connected to the same network, no current data about the device will be shown in the ReefBeat homepage. Direct mode connectivity offers limited functionality – you will need to connect to its access point directly from your SMD every time you wish to access it. You will not have any functionality that relates to groups of devices such as Staggered Sunrise.
Note: When your SMD is not connected to the ReefLED, no current data about the device will be shown in the ReefBeat homepage. Notifications and firmware updates are not available for offline units.
Uninstall and reinstall the app and sign in again with your username and password. If this does not help, contact customer support.
Set your device to AP mode by pressing the settings button for 5 seconds (until double blink). The indicator LED should be blinking. Tap the Add Device button from the Device Manager page, select the device icon and follow the instructions on the app.
If you are asked to enter the device serial number, it can be found on the back of the device. If not, the unique serial number should appear on your screen. This may take a few seconds.
If no devices appear on the list, check that the device is in AP mode and/or refresh the page. If you have installed multiple devices and you have already activated the AP mode you will see them all listed on your screen. Choose any one of them as the first unit and continue as instructed by the ReefBeat.
Connecting to ReefLED – Video tutorial iPhone
Connecting to ReefLED – Video tutorial Android
Connecting to ReefWave – Video tutorial iPhone
Once the device is connected to ReefBeat (see above), ReefBeat will display a list of Wi-Fi networks and signal strengths that are available to the device from its current location.
Note: if the device is not in its correct position on the aquarium, your preferred network may not be accessible when it is repositioned.
Select your preferred network and wait a few moments while it connects to it. The indicator LED will now be a solid red. Follow the instructions on the app for initial settings.
Connecting to ReefLED – Video tutorial iPhone
Connecting to ReefLED – Video tutorial Android
Connecting to ReefWave – Video tutorial iPhone
Try connecting the device to the hot-spot of a mobile phone in the same room instead of to your home network. If this works then the problem is related to your home network. This could be due to a number of reasons such as: Router signal strength, configuration, frequency or overloaded with devices. Check that the signal strength of your router is sufficient for a stable connection exactly where the device is located.
You may need to install a suitable Wi-Fi extender closer to the aquarium. The router may have too many devices already connected to it.
Your router may not support mDNS protocol. Your network may be 5 Ghz, ReefBeat devices require a 2.5Ghz network. In an office environment contact your IT professional as there may well be other security settings that prevent the connection of such devices.
To be able to connect without an internet connection, you must make sure your aquarium is set to “Offline” state. Once the device is connected to ReefBeat, it will display a list of available networks.
Select the “Direct Mode” option at the top of the screen to skip the network connection.
Note: If you are planning on using multiple Red Sea connected devices, it is recommended to connect them all to a Wi-Fi network even if the network is not connected to the Internet and will be operated in “Offline Mode”.
You can edit or delete a device in the device manager page. The Device Manager is accessible from the 3-dot menu in both the ReefBeat homepage and the device Dashboard, and contains a list of all of the Red Sea connected devices that are installed on each aquarium.
The devices are listed according to type and in the order in which they were added to the aquarium. Tapping the 3-dot menu for each device opens a list of advanced settings/functions for each device individually.
By default, all devices of the same type (such as ReefLED) will be grouped together during their onboarding and, where appropriate, identical settings will be applied to all devices in the group.
Any device can be ungrouped at any time in the device manager and will have full functionality as an independent unit. The ReefBeat homepage will show you the current status of all of your connected devices, and links you directly to the settings Dashboard for each group, or for individual units.
When switching off or physically removing a device temporarily such as when doing reef-scaping or other maintenance on the aquarium, you don’t have to remove it from ReefBeat, but just set the unit to “Out-of-service” through the Device Manager to prevent ReefBeat from giving you notifications that communication with the unit has been lost.
When returning the unit and/or switching it back on, remember to return its status to “In-service”.
To change the status: Device Manager > Device Line menu > In-service / Out-of-service.
Your Red Sea devices do not need the internet in order to continue operating according to their preset program and other settings.
If you need to make a change to the settings while there is no internet you will need to switch the aquarium to Offline from: Main Menu > Aquariums > Offline.
Immediately connect your smart mobile device to your home network and you will be able to operate your devices as usual. When you internet returns simply reset your aquarium to Online.
Your Red Sea devices do not need the home router in order to continue operating according to their preset program and other settings.
If you need to make a change to the settings while the home router is not available you will need to delete the specific device from the ReefBeat, put the device into AP mode, set your aquarium to “Offline” and onboard the device in Direct mode.
When the router becomes available again, you can reconnect the device to the router and reset the aquarium back to “Online”.
Open the device manager and open the “About” page of the device you would like to update.
Click on “Update Firmware” line. If a new firmware is available, you will be able to update it immediately.
Updating ReefLED firmware – Tutorial – iPhone
From the Program library, Programs can be created, edited, deleted (except for the Red Sea defaults), previewed or selected to be applied directly as the current Program.
The program library is accessible from the 3-dot menu of the dashboard or from the schedule page. Flip between the different options to review both default and custom programs.
The RS default programs have the same photoperiod for daylight and nightlight.
The difference between them is the intensity setting of the White channel that creates different overall color temperatures.
RS default Programs and Programs that are currently used in a schedule cannot be deleted.
The staggered sunrise feature allows you to create an enhanced sunrise/sunset effect along the length of an aquarium for ReefLEDs that are grouped together.
Set a “delay time” of a few minutes and the scheduled program will be implemented on each ReefLED in turn with the delay time you have set.
Pressing the button for 15 seconds (until double blink) deletes all user settings and switches off the Wi-Fi.
Note: before initiating “clear settings,” delete the specific device from ReefBeat via Device Manager.
The ReefLED will only work after it has been connected to the ReefBeat app.
The ReefBeat homepage updates once per minute with the actual intensity of each channel that is currently implemented on the ReefLED.
The Dashboard shows the calculated values according to the current program and effects. A discrepancy of a few percent between the two readings is normal, especially during periods where the values are constantly changing such as during sunrise and sunset.
You are likely seeing the effect of the random clouds. The homepage updates once per minute with the actual values as reported by the unit.
The Dashboard page shows the calculated values according to the D-program. However, it does not take into account the effect of the random clouds which are implemented on each ReefLED individually. If you cancel the clouds, the differences should disappear.
Go to Manual control: ReefLED Dashboard > Page Menu > Manual.
Test all 3 channels individually and if one or more do not work, disconnect and reconnect the power by the DC jack to restart. Recheck the channels using the Manual control. If this did not help, go through the “Clear Settings” steps (see page 17) and reconnect. If still not working, contact customer support.
The Staggered Sunrise delay will be implemented according to the order that the ReefLEDs appear in the Device Manager. By default, the ReefLEDs are ordered according to the order in which they were added to the aquarium.
The order of ReefLEDs can be changed at any time using the “Move” function: Device Manager > Device Line menu > Move.
Note: The “Identify” function will make the individual ReefLED blink a few times so that you can easily identify each ReefLED when setting their order for the staggered sunrise effect: Device Manager > Device Line menu > Identify
Check that you have not activated the Staggered Sunrise function which sets a delay between the ReefLED units by a few minutes.
Check that the units are grouped. If they are ungrouped, check that they all have the same Program/schedule.
Check that all units have the correct time: Device Manager > Device Line Menu > About > Current Time.
Your aquarium is set to Offline mode.
Change your aquarium setting to Online: Homepage > Main Menu > My Aquariums > Aquarium Line Menu > Edit Aquarium > Online
Delete the device from ReefBeat. Press the Settings button (on the back of the unit) for about 15 seconds (until the indicator LED shows a double blink), release the button and wait for about 10 seconds until the unit completes its reboot cycle (series of 4 blinks) and the indicator LED is permanently off.
All user setting will have been removed but the unit will have the last version of the installed Firmware.
Disconnect the CC jack and reconnect after about 5 seconds. Immediately after reconnecting the DC jack (within 3 seconds) press the Settings button (on the back of the unit) for about 15 seconds, until the indicator LED shows a double blink, release the button and wait for about 10 seconds until the unit completes its reboot cycle (series of 4 blinks) and the indicator LED is permanently off. If this does not work contact customer support.
Go through the following diagnostic checklist one stage at a time:
ReefBeat will notify you when it lost connection to your devices. A “No communication” message could be due to a power or internet outage, router failure or a fault with a specific connected device.
ReefBeat can send notifications only when the aquarium is set to “Online”. Check your aquarium connectivity status in “My Aquariums” page to make sure it is set properly. In addition, make sure that your notifications settings are correct.
If your network router is not permanently connected to the internet, set your Aquarium as “Offline” My Aquariums > Select Aquarium > set to Offline.
If your network router is meant to be permanently connected, check the quality of the Wi-Fi connection between the units and your router or the stability of your internet connection.
Check that the fan is working properly or that the unit is not properly ventilated.
Initially the unit will automatically reduce the intensity of the light to reduce the temperature. If this does not help the unit will automatically shut down to prevent any damage.
The ReefWave is shipped with the controller in ReefBeat Mode and with a no wave schedule. It will only work after it has been connected to the ReefBeat app or moved into controller mode
Check that the ReefWave Wi-Fi is working correctly by connecting to the hot-spot of a mobile phone in the same room: Device Manager > Add Device
If this does not work, contact customer support. If they do work, the problem is likely with the router signal strength or its configuration, or it may be overloaded with devices.
If your network router is not permanently connected to the internet, set your Aquarium as “Offline” My Aquariums > Device Line Menu > Offline. If your network router is meant to be permanently connected, check the quality of the Wi-Fi connection between the units and your router or the stability of your internet connection.
Check that the controller is set to ReefBeat Mode. If not reset the controller to ReefBeat Mode by using the Mode switch. If the unit was already in ReefBeat mode disconnect and reconnect the power by the DC jack to restart the controller
If you did not “Apply” the last changes you made to the schedule it gets lost. Check your schedule and make sure that your timeslots as set as you want them.
Check that the Pause/Play switch on the controller has not been activated.
Check that none of the ReefBeat Shortcuts has been activated.
Check that the current wave in the schedule is not set to “no-wave”
If none of the above resolves the issue disconnect and reconnect the power by the DC jack to restart the controller. If this still does not resolve the issue contact customer support.
Check that the pump cable is properly connected to the controller.
If you have both RW25 and RW45 units check that the correct power supply and/or controller are connected to the correct pump.
Check that the pump has not become jammed due to foreign matter getting stuck in the impellor, if necessary clean the pump and try again.
If none of the above resolves the issue and you have more than one of the same model of ReefWave, switch between the controllers to determine which part needs to be replaced and then contact customer support.
Either lower the pump slightly below the water surface or slightly rotate the impellor cages to change the flow direction or reduce the flow intensity.
The impellor and/or cages have been assembled back to front.
Check that there aren’t any interfering objects such as snails, gravel,
coralline algae that are touching the impeller. Clean impellor and cages as
recommended above