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Are you struggling trying to find a quality lighting system for your reef tank?
In this blog, we share the best products for reef tank lighting, from LED Lighting systems to hybrid systems. I will also include PAR ratings as I have them available.
With over 25 years of experience in the aquarium hobby, I’ve assisted countless clients, hobbyists, and readers like you in overcoming their lighting issues with their corals (and believe me, it’s complicated navigating this just relying on what manufacturers tell you). I’ve personally tested these products in real world scenarios, installed several of these systems in client tanks and my own to determine the best LED lighting for reef tanks on the market.
The Top Picks
There are a lot of light choices that fit multiple budgets and needs, but you may be wondering what I would suggest off the bat. Since, reefer needs differ, we have the following recommendations based on the criteria below:
- Best Led for Nano Reefs – AI Prime HD (Premium) or Hipagero (Budget)
- Best Led for Mixed Reefs Up to Easy SPS – Kessil 360X (Premium) or Orbit Pros (Budget)
- Best Led for Mixed Reefs Heavier SPS – Neptune Sky (Premium) or Viparspectras (budget)
- Best Led for Acropora Heavy – Neptune Sky or Aquatic Life Hybrid + Radion G5 (Premium) or Current R24 + T5 with DIY light mount or inside the canopy
The Candidates – A Quick Comparison
The list below contains the best LED lights for reef tanks available for purchase today and the ones we considered in our review. The lights listed here cover all types of reef tank setups as well as all budgets.
Picture | Name | Best For | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice! | Neptune Sky |
| Click For Best Price |
Best Value | Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pro (BlueTooth) |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon |
Budget Option | Viparspectra LED Aquarium Light |
| Buy On Amazon |
EcoTech Radion |
| Click For Best Price | |
Hipargergo LED Aquarium Light |
| Buy On Amazon | |
Hydra Series LED Lights |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon | |
Kessil A360X |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon | |
Kessil AP9X |
| Click For Best Price | |
MicMol Smart LED Reef System |
| Buy On Amazon | |
Current USA R24 Pendant |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On SWA | |
Aquatic Life T5/LED Hybrid Mounting System |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon | |
Retired :’-( | Ocean Revive T247-B |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon |
The 12 Best LED Aquarium Lights for Corals, Reef Tanks
Let’s get started with the reviews :). I will provide videos and images of sample tanks running these led lights for reference.
1. Neptune Sky – The System That Answers The call
Best Reef LED
The best reef LED on the market. The first fully complete LED unit that actually will work with SPS tanks. Complete with APEX integration and diffusors
A manufacturer finally address all the issues and hang ups I’ve ever had about LEDs in reef tanks. The new Neptune Sky reminds me of the feeling I got when I first saw the SICCE Syndra SDC, the best aquarium return pump I’ve seen. Like DC pumps, LED lights have major drawbacks that manufacturers are unwilling to talk about. The main issue is shadowing when it comes to SPS tanks.
Previous manufacturers tried to get around this by amping up the PAR in their lights, using various lenses, and working through the spectrum issues. It wasn’t until EcoTech released their G4 units that you had a competent LED that you could be comfortable with SPS tanks.
The Neptune Sky takes it a step further though. EcoTech’s Radion G5 held this top spot for a few years. I would recommend that light to anyone who was very serious about growing corals like a pro. I can say that the Neptune Sky has upended EcoTech’s Radion as the best reef LEDs on the market. Let’s look at some features that Neptune lays out. They are very aware of the past limitations of Reef LEDs.
The video from Neptune openly admits the looming problem LEDs have how for years. Deep down, metal halides and T5s have been the gold standard for spectrum and coral growth for years. Nothing, not even the highest quality LEDs could do what this combo did for SPS corals.
LEDs by their very nature are focused lights, which are not ideal for SPS corals. It creates shadowing and hotspots. The Sky changes all of this. It is an attempt to mimic how the sun interacts with the ocean. You get 104 LEDs in the unit with an integrated diffusor. For the life of me, I could not understand why for so many years LED manufacturers didn’t put in a diffusor while planted LED systems like Twinstar did (because plants naturally shadow!).
This is also the first unit I’ve seen that can handle more than a 24″ footprint. The Sky can handle up to 36″ per unit, making this effectively cheaper than the EcoTech for 3 and 6 foot long reef tanks. Say bye to the disco effect from lower quality lights and shadowing from other fixtures. This is a complete light for the serious coral enthustiast.
The Sky, if you can afford it, is the ultimate reef light. If you are on a lower budget, there are other options that can accommodate you. It’s also best for mixed and SPS coral reefs. If you are looking to grow low light corals, it’s probably overkill unless you desire designer soft corals like bounce mushrooms and fancy zoas.
Best For: SPS and high end reefs
- A complete LED light for SPS tanks
- Neptune APEX integration
- Covers 36″ per light
- Expensive
- Not beginner friendly to setup
2. Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pros – Comprehensive Unit With Controller Package
With its plug and play ability and ease of use. The orbit marine is one of the more approachable LEDs for new reefers. Now with a Mobile App!
The Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pros are newly improved with a mobile app and bluetooth compatibility. This light comes with its very own app that can power not only the aquarium LED system itself, but can control the Orbit Marine EFlux Wavemaker and EFlux Return Pump for a completely integrated package. I feel that these IC Pros have its best value with their 36″ and 72″ model as it represents a VERY attractive purchase for those of us with 3 and 6 foot long mixed reef tanks.
The Current USA Orbit Marine controller itself runs off a mobile app and is pretty easy to use and program. It comes with a ramp up and ramp down feature that is is a standard 2 hour ramp up and ramp down. You can adjust the daytime, sunset, and night settings so your reef tank can adjust it’s lighting accordingly as the day goes on. Check out this sneak peak video from current on how it works.
When paired with the Eflux Wavemaker, you can you can adjust the flow and use the gyre settings when using 2 wavemakers and even use a feed feature that will shut off the pumps when feeding. There are other features of the aquarium led light like a lighting and cloudy weather feature, but I feel they are more for the cool factor than function.
The lights themselves are moderately powerful, which makes them idiot proof for beginner reefers as Orbit Marine publishes PAR output information on their website for easy reference and tuning. This makes the Current USA Orbit Marine one of the best user friendly led lights on the market. You can see the PAR ratings below. This makes them perfect for softie, LPS, and easy to care for SPS corals.
The final great point for the Current USA Orbit Marine is the mount. The led aquarium light can be rim mounted for a very clean and modern look. Most lights that cover this long of a tank have to be hung on a ceiling or mounted on the tank with brackets which both have downfalls (some people don’t want to put holes in their ceiling and the bracket mount can look ugly).
The cons I have this unit is that you will need to purchase the Current USA Orbit Marine Heavyweight mount if you have a larger glass rimmed tank like a 125 gallon tank as the standard rim mount will only work for rimless a marine aquarium. Now that the Pro model is available with the bluetooth package, it is a greater value than it was in the past!
As you can see from the photo above, this unit is perfected suited for a mixed reef tank. This system has great value for those looking at 3 and 6 foot tanks. The Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pros are best for mixed reefs up to mixed reefs with starter SPS corals.
For Mixed Tanks with some SPS (starter SPS only)
- Great value – especially for larger tanks
- Love the integration of the controller to their wavemakers and return pump
- Can be rim mounted giving a very clean and modern look
- PAR output readily available from Current USA Orbit Marine
- Not suited for heavy SPS tanks
- The lights themselves are easy to crack since they are so lightweight
- Heavyweight mount rim accessory for larger tanks can be a little pricey
3. Viparspectra – Budget Unit With a Quality Black Box
Budget Option
The best reef black box that is readily available today.
The Viparspectra LED Aquarium Light is your traditional “Chinese Black Box”, but they have a more reliable name brand and recognition in the industry. What I like about these lights is that there are a lot of success stories using these lights in mixed reefs and SPS tanks. The main reason why they can work in SPS tanks is the how powerful they are.
The PAR output of these led lights is in the Radion territory. So you are getting a cheap light with the power behind that with proven field cases where they have grown high end and more difficult to keep corals. The price for this led light are hard to beat!
The price comes at a cost though. The LED light is very bare bones as it only has a timer built in and a dimmer to tone down the intensity. There is no ramp up or ramp down and there is no mobile app that powers this. They are traditionally bulky units , like all black boxes, so they do not look pretty when hung and really are best hidden in a canopy vs. a rimless marine aquarium setup. For those of you concerned with the electronics rating, the competiting Mars Aqua unit is UL rated. I just prefer the Viparspectra.
A note for those of you running heavy SPS tanks. These units are best modified by removing the lenses to reduce the hot spots, reduce the disco effect, and spreading out the PAR distribution. Here is a video showing how to perform such a function. The video is a Mars Aqua light, but the operation is still the same.
For Mixed Corals
- Cheap
- Powerful, can handle LPS and SPS corals
- Easily diffused by removing lenses.
- Bare bones – no mobile app and little control-ability
- No stock rim mount – they are bulky anyway
- Not plug and play
4. EcoTech Radion G5 – The Top System for Pros and Coral Sellers
Editor's Choice
The newest Radion G5 is a massive update to the prior generation. It's the light of choice for pro level reefers.
It pains me to drop the Radion to a #4 spot, since there is a reason why big time coral sellers like World Wide Corals and major pro reefers use the EcoTech Radion G5s to light their reef tanks. Two reasons why – full spectrum controllability and power.
The EcoTech Radion controllability is second to none in the industry. The Radions led lights are powered by a cloud-based command center known as EcoSmart Live that runs off a web browser. The software updates the lighting system automatically and there are various lighting modes available from many hobbyists.
The Reeflink that is separately available allows you to connect your Radions via smartphone vs. through the standard USB functionality that the unit comes with. The spectrum of the lights can be changed, the intensity can be adjusted, the lighting schedule can be modified. It’s really unlimited flexibility with these units.
The Radions can be mounted with various options including rail mounted or our favorite, rim mounted. A diffuser kit is can also be purchased separately in order to reduce PAR and eliminate hot spots and mitigate shadowing.
Power is what it is all about with these units. They are VERY powerful and can easily burn corals when running at 100%. As a result, a lot of tuning is required and recommended with a PAR meter, but this unit is made for hardcore reef junkies so the intensity makes sense.
The biggest con with this unit is the price. They are the most expensive led lights on this unit as well as the most feature rich. They are not plug and play and require tuning to get correct. For more information – see our full review.
Best For: High End Mixed Reefs, SPS Dominant (with diffuser and hybrid solutions), Commercial Use
- Nearly unlimited customization
- Powerful lights – can handle hardcore light intensive corals
- Industry standard among commercial coral growers
- Very expensive
- Not plug and play – requires tuning though not as much as the G4
5. Hipargergo Aqua Knight – Incredible Value and a Great Choice for Smaller Tanks
A small but mighty LED. This is a budget saver for those with small reef tanks
If you are building a nano reef or similar under 40 gallon reef tank, the Hipargergo Aqua Knight is a strong consideration for the light of choice. It is a very affordable light, being the least expensive unit on this list, but also very powerful and competent to be used in most mixed reef setups.
It is a small aquarium light with a small light spread, making this a perfect light for nano reef tanks under 40 gallons. What I really love about this led light is the manufacturer completely backs up their lights with a 30 day money back guarantee and are happy to answer your questions 24-7. You really can’t go wrong with this light if you have a smaller reef tank. In fact, Inappropriate Reefer used this light in his 10 gallon nano reef build.
The main drawback of this aquarium light is its size. This is a very affordable led light, but it serves only nano reef tanks. The touch sensitivity can be annoying because they don’t always read correctly when you touch them. It’s so bad sometimes you have to pray that the light is reading your touches.
Finally, while it does come with a rim mount, the mount itself can be too long for some nano reef setups. Overall though, this is the choice if you are building a nano reef and well below name brand offerings like the AI Prime HD and Kessil A80.
For Nano Setups
- Cheap price
- Powerful for their size and “idiot proof” to use
- Adjustable 2 channel light system
- Small light spread, best for nano reefs
- Touch sensitive controls can be a bit finicky
- Mount is too long for some nano tanks and doesn’t adjust
6. Hydra Series – A Cheaper Radion With Lots of Customization
AI offers the most user-friendly and sleek UI of all the LEDs on this list. A great alternative to Radions
For those of you interested in a EcoTech Radion, but are slightly out of budget for one, the Hydra Series LED Lights by sister Company AquaIllumination are a light to look at.
The big advantage over the Radion is that all Hydra series lights do not need a controller. They function of a wonderful smartphone app. The app for this led light has incredible customization, allowing you to modifying your spectrum settings, manage up to 30 lights at once, and set up timers. There is even a coral accumulation setting that allows you to introduce new corals safely into your system. All of this on a smartphone that you can use anywhere in the world and at no additional cost!
The Hydra series comes in both the Hydra 32 and Hydra 64 models that will satisfy the vast majority of reefer’s need. AI makes a number of different led light mount options with a rail kit, rim mount kits, and even a flex arm solution so you can work with what they have to pull off the look that you want.
They even come in white or black. For those with smaller aquariums like nano tanks, the AI Prime HD offers similar functionality. In 2020, a new Hydra 64 model debuted with more features, more power, but at a higher price.
So what are the drawbacks of this led light? Well, even though it’s cheaper than the Radions, they are still on the expensive side for many reefers. PAR wise, they aren’t as powerful as Radions and will definitely need a hybrid solution for heavy SPS as a diffuser kit is not available. The Hydra led light will serve the vast majority of reefers well alone though and are well worth the money.
For Mixed Corals
- Included mobile app is easily the best on this list with great customization
- AI makes various light mounts that fit your needs and looks
- Many purchase options available for your tank setup even for nano reefs
- Still on the expensive for many reefers
- No diffuser kit for heavy SPS tanks – you should go hybrids for heavy SPS
- Not as powerful PAR wise as Radions
7. Kessil 360X – The Next Gen A360X Delivers
Kessils are an easy to use high-end reef lighting solution
Kessil is very well known in the industry with high quality lights best suited for mixed reefs that are about as plug and play as you get. Kessil’s next gen A360X is an upgrade of the original A360 offering 25% more light output with a 30% smaller package. Kessil’s design on this led aquarium light have already been pretty bulletproof and nothing like other units you have seen.
This Kessil led aquarium light is sealed. I have witnessed old A360s accidentally getting dropped in water and still working like nothing happened!. Kessil’s roots go further back than just reef lighting. They are a professional company started by a biologist, computer scientist, and physicist. The parent Company is Dicon Fiberoptics. The Company has been specializing in elite quality lighting for over 30 years and they have a quality manufacturing and QA process.
While Kessil does sell a spectrum controller, the default spectrum that Kessil supplies you with has been heavily researched by their R&D department. You shouldn’t need to adjust it as Kessil really goes out there to make sure you have everything you need to succeed with their led aquarium light out of the box. The intensity and spectrum can be adjusted on board with the knobs on top of the unit. In addition to the A360X, Kessil offers a similar built A80 that is ideal for nano reef tanks.
My main gripes with this next gen model is the price. I was expecting these new models to be around the same price as the old A360 led aquarium light, but they are still at a premium price that venture into Hydra territory. This puts them it out of reach for some reefers.
The PAR output still isn’t that high, but that has always been Kessil’s thing as they design these led lights for mixed reefs and know that heavy SPS tanks need a hybrid system with LEDs. You still need a spectral controller to adjust your spectrum and a mobile app would have been nice.
However, at the end of the day this is a Kessil branded led aquarium light. Kessil’s construction and commitment to quality is top notch. Their reputation speaks for itself.
For Mixed Corals
- Bullet proof design – these units can take a beating!
- Top of the line spectrum colors
- Still idiot proof like the last gen, no need to adjust like other high end units
- The next gen model is more expensive than the old 360s
- The PAR is still not that high
- Spectral controller required for full control
8. Kessil AP9X – Pro Level for Pro Setups
The Kessil AP9X is Kessil’s top of the line led aquarium light. It still offers the idiot proof plug and play out of the box functionality like other Kessil units, but in a larger comprehensive light that is ideal for 36″ x 24″ for SPS tanks and 48″ x 24″ for mixed reefs.
This light addresses my biggest gripes with all Kessil aquarium led light systems, the lack of a fully functional mobile app. The AP9X comes with a mobile app that has all the features that you want. It has a manual mode, program mode, a coral accumulation mode, lunar cycle, weather effects and more!
The main drawback of this aquarium led light is the price. While a single unit can serve a 48″ long mixed reef well, it still is a pretty expensive led lighting system. It also is not as compact as the Kessil 360Xs and the PAR performance is mildly powered like most Kessils (since they are all designed to run without adjustments out of the box).
For Mixed Corals
- Plug and play idiot proof pro level light
- Great mobile app included with full customization
- Multiple mount options including a rim mount
- Expensive
- Not compact
- Not as powerful PAR wise as the Radions
9. MicMol Aqua Air Smart System – A Cheaper Aquamaxx Prism
The Aqua Air is easy to use and will grow most beginner friendly corals
Some of you may have heard of the AquaMaxx Prism LED lights. Well, the dirty secret is MicMol is the original creator of the led and AquaMaxx private labels these lights from them. The MicMol Aqua Air Smart LED Reef System is a plug and play aquarium LED designed for Softy and LPS tanks. These are an upgrade to the original Aquamaxx Neolights, which was reviewed by Reefbuilders with PAR figures showing ideal PAR for softies and LPS.
This new generation led lighting system is about 30% more powerful than the Nemolight. This puts the light in the sweet spot of most LPS corals so for LPS dominated tanks this is an ideal light that is ready to go without any adjustments. The MicMol lights are more popular over in Europe versus the US.
They just don’t spend a lot of time marketing their lights, but it’s a very affordable light with highly quality chips and leds. This particular model has no fan which will make them extra quiet over fanned models. Since the light is not super powerful, the built in heat sinks are adequate for the light.
This led lighting system comes with it’s own controller that comes with a variety of settings like a clock, timer, and channel special effects. That’s a lot of features for this price range and very welcomed for these plug and play models.
The main drawback with these lights is they are not very powerful so they are best for LPS and softy tanks. It’s a great light nonetheless.
For Primarily Soft and LPS Corals
- Cheap
- No fan – super quiet
- Good functionality for the price point
- Moderately powerful – best for LPS and softies
- No mobile app
10. Current USA Orbit R24 – A Cheaper Kessil
The Orbit R24 answers the market with a value priced puck that has the PAR output to work with high demand corals and hybrid setups!
With the release of the new Kessil 360X led lighting system, the price range has gone out of the window for some. In fact, there has been a big gap in the market for a pendant light that has reliability, a brand name, while having the PAR output to handle a high demand system or hybrid setup.
Reefers didn’t have many options. They could try a AI Prime, but the PAR wasn’t strong enough to work in a hybrid setup. This meant you had to look at Kessils and other expensive lights like EcoTech. Where was the value option here?
Enter the Current USA R24. This special pendant light finally answers our questions for a cheaper light that has the PAR to be a serious option in a hybrid system. The PAR output below are higher than the AI Prime with nearly the same watts.
While the mobile app is not at the same level as the AI Prime, the Current app is capable and easy to use. It’s designed to be dummy proof and accessible for all levels. The industrial design is actually really favorable for newbies.
Ever drop an LED in your aquarium water? If you have, it can be a disaster to have your pedant get completely destroyed by taking that accidental dip. In the past, only the Kessil’s industrial design was able to survive a dip in water. Now, the R24 has the same durability. Having a cheaper pendant light that can survive a drop is peace of mind, especially if you are prone to having butter fingers!
That added durability comes with a price. It not as pretty as an AI prime mounted with a goose neck mount. These units are built to last. Current has been working with a lot of public aquariums designing fixtures that are built to last. Units that are built to last may not have the fanciest look – which I’m reminded of when I see fixtures like the Kessil.
The other thing that bothers me is the fan. I don’t really like fans myself on LEDs, but it is a sacrifice you make when you are dealing with higher output and more durable LEDs. The fan is actually pretty silent. Your protein skimmer and return pump will likely make more noise than this fan. I feel it’s a livable sacrifice to have a unit as durable as this.
So if you are looking for that mid-market pendant unit that won’t break your bank that you can use on your nano reef tank, mixed reef, or hybrid setup look no further!
For Mixed Corals
- Competitive price
- Better PAR output than the Prime
- Mobile App
- Can survive being dropped in water!
- Has a Fan (Thought it’s super silent)
- Bulky
11. Aquatic Life T5/LED Hybrid Mounting System – The System of Choice for Stickheads
For those with want a tank full of stick candy, a T5 hybrid unit like this one is the go to. Combine with Radion for the ultimate in lighting today
You have seen all these LED systems, but for those reefers with heavy SPS, the major issue with LED aquarium systems is spread and shadowing. A hybrid system like the Aquatic Life T5/LED Hybrid Mounting System is the best solution to go with when it comes to making a fully distributed lighting system for stick heads.
This unit comes with a T5 system that holds 4 T5s in total. The middle section of the unit is to mount the LEDs. The unit comes with a pendant mount that will work on the original Kessil 360 and a universal mount bracket that will work for EcoTech Radions, AI Hydras, and even the Current R24s. Aquatic life even sells a cabinet mount if you do not want to mount the unit to the ceiling.
The main drawback for this unit is that you have to purchase the T5s and the LED units separately. It would have been nice if there were bundles available to purchase, but with all the MAP polices of all these brand names, it makes sense that Aquatic Life cannot offer a bundled system. I also wish they made this unit as 72″ model for us 6 foot long tank reefers. You have to purchase two 36″ units for a 6 foot long tank which is a bummer.
Other than that, this is the unit of choice for stickheads who want the electricity saving and control-ability advantages that LEDs provide without the shadowing issues.
For Acropora heavy setups
- No shadowing!
- Can be combined with many LED systems
- Can be cabinet mounted for rimless tanks
- You have to purchase the T5s lights and LED units separately
- Does not come in 72″
12. Ocean Revive 247-B – Not Your Average Black Box
Great spectrum, spread, and PAR. The Ocean Revive offered incredible value for the budget conscious shopper. A casualty of the COVID pandemic 😥.
This used to be my favorite reef light to sell. In fact, I used to sell them to LFSs across the country because I was easier to contact then the manufacturer 😅. Unfortunately, the manufacturer was shut down during the COVID pandemic and as a result they are out of business with no future production in site. I’ll keep this review up so others know what’s going on because it is hard to find information on the Company and I rank for their keywords.
The Ocean Revive T247-B is a black box in value, but not in looks. Far cheaper than the EcoTech Radions and AI Hydra, this unit can compete with the Hydras in power and what it can grow as evidenced as being the light of choice of Pacific East Aquaculture, a Maryland licensed coral aquaculture facility providing high end corals to reefkeepers since 2000.
Knowing that facilities and even some LFS (to save money but they will still try to sell you Radions and Hydras ^_^) use these units says a lot about them. They have the power to grow all types of corals from soft corals and anemones to Acroporas and the unit comes in a sturdy package that does not look cheap.
Ocean Revives are also one of the few units on this list that actually get cheaper the more units you buy. Because of how the manufacturer prices their stock, they grant sellers like us the ability to give bulk discounts to reefers so if you are looking to purchase 2 or 3 units you can save even more money!
The Ocean Revive, however, is a no frill LED light system. It has no ramp up or ramp down features. Like most black boxes, there is not a readily available rim mount. There is no spectrum adjustment, but the unit has a full spectrum led layout that does not need to be adjusted. Either a ceiling mount or ugly looking bracket mount are your standard choices.
All the functions of the unit are on board with the light itself as there is no separate controller or mobile app to run. Its functionality is really much like the old T5s fixtures from back in the day, but the light is a very powerful and functional unit that will server reefers well and save you lots of money over the brand names.
For Mixed Corals
- A pro level light at a very reasonable price – better value with multiple units
- Very powerful and great spectrum
- Does not look cheap like other black boxes
- No ramp up/ramp down features
- No rim mount
- No mobile app to control unit or spectrum customization
- No longer available 😥
Benefits of LED Lighting for Reef Tanks
Before we go through the various reef LED lighting systems, let’s talk about why LEDs have gotten so popular with reef tanks. In the past, reef tanks were run with VHOs or T5s that were equipped with manual timers. They provided great even spread of light with no shadowing, but they did not produce a lot of light intensity (PAR). Then came metal halides which produced a lot of light intensity and you have hybrid halide and T5 systems.
These systems provided a great environment for all reef tanks, but consumed a ton of power and kept tanks hot sometimes to the point of requiring fans or a chiller to keep the temperatures down.
LED came out with an promise to decrease the energy cost for a reef tank. They are far more energy efficient than metal halides and T5s. They also have unique drivers that allow them to be customizable. Many aquarium LED fixtures will have electronic timers built in that will turn on and turn off the light for you. They will have dimmable features and will ramp up and ramp down simulating morning and night time effects. Others will even run on your smartphone via an app!
Are They Safe to Use?
One of the main advantages in safety that reef LED lighting systems have is are the construction. LED lights are not made of metal filaments or gas that halides are made of.
Since manufacturers have been embracing LED lights in reef tanks, you are starting to see additional safety features. Some marine aquarium LED light fixtures are splash proof or even water proof. A good example are Kessil LED light systems, which have been know to survive falling into the tank and not electrocuting the tank or shorting out.
It Can Be Compact
The compactness of several reef LED lighting systems is the very reason they are the ideal choice for nano reef and smaller tanks. Many reef aquarium LED lighting systems are made in “pucks” which means the unit is far more compact than traditional T5s. They are also lightweight, which means many can be mounted on the rim of the marine aquarium creating a very clean and modern look on rimless tanks where a canopy can be left out.
FAQs
How many watts do I need for a coral setup?
How many watts of LED lighting you need will depend on the size of your marine aquarium and type of corals you will be keeping. Most LED systems are actually overpowered PAR wise for many corals. It’s mostly about footprint. The vast majority of systems will power a 24 x 24 footprint. Measure your PAR in the tank for best results.
Can you grow coral with these units?
Yes, you can grow coral with LED lighting. Many pro growers and aquaculture suppliers are now using LED systems to grow out corals. This is due to the cost savings due to lower energy costs.
What visible spectrum is best for corals?
Blue and violet have been proven to be the best light spectrum for corals. Many of these lights in this review roundup have the correct spectrum to grow corals. Ensuring that the manufacturer you select has done the proper R&D and field results are available from other hobbyist will instill confidence in your purchase.
What is a good schedule for a reef tank?
For a reef tank, I would recommend 8-10 hours on your lighting schedule to start. You can adjust from there as you get a feel for your tank. Systems with ramp up and ramp down features can be turned on longer since the intensity will very over the course of the day.
What Do You Feel Are the Top Systems for These Tanks?
I hope after this article you are able to make an informed decision on what aquarium LED lighting system works best for the reef tank you are planning. The major brand lights are all very high quality, built to last, and all have ideal spectrum to grow lights. The cheaper lights we have provided in this post will definitely grow corals and have high quality spectrum, just not as functional as the name brand lights. Please let us know in the comments your thoughts about what lights have worked for you. Happy shopping :).
- About the Author
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I’m thrilled that you found Aquarium Store Depot! Here you’ll find information on fish, aquariums, and all things aquatics related. I’m a hobbyist (being doing this since I was 11) and here to help other hobbyists thrive with their aquariums! I adhere to a high quality Editorial Process and Review products with real life field usage and practical analysis.
Morning, I have a tank of 161x61x 81high. What would you recommend me as light system for a reef mix tank?
Hi Jermone,
That sounds like a custom made aquarium. That’s nearly 7 feet deep. You will need powerful lights to run corals. You will want to look at metal halides for your setup. Your tank is too deep for the majority of LED systems available on the market. Most LEDs are designed for 24-30″ deep thanks
I assume Jerome is talking in cm not inches