What is the Best Reef Lighting?
We reviewed the top 6 LED lights for saltwater fish and reef tanks. We reviewed their strengths and weaknesses and how they might benefit all types of saltwater enthusiasts.
We ranked each of the 6 by their best traits in the Result Summary below. Be sure to read the full review of each LED light to get a complete picture of its performance.
Best LED Reef Lighting Results Summary
Best LED Reef Lighting Light By Feature:
- Best Shimmer: Kessil A360X Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Light
- Best Overall: EcoTech Radion G6 Pro
- Budget-Friendly: Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED
- Great for Nano Tanks: Red Sea ReefLED 50
- Best Value: Current USA Orbit Marine IC PRO
- Most Popular: AI Prime 16HD Reef Aquarium LED
Best LED Reef Lighting By Coral Type
- Best Led for Nano Reefs: AI Prime 16HD (Budget) or Red Sea ReefLED 50 (Premium)
- Best Led for Mixed Reefs Up to Easy SPS: Kessil A360X Tuna (Budget) or Current Orbit Marine IC PRO (Premium)
- Best Led for Mixed Reefs Heavier SPS: EcoTech Radion G6 Pro
- Best Budget Led Softies and LPS: Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED
Choosing the best reef lighting for saltwater fish and reef tanks can be overwhelming. LED lights have become increasingly popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their energy efficiency, longevity, and flexibility in customizing the spectrum for different marine species.
Kessil A360X Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Light
The Kessil A360X Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Light is the best reef lighting from Kessel. Explicitly designed for reef tanks, delivering an optimal coral growth and coloration spectrum. The compact design makes it suitable for smaller tanks. At the same time, its daisy-chain capability allows for easy expansion in larger setups.
The Dense Matrix LED technology provides a concentrated light source with superior color blending and penetration.
The K-Link communication system allows easy customization and control of the light spectrum and intensity.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.5 inches (diameter x height)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Power Consumption: 90W maximum
- Spectrum: Tuna Blue
Pros:
- Dense Matrix LED technology provides superior color blending and light penetration
- Adjustable spectrum and intensity for optimal coral growth and coloration
- A k-Link communication system allows for easy control and customization
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other LED lights
- Requires additional accessories for advanced control features
AI Prime 16HD Reef Aquarium LED
The AI Prime 16HD Reef Aquarium LED is an innovative, powerful light with customizable color channels for optimal coral growth and coloration.
The integrated Wi-Fi control allows for easy adjustments through the smartphone app, offering complete control over the spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod.
With versatile mounting options, the AI Prime 16HD can be easily installed in various tank sizes and setups.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 4.88 x 4.88 x 1.34 inches
- Weight: 0.95 lbs
- Power Consumption: 59W maximum
- Spectrum: Hyper Drive
Pros:
- HD Spectrum provides customizable color channels for optimal coral growth
- Integrated Wi-Fi control allows for easy adjustments through the smartphone app
- Versatile mounting options for various tank sizes
- Energy-efficient and powerful performance
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than the competitors
- Requires additional mounting hardware for specific installations
Current USA Orbit Marine IC PRO LED Reef Aquarium Light
The Current USA Orbit Marine IC PRO LED Reef Aquarium Light features a dual actinic spectrum for optimal coral growth and coloration.
With multiple dynamic lighting effects, including storm and lunar settings, this LED light adds a natural ambiance to your aquarium. The sleek and low-profile design makes it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any tank setup.
The Loop control system seamlessly integrates with Current USA products like wave pumps and skimmers.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: Varies depending on model (18″-72″ length)
- Weight: Varies depending on model
- Power Consumption: 45W-180W depending on model
- Spectrum: Dual Actinic
Pros:
- Loop control system for seamless integration with other Current USA products
- Dual Actinic spectrum for optimal coral growth and coloration
- Multiple dynamic lighting effects, including storm and lunar settings
- Sleek and low-profile design
Cons:
- Less customizable spectrum compared to other options
- Controller required for advanced programming features
Red Sea ReefLED 50
The Red Sea ReefLED 50 is designed with the Reef-Spec light spectrum, ensuring optimal coral growth and coloration.
The integrated Wi-Fi control allows for easy adjustments through the smartphone app, offering complete control over the spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod. The dedicated moonlight channel enhances nighttime viewing, adding a touch of natural beauty to your tank.
With its compact and versatile design, the ReefLED 50 is an excellent choice for smaller reef tanks and nano aquariums.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.2 inches (diameter x height)
- Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Power Consumption: 50W maximum
- Spectrum: Reef-Spec
Pros:
- Reef-Spec light spectrum for optimal coral growth and coloration
- Integrated Wi-Fi control allows for easy adjustments through the smartphone app
- Dedicated moonlight channel for nighttime viewing
- Compact and versatile design
Cons:
- Slightly less potent than competitors
- Mounting options are sold separately
Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED
The Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED offers a full-spectrum light with six color channels, ensuring optimal coral growth and coloration.
The integrated Bluetooth control allows for easy adjustments through the smartphone app, offering complete control over the spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod. With an IP67 waterproof rating, this LED light provides added durability and protection from moisture.
The programmable 24-hour light cycle allows you to simulate natural lighting conditions, creating a healthy environment for your marine life.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: Varies depending on model (24″-60″ length)
- Weight: Varies depending on model
- Power Consumption: 25W-59W depending on model
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum with six color channels
Pros:
- Full-spectrum with six color channels for optimal coral growth and coloration
- Integrated Bluetooth control allows for easy adjustments through the smartphone app
- IP67 waterproof rating for added durability
- Programmable 24-hour light cycle
Cons:
- Mounting options may be limited for specific tank sizes
- Less customizable spectrum compared to some competitors
EcoTech Radion G6 Pro
The EcoTech Radion G6 Pro offers a full-spectrum light with ten color channels, ensuring optimal coral growth and coloration. I personally think EcoTech makes the best reef lighting.
The advanced HEI (Hemispherical Edge Illumination) Optics provide uniform light distribution and penetration, mimicking natural sunlight conditions.
The integrated Wi-Fi control allows easy adjustments through the EcoSmart Live platform, offering complete control over the spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod.
With its modular design, the Radion G6 Pro allows for easy upgrades and customizations, making it a future-proof investment for your reef tank.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 7 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Power Consumption: 215W maximum
- Spectrum: Full-spectrum with ten color channels
Pros:
- Full-spectrum with ten color channels for optimal coral growth and coloration
- Advanced HEI Optics provides uniform light distribution and penetration
- Integrated Wi-Fi control allows for easy adjustments through the EcoSmart Live platform
- Modular design for easy upgrades and customizations
Cons:
- Premium price point compared to competitors
- Requires additional mounting hardware for specific installations
Advantages of LED Lighting for Reef Tanks
LED lighting has become the preferred choice for saltwater fish and reef tanks due to its numerous advantages over other types of lighting:
- Energy Efficiency: LED lights consume significantly less power than traditional lighting options like metal halide and T5 fluorescent bulbs. This energy efficiency translates to lower electricity costs and a reduced environmental footprint.
- Longevity: LED lights have a much longer lifespan than other lighting options, with many lasting 50,000 hours or more. This longevity results in fewer replacements and lower long-term costs.
- Customizable Spectrum: LED lights offer a customizable spectrum, allowing you to fine-tune the light conditions for your specific marine life. This level of control promotes optimal coral growth and coloration, as well as the overall health of your aquatic ecosystem.
- Minimal Heat Output: LED lights produce significantly less heat than other lighting options, reducing the need for additional cooling equipment and helping maintain a stable temperature within the tank.
- Compact Design: LED lights are generally more compact and lightweight than traditional lighting options, making them easier to install and maintain.
How Much LED Lighting For Reef Tanks?
Once you install these lights, you must provide the appropriate PAR for your corals based on tank shape, coral placement, intensity, and color settings.
Related Article: The Science of Reef Tank Lighting
Conclusion
LED lights have become the top choice for saltwater fish and reef tanks due to their energy efficiency, longevity, and customizable spectrum. The Kessil A360X Tuna Blue, AI Prime 16HD, Current USA Orbit Marine IC PRO, Red Sea ReefLED 50, Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED, and EcoTech Radion G6 Pro all offer unique features and benefits, catering to a variety of tank sizes and aquatic ecosystems. By considering each light’s specifications, pros and cons, and special features, you can select the best reef lighting to illuminate your underwater world.