[PAR Comparison] Best LED Reef Lights for Nano to Large Saltwater Aquariums

Lighting is one of the most critical — and most complex — components of a successful reef aquarium. Unlike freshwater setups, reef tanks demand specialized lighting that penetrates deeper, delivers the right PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) levels, and provides a balanced spectrum to support coral health, coloration, and growth.

From nano reefs to deep display tanks, choosing the right LED light means balancing intensity, spread, spectrum, and control features. SPS corals, in particular, need strong PAR and consistent stability, while LPS and soft corals may thrive under more moderate conditions.

In this guide, we highlight some of the best-performing coral LED lights on the market today — lights trusted by hobbyists and professionals alike. Whether you’re building your first nano reef or upgrading your show tank, this list offers excellent starting points to help your corals thrive.

• PAR Comparison Table
• How to Choose LED Lights for Reef Aquariums
  • Choosing the Right Type - Color Temperature (Kelvin Rating)
  • Enough Quantity/Intensity - PAR
  • How Much Light (PAR) for Soft/LPS/SPS Corals?
  • How Many Watts per Gallon for Reef LED Lights?
  • Other Factors to Consider
• Nano Reef Tank LED Light Review
  • The NICREW Marine Clip-on Aquarium Light
  • Fluval Sea Marine Nano Bluetooth LED 20-Watt
  • Hygger Clip On 24/7 Saltwater Aquarium LED Light
  • NICREW NavaReef 65W Reef LED Light
  • Lominie Reef Pixie30 Nano Reef Light
• Medium-Large Reef Tank LED Light Review
  • NICREW Saltwater Aquarium LED Light, Budget Option
  • Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Light for Coral Growth
  • Nicrew HyperReef 150 Gen 2
  • AquaIllumination Hydra 64 HD LED Reef Light
  • ViparSpectra 165W LED Light for High Light SPS Corals
  • Red Sea REEFLED 90 LED Light Fixture with RL90 Mounting Arm
  • Kessil A360XE Tuna Blue Controllable LED Aquarium Light
  • Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pro up to 72-inch
• Which Light Schedule is Best for Reef Tanks?
• Frequently Asked Questions

PAR Comparison Table

Model	Our rating	PAR	Ideal for	For tank	LEDs	Controller	Wattage
	NICREW Marine Clip-on Aquarium Light #ad	65 @ 12-inch (in air)	Fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), macroalgae, low-light soft corals	2.5-5 gallons	12 White + 24 Blue	Dual channel timer with sunrise & sunset	12W
	Fluval Sea Marine Nano Bluetooth LED #ad	75 @ 12-inch, 212 @ 6-inch, 600 @ 3-inch	Fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), macroalgae, soft, and LPS corals	Nano cube reef up to 15 gallons	100 pcs total	FluvalSmart mobile app, 24-hour light cycle, preset modes	20 watts
	Hygger Clip On 24/7 #ad	126 @ 12-inch depth	Soft and LPS corals	12″–24″ long (4-20 gallons)	126 pcs (16 White, 82 Blue, 2 Red, 2 Green, 18 RGB, 6 Purple)	5 brightness levels, 6h/9h/12h timer, 24/7 timer	22 watts
	NICREW NavaReef 65W Reef LED Light #ad	100 @ 24-inch depth	Soft, LPS corals	20 x 20″ (optimal)	2 x Cool White, 8 x Blue, 7 x Royal Blue, 3 x Violet, 2 x UV,  1 x Green, 1 x Red	7 color settings, 4 timer modes (6H/8H/10H/12H), dimmable, 30-Min Sunrise & Sunset	65 watts
	Lominie Reef Pixie30 nano reef light #ad	100 @ 18-inch depth	Soft and LPS corals	24 x 24″ (max)	24 pcs (blue, royal blue, white, red, green, UV)	Remote for dimming, no timer included	26–30 watts
	Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Light for Coral Growth #ad	63 @ 18-inch	FOWLR, saltwater plants, soft and LPS corals	48-60 inches (15-60″ available)	336 pcs total	app control, 24-hour light cycle, preset habitats	59 watts
	NICREW Saltwater Aquarium Light 30-inch #ad	110 @ 12-inch depth	Saltwater fish, live rock, macroalgae, soft and LPS corals	30–36″ (18–60″ available)	57 x White, 48 Blue, 12 RGB – 2 channels	Dual-channel timer, dimmable	32 watts
	Nicrew HyperReef 150 Gen 2 #ad	165 @ 24″	Most types of corals	36 x 36″ (max)	72 LEDs, 2 channels	7 preset spectrums, controller ready (sold separately)	150 watts (100-200W available)
	AquaIllumination Hydra 64 HD LED Reef Light #ad	230 @ 24-inch	High-light corals, clams, high-light SPS	24 x 24″ (optimal)	64 pcs + 4 UV	Mobile app, schedule mode, manual mode, acclimation	135 watts
	ViparSpectra 165W LED light #ad	325 @ 24-inch depth	Most types of corals, clams, high light SPS	24 x 24″ (optimal) 24 x 30″ (max)	55 LEDs, two channels blue and white	Remote, timing, dimming	165 watts
	Red Sea REEFLED 90 LED Light Fixture #ad	150 @ 20″	High-light reef	24 x 24 inches (recommended)	Compact LED array with 9000K white, blue, violet, and UV	WiFi app control, multi presets, acclimation program	90 watts
	Kessil A360XE Controllable LED Tuna Blue #ad	Designed for deep penetration	Most types of corals	24 x 24″ (max)	Densely-packed LEDs	Controller sold separately	90 watts

How to Choose LED Lights for Reef Aquariums

The types of corals in your reef aquarium are a critical factor in determining the appropriate lighting for your tank. Fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) tanks require less lighting than reef tanks. Soft and Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral tanks need less lighting than Small Polyp Stony (SPS) coral tanks, and Acropora corals demand the highest lighting, with PAR values up to 500+.

Several factors must be considered when selecting a high-quality LED light for your reef aquarium. First, choose a light with a blue-heavy spectrum that corals can use for photosynthesis. Then, ensure the light provides sufficient intensity for the specific corals in your tank.

The following parameters can help you identify the best product for your tank’s requirements.

Choosing the Right Type – Color Temperature (Kelvin Rating)

Kelvin ratings (1,000-12,000) and corresponding light colors (wikipedia.org)

Color temperature, simply understood as the color of the output light, is determined by its Kelvin rating. Corals from deeper natural habitats adapt to bluer light (higher Kelvin rating) because, as sunlight (white light) penetrates deep water, only high-energy blue light remains, while lower-energy colors like red, yellow, and green are absorbed.

Corals appear most beautiful under specific light colors, depending on the species, which are not necessarily those of their natural habitats. Corals thrive under white light (6,500K) but often display less attractive colors, such as yellowish hues. White light also promotes harmful algae, as algae utilize more red, yellow, and green light for photosynthesis compared to corals.

Lower color temperatures promote growth but compromise coloration. Under bluer light, corals adjust their pigments, often resulting in more vibrant colors.

So, which Kelvin ratings are suitable for reef tanks? 10,000K is optimal for balancing growth and coloration. Higher ratings are preferred when focusing on coloration. The range of 10,000–20,000K is commonly used by reefers, providing sufficient blue light for coral photosynthesis and fluorescence, reducing white light to limit microalgae, and offering a stunning visual effect.

Based on your reef system’s stage, select a specific color temperature to balance growth and coloration. Start with lighting conditions (color and intensity) similar to those of the store where you purchased your corals, then gradually adjust based on their appearance to acclimate them slowly.

Enough Quantity/Intensity – PAR

For aquarium lights, PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) indicates the amount of radiation corals can use for photosynthesis and growth. It varies within the aquarium based on the distance between the measurement point and the light source. PAR is typically measured in units of μmol/m²/s.

PAR measurements of a ViparSpectra fixture #ad

The above image shows the PAR measurements of a ViparSpectra reef light fixture. As shown, spots farther from the light have lower PAR readings. Different coral types require specific PAR levels to thrive. Your task is to position each coral where it receives just enough light for its needs, as excessive lighting can cause bleaching and death.

How Much Light (PAR) for Soft/LPS/SPS Corals?

The following guide outlines PAR requirements for various saltwater aquarium species:

Start with lighting conditions (color and intensity) similar to those of the store where you purchased your corals. If unsure, begin with the lower end of the respective PAR range for your corals and gradually increase to prevent bleaching.

Manufacturers typically provide PAR metrics for products designed for photosynthetic organisms like corals. If this information is unavailable, search online, as many reefers share their measurements on forums or websites.

VBR-Aqua IP68 PAR Meter for Aquarium #ad

You can measure PAR using a PAR meter, though this instrument can be costly. The VBR-Aqua PAR meter, with its waterproof sensor, is designed for measurements in water environments, including saltwater aquariums.

How Many Watts per Gallon for Reef LED Lights?

If PAR information is unavailable, you can use our “watts per gallon” guide for reef tanks. While not as precise as PAR, it provides a quick estimate of light intensity. Based on PAR measurements of popular LED reef lights, we suggest the following table:

This table applies only to LED reef lights. Approximately 3–4 watts/gallon is sufficient for most corals, provided different-demanding corals are placed in areas—closer or farther from the light source—where they receive the appropriate light intensity.

Other Factors to Consider

Additional factors to consider when purchasing include:

• Stunning visual effect
• Dimmable light intensity
• Timer/controller capabilities
• Heat dissipation system
• Product lifespan
• Quiet operation and efficiency of the cooling fan system
• Power consumption
• Initial and operational costs

Nano Reef Tank LED Light Review

The NICREW Marine Clip-on Aquarium Light

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• PAR: 65 @ 12-inch (in air)
• Ideal for: Fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), macroalgae, low-light soft corals
• For tanks: 2.5-5 gallons
• LEDs: 12 White + 24 Blue
• Controller: Dual channel timer with sunrise & sunset
• Wattage: 12W

The NICREW Marine Clip-on Aquarium Light is a compact lighting solution designed specifically for nano saltwater tanks ranging from 2.5 to 5 gallons. It features a carefully balanced combination of white and blue LEDs that highlight the vivid colors of marine fish and soft corals while providing gentle shimmer effects across the tank.

Dual channel timer #ad

One of its key features is the dual-channel dimming, which allows users to adjust the brightness of white and blue LEDs independently from 0% to 100%. This flexibility supports a more natural lighting environment and lets aquarists tailor the intensity to suit their livestock.

The built-in timer includes a default lighting schedule (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) with a smooth 15-minute sunrise and sunset transition to reduce stress on aquarium inhabitants. The included controller has a backlit LCD screen for easy programming, and the clip-on bracket securely fits both framed and frameless aquariums up to 5/8″ thick.

Fluval Sea Marine Nano Bluetooth LED 20-Watt

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• PAR: 75 @ 12-inch, 212 @ 6-inch, 600 @ 3-inch
• Ideal for: Fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), macroalgae, soft, and LPS corals
• For tanks: Nano cube reef up to 15 gallons
• LEDs: 100 pcs total
• Controller: FluvalSmart mobile app, 24-hour light cycle, preset modes
• Wattage: 20 watts

The Fluval Sea Marine Nano LED Light is an excellent choice for nano and desktop saltwater tanks, engineered specifically for coral growth. However, its relatively low PAR output makes it suitable primarily for small saltwater aquariums with fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) setups or nano reef tanks with low-light corals, such as soft corals and some LPS.

Fluval Smart app #ad

With the FluvalSmart app, you can control the light via your smartphone, utilizing Bluetooth for seamless operation. The app offers a programmable 24-hour light cycle with sunrise, midday, sunset, and night settings, along with preset habitat modes like Sunny Reef, Deep Sea Glo, and Color Burst. Color sliders allow precise adjustments to intensity and hue, catering to your tank’s specific needs. The light’s seven unique band waves ensure a full spectrum, enhancing coral fluorescence and fish vibrancy.

Installation is straightforward, with a fully adjustable bracket and swivel arm for directing light precisely, ensuring no area of your tank is left unlit. The sleek, lightweight frame (50% lighter than its predecessor) and IP67 waterproof rating enhance durability and ease of use. This light is ideal for hobbyists seeking flexible, high-tech control for small reef setups.

Hygger Clip On 24/7 Saltwater Aquarium LED Light

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• PAR: 126 @ 12-inch depth
• Ideal for: Soft and LPS corals
• For tanks: 12″–24″ long (4-20 gallons)
• LEDs: 126 pcs (16 White, 82 Blue, 2 Red, 2 Green, 18 RGB, 6 Purple)
• Modes: 5 brightness levels, 6h/9h/12h timer, 24/7 timer
• Wattage: 22 watts

The Hygger Saltwater LED Light offers a built-in 24/7 Auto ON/OFF lighting cycle that closely mimics natural light conditions in a reef environment. From 6:00–8:00 AM, the light gradually shifts from orange to saltwater white, simulating sunrise and supporting coral health. This is followed by a full-day spectrum from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM with a blend of saltwater white and RGB white light to promote coral growth and visual brilliance. Between 10:00–10:30 PM, a soft single blue moonlight takes over, offering gentle nighttime illumination. The light turns off outside these periods. The sequence runs automatically, though it’s not customizable—ideal for users seeking a hands-free, realistic lighting rhythm.

Timer control #ad

For those who prefer to customize their lighting, the DIY Mode allows full manual control. You can set the light to run for 6, 10, or 12 hours using the Timer key, then adjust brightness across five levels (10%–100%) and select from a range of color modes.

This compact clip-on light features an upgraded design for better heat dissipation, tool-free mounting, and easier replacement of the power adapter. It uses high-CRI LEDs (CRI 86) that offer natural-looking illumination while protecting fish and viewers from harsh flicker. The combination of small size, high efficiency, and simulated natural rhythms makes it an excellent choice for nano reef tanks or coral-focused setups seeking a smart, user-friendly lighting solution.

NICREW NavaReef 65W Reef LED Light

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• PAR: 100 @ 24-inch depth
• Ideal for: Soft, LPS corals
• Coverage: 20 x 20″ (optimal)
• LEDs: 2 x Cool White, 8 x Blue, 7 x Royal Blue, 3 x Violet, 2 x UV,  1 x Green, 1 x Red
• Controller: 7 color settings, 4 timer modes (6H/8H/10H/12H), dimmable, 30-Min Sunrise & Sunset
• Wattage: 65 watts

Nicrew, a relatively new brand in the aquarium industry, has gained popularity among freshwater and marine hobbyists. The NICREW NavaReef 65W Reef LED Light is a standout in their saltwater lineup, offering a PAR of 100 at 24-inch depth, sufficient for soft corals, LPS, and some SPS in shallow nano tanks. This makes it a versatile choice for nano reef keepers aiming to grow a diverse coral collection.

Built-in timer #ad

This aquarium light offers versatile control with 7 adjustable color settings, allowing users to fine-tune the atmosphere and meet various coral needs. It includes 4 timer options—6, 8, 10, or 12 hours—providing automatic daily on/off cycles. The dimmable brightness lets you create the perfect intensity for your tank, while the built-in 30-minute sunrise and sunset transition simulates natural light changes, reducing stress for aquatic life and enhancing realism in your aquarium environment.

Lominie Reef Pixie30 Nano Reef Light

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• PAR: 100 @ 18-inch depth
• Ideal for: Soft and LPS corals
• Coverage: 24 x 24″ (max)
• LEDs: 24 pcs (blue, royal blue, white, red, green, UV)
• Modes: Remote for dimming, no timer included
• Wattage: 26–30 watts

The Lominie Reef Pixie30 Nano Reef Light is an affordable yet effective option for nano reef tanks, delivering a PAR of 100 at 18-inch depth across a 24 x 24-inch spread. Its 24 LEDs, spanning six colors (blue, royal blue, white, red, green, and UV), provide a full spectrum that supports soft and LPS coral growth while highlighting vibrant coral and fish colors.

This model features four dimmable channels, adjustable from 0% to 100% via a remote control, allowing precise customization of light intensity and spectrum. Note that the WiFi controller for smartphone operation is sold separately, and remote and WiFi controls cannot be used simultaneously. The 90-degree lens ensures wide-angle illumination and strong penetration, reaching all corners of your tank.

The fan-less design ensures silent operation, and the high-quality aluminum heat sink maintains a working temperature below 50°C, enhancing durability. The adjustable gooseneck mount, secured with two screws, is rustproof and suitable for 18–24-inch cube reef tanks, making installation straightforward. A 30-day money-back guarantee adds confidence to this budget-friendly choice for nano reef enthusiasts.

Medium-Large Reef Tank LED Light Review

NICREW Saltwater Aquarium LED Light, Budget Option

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• PAR: 110 @ 12-inch depth
• Ideal for: Saltwater fish, live rock, macroalgae, soft and LPS corals
• Fixture size: 30–36″ (18–60″ available)
• LEDs: 57 x White, 48 Blue, 12 RGB – 2 channels
• Controller: Dual-channel timer, dimmable
• Wattage: 32 watts

This NICREW fixture is a budget-friendly option tailored for medium-sized reef tanks, delivering a PAR of 110 at 12 inches, ideal for soft corals, LPS, macroalgae, and fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) setups. Its 117 LEDs, split into white and blue/RGB channels, provide a vibrant, full spectrum that enhances coral fluorescence and fish colors.

NICREW saltwater lighting schedule #ad

This aquarium light features a dual-channel timer that allows independent adjustment of the lighting spectrum, providing enhanced control over both day and night phases. It supports gradual sunrise and sunset simulation by smoothly increasing or decreasing light intensity, which helps reduce stress for fish and corals. The timer offers greater flexibility in programming daily light cycles while keeping the setup process straightforward and user-friendly, making it easier to achieve natural, consistent lighting patterns in your tank.

The adjustable brackets accommodate tanks from 30 to 36 inches, with other sizes (18–60 inches) available for different tank dimensions. A smart heat management system ensures durability, and the included mounting kit simplifies setup for rimmed or rimless tanks. While not suitable for high-light SPS corals due to its moderate PAR, this light is perfect for hobbyists starting with low-to-moderate light species, offering a cost-effective, all-in-one solution.

Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Light for Coral Growth

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• PAR: 63 @ 18-inch
• Ideal for: FOWLR, saltwater plants, soft and LPS corals
• Fixture sizes: 48-60 inches (15-60″ available)
• For tanks: 55-90 Gal
• LEDs: 336 pcs total
• Modes: app control, 24-hour light cycle, preset habitats
• Wattage: 59 watts

Maintaining a healthy marine aquarium can be challenging, but the Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Light makes it easier. Specifically designed to promote vibrant coral growth, this full-spectrum marine and reef LED light features actinic blue spectral wavelengths essential for colorful coral development. The unit includes six LED arrays, with four specialized LEDs dedicated to producing blue spectrum light.

Fluval Smart app #ad

The Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Light can be controlled via the Fluval Smart App, allowing you to adjust light intensity directly from your mobile device. It also features a programmable 24-hour light cycle that simulates gradual sunrise, sunset, and nighttime, creating a natural environment for your reef tank. The multiple LED chips are strategically arranged to optimize photosynthetic activity for corals while enhancing visual clarity for perfect viewing.

With its 120-degree light dispersion, this light ensures every corner of your tank receives adequate illumination. Additionally, the extendable mounting brackets make installation and adjustment simple and versatile, accommodating various tank sizes.

Nicrew HyperReef 150 Gen 2

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• PAR: 165 @ 24″
• Ideal for: Most types of corals
• Coverage: 36 x 36″ (max)
• LEDs: 72 LEDs, 2 channels
• Controller: 7 preset spectrums, controller ready (sold separately)
• Wattage: 150 watts (100-200W available)

The HyperReef 150 Gen 2 aquarium light from NICREW is a fantastic product to consider for your reef tank. It features a full-color spectrum that promotes optimal coral growth and enhances dramatic coloration while creating a gentle shimmer throughout the aquarium. This gives the product an edge over its competitors, as it is designed specifically with corals in mind.

Nicrew HyperReef 150 Gen 2 PAR measurements #ad

The 150W unit boasts a very high PAR output with a peak of 165 at a 24-inch depth. With this high performance, it works well for even the most demanding SPS corals, provided they are placed near the water surface. It is also available in other options ranging from 65 to 200W. Based on the coral types you have and the size of your tank, you should select a suitable light unit to provide adequate lighting for the corals.

Control buttons #ad

The built-in control panel includes 7 preset spectrum modes, allowing quick access to commonly used lighting configurations. These presets simplify setup for users who want a straightforward solution without complex programming, while still offering a variety of spectral combinations tailored for different aquatic environments.

You need to purchase a controller separately if you want to automate the control of the light. The light is compatible with the HyperReef Gen 2 controller #ad from Nicrew. The advanced controller allows precise management of 5 independent light channels with smooth dimming from 0% to 100%. It offers two programming modes: Easy Set, for quick photoperiod setup, and Pro Set, which customizes light intensity and color across 8 time points for dynamic daily cycles. Multiple lights can be daisy-chained for unified control.

Extensive mounting options #ad

This product uses smart fans for temperature control, ensuring optimal and consistent working conditions. You don’t need to purchase additional items for installation. It comes with a tank mount and a hanging kit for flexible installation. The tank mount works well for both rimmed and rimless tanks.

AquaIllumination Hydra 64 HD LED Reef Light

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• PAR: 230 @ 24-inch
• Ideal for: High-light corals, clams, high-light SPS
• Coverage: 24 x 24″ (optimal)
• LEDs: 64 pcs + 4 UV
• Controller: Mobile app, schedule mode, manual mode, acclimation
• Wattage: 135 watts

If you’re looking for a high-performance aquarium light for your reef tank, then you should consider the AquaIllumination Hydra 64 HD LED Reef Light. There are several reasons to love this AquaIllumination reef light. For one, its high PAR output makes it perfect for high-demand reef tanks.

Compared to its predecessors, the AI Prime 16 HD and Hydra 32 HD, this model comes with more LEDs (68 in total), which means higher light output for your reef. The PAR peak at a 24-inch depth is 230, which is very impressive. With this PAR rating, you can grow even the most demanding SPS corals and clams under the light.

Schedule mode with an adjustable light cycle

Manual mode with color spectrum wheel

The light can be controlled via the free myAI app, which allows you to adjust the settings for its schedule mode with an adjustable light cycle and manual mode with a handy color spectrum wheel. It also includes an acclimation mode for acclimating your corals to the new higher-output light. The starting intensity and the number of days for the acclimation period are adjustable.

Acclimation mode

The schedule mode includes a 24-hour automatic light schedule with adjustable sunrise/sunset times and ramp duration. You can add custom times and build your own schedule to suit your corals’ needs. It also allows you to adjust each of the eight color channels via easy-to-use color sliders.

Moreover, the lenses are geometrically designed to reduce color separation. This provides a wider focus area and higher PAR for your corals. Overall, this is an impressive reef light with better color mixing and coverage.

ViparSpectra 165W LED Light for High Light SPS Corals

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• PAR: 325 @ 24-inch depth
• Ideal for: Most types of corals, clams, high light SPS
• Coverage: 24 x 24″ (optimal) 24 x 30″ (max)
• LEDs: 55 LEDs, two channels blue and white
• Controller: Remote, timing, dimming
• Wattage: 165 watts

The ViparSpectra 165W LED light is scientifically engineered to balance PAR output and coverage, focusing on providing high lighting output. The PAR value reaches 325 at a 24-inch depth, sufficient for even the most demanding reef tanks.

PAR measurement #ad

This product features a full spectrum of colors to achieve a balance of strong output and stunning visibility. This layout promotes coral photosynthesis, ensuring a healthy ecological environment for your aquarium. It supports the growth of both SPS and LPS corals.

The light fixture with a built-in controller #ad

The light features two color channels, blue and white, adjustable from 0% to 100% to meet the needs of your corals, reef, and fish. You can turn on the blue and white channels simultaneously or independently, as they are controlled separately. Each channel can be programmed individually with the included timer.

Using the white channel alone for a freshwater planted tank is possible but not cost-effective, as this is primarily a reef light.

Wireless remote control #ad

The remote control is user-friendly. The CLOCK button sets your local time during initial setup; the four C1,2 ON/OFF buttons configure the on/off times for channel 1 or 2; the arrow buttons simplify programming; and the OK button saves your customizations.

To ensure a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, the fixture includes a cooling system with two quiet fans. It also comes with two hanging kits for easy setup.

Red Sea REEFLED 90 LED Light Fixture with RL90 Mounting Arm

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• PAR: 150 @ 20″
• Ideal for: High-light reef
• Coverage: 24 x 24 inches (recommended)
• LEDs: Compact LED array with 9000K white, blue, violet, and UV
• Modes: WiFi app control, multi presets, acclimation program
• Wattage: 90 watts

The Red Sea REEFLED 90 LED Light Fixture with RL90 Mounting Arm is an impressive reef light despite its compact size. Measuring approximately six inches wide and long and less than three inches thick, it offers all the features you need in a reef light.

This unit features a compact LED array with blue, violet, and ultraviolet LEDs, providing a color temperature of 23,000 K, combined with 9,000 K white LEDs and a separate 3W channel for a moonlight effect. This produces lighting that ensures optimal coral growth and vibrant colors.

The unit includes hollow optical-glass lenses for uniform light spread and an anti-glare feature to reduce glare when viewing the tank.

The REEFLED 90 is WiFi-ready and can be controlled remotely via the ReefBeat smart aquarium app. The app allows you to set lighting programs, sunrise and sunset effects, lunar effects, acclimation programs, and random cloud effects, creating a lighting experience that both you and your corals will appreciate.

Kessil A360XE Tuna Blue Controllable LED Aquarium Light

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• PAR: Designed for deep penetration
• Ideal for: Most types of corals
• Coverage: 24 x 24″ (max)
• LEDs: Densely-packed LEDs
• Control: Controller sold separately
• Wattage: 90 watts

The Kessil A360XE Tuna Blue bundle offers a powerful lighting solution for reef aquariums, combining advanced technology and ease of use. At the heart of this setup is the A360XE LED light, which delivers 15% more brightness than its predecessor while maintaining energy efficiency. Thanks to improved thermal design and cutting-edge LED chips, it produces a richer spectrum and smoother color blending—ideal for coral growth and visual appeal.

The included Spectral Controller X enables precise control over intensity and spectrum throughout the day and night. With support for multiple time points, users can simulate natural lighting conditions such as sunrise, daylight, and sunset. The K-Link communication system allows you to daisy-chain and program up to 32 lights with individual or grouped settings, providing exceptional scalability for larger reef tanks.

Completing the bundle is the adjustable mounting arm, which attaches securely to the back of the aquarium. Its flexibility lets you position the light up to 13 inches above the water surface and 11 to 13.5 inches into the tank, ensuring full coverage and optimal PAR distribution across various tank sizes and layouts.

Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pro up to 72-inch

Current USA Orbit Marine IC Pro 72-inch

• PAR: 100 @ 21-inch depth
• Ideal for: Softies, LPS, low-light SPS
• Fixture size: 72 inches (18-72″ available)
• LEDs: 288 LEDs, two channels
• Controller: Mobile app control via Bluetooth
• Wattage: 144 watts

The Orbit Marine LED from Current USA is an affordable option for tanks with low to moderate lighting demands. It features ultra-bright LEDs covering the entire color spectrum. The number of LEDs for different fixture sizes is shown in the following image.

Spectrum and PAR measurement

This product includes a higher ratio of actinic blue spectrum LEDs, which are beneficial for corals. Wide-angle dispersion lenses ensure even light spread across your tank while providing superior color blending. Due to its moderate PAR output, it is ideal for reef tanks housing soft corals, LPS, and low-light SPS corals.

Mobile app control

The light comes with a controller compatible with a mobile app, allowing full programming of the light schedule and color channels. Both iOS and Android apps are available for download.

The app includes a preset 24-hour automatic lighting schedule and various ready-to-use modes. It also enables control of Current USA wave makers within a single app, a significant advantage of this product.

The preset lighting program effectively creates a 24-hour natural biorhythmic lighting cycle, eliminating the need to choose a specific lighting schedule. From sunrise to sundown, the Orbit Marine can replicate realistic sunrise, bright daylight, dimming sunset, and moonlight in your aquarium.

The light also offers modes that dim at regular intervals to create cloud cover effects, storm modes with lightning strikes, and innovative evening modes that include lunar and dusk settings, adding excitement and intrigue to any aquarium.

This product features a straightforward installation process with extendable brackets, enabling it to fit most aquarium fish tanks 72-80 inches wide. Other options are available for tanks from 18-60 inches long.

Which Light Schedule is Best for Reef Tanks?

A lighting schedule determines how long LED lights should be on in your reef aquarium. The primary goal is to simulate a natural ocean environment for corals. While perfectly replicating the ocean’s unique habitat is challenging, a schedule with ramp periods for sunrise and sunset effects is most effective.

Most reef tanks require 9–12 hours of daily lighting to thrive, depending on light intensity. Higher PAR levels necessitate shorter lighting durations, while lower PAR levels require longer periods. Suitable time frames include: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (9 hours), 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (10 hours), 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (12 hours), or 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (12 hours).

For a 12-hour schedule, set the light to the average PAR range for your corals, adding 25–30-minute ramp periods at both ends of the main photoperiod to acclimate corals to day-night transitions. For a 9-hour schedule, use higher PAR ranges and extend ramp periods to 1.5 hours with lower intensities to allow more viewing time.

At night, turn off the light or use a dim lunar light to avoid overstimulating corals while enabling viewing. Some lights offer adjustable lunar modes, but for others, you can customize moonlight effects using app-controlled lights with preset schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Light Should Be Delivered to Corals?

The light required depends on the coral types in your reef aquarium. Different corals need specific PAR levels to thrive. Strategically place corals closer or farther from the light source to ensure each receives the appropriate amount of light.

How Can I Determine Light Acclimation and Intensity?

Bleaching coral

Sudden increases in light intensity can stress corals, leading to coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic zooxanthellae. These algae provide corals with color and nutrients, and their loss can result in a white appearance and potential death. Start with lower PAR levels within the required range for your corals, then gradually increase intensity over 20–30 days to prevent bleaching.

What Lights for a Refugium?

Growing Chaeto algae in a refugium

A refugium is a supplemental aquarium that cycles water to and from the main tank for additional filtration, primarily to remove nitrate using macroalgae like Chaeto. The goal is to maximize algae growth, not aesthetics. Refugium lights with higher red and blue spectra are more effective for growing macroalgae than white lights, as these wavelengths support photosynthesis better.

Why Are Reef Lights So Expensive?

Reef LED lights are costly due to their specialized design for coral needs, requiring high Kelvin ratings (10,000–20,000K) and PAR outputs. They consume more energy and generate more heat, necessitating advanced cooling systems, unlike fish-only or planted aquarium lights. High-quality lenses for coverage and color blending, combined with the niche nature of reef keeping, further increase costs.