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How to choose
Coral lighting is about PAR (intensity), spread and spectrum, not watts. Soft corals and many LPS do well at moderate PAR, and SPS want more. Even coverage across the tank usually matters more than peak intensity at the center. Most reefers pair one fixture per 18–24 inches of tank length and use a PAR meter, or a borrowed one, to set intensity.
- Acclimate corals to new lights by starting at lower intensity and ramping up over weeks.
- Check whether the fixture needs a separate mounting arm or rail.
- App quality varies, so read recent reviews about the control software.
For the science behind it, read our Lighting and PAR guide.
How we review: we paraphrase what owners report in retailer reviews and forum threads, plus picks and test results from BRStv, Reef2Reef discussions and published reef chemists. We only show a rating when we verified it at the source, with the date we checked. We don't invent scores or quotes. Prices and stock change, so check the retailer.
Well-regarded picks
EcoTech Marine Radion XR15 G6 Pro
LED fixture
- What reviews say: strengths
- Owners praise the spectrum, spread and color. Several run 2–3 over 4-foot tanks as their only light.
- Weaknesses
- The Mobius app draws complaints (it needs an account and loses settings during outages), mounting is sold separately, and one owner wanted more PAR for high-end SPS.
- Who it's for
- Mixed reefs and LPS tanks where spectrum control and coral color matter.
- Expert consensus
- BRS names the Radion its top pick for LPS tanks for its wide blue spectrum and tuning. The XR15 G6 Pro was a top-three LED seller in BRS's 2024 list.
Sources
Where to buy:
AquaIllumination Hydra 32 HD
LED fixture
- What reviews say: strengths
- Owners report strong PAR and spread for the price, flexible spectrum control, and good coral color and growth. Several use 2–4 over larger tanks.
- Weaknesses
- The app gets frequent criticism, and one long-term owner had to replace lenses after a couple of years.
- Who it's for
- Mid-size tanks and reefers who want lots of control per dollar.
- Expert consensus
- The Hydra 32 HD was one of BRS's three best-selling LEDs in 2024. BRS's lighting guide also lists AI fixtures among its most popular choices.
Sources
Where to buy:
Kessil A360XE Tuna Blue
LED pendant
- What reviews say: strengths
- Reviewers rave about the natural shimmer and say the XE puts out more light than the older A360X.
- Weaknesses
- BRS has only a few reviews. One owner reported lens fogging after two years. Point-source lights can create hot spots and shadows.
- Who it's for
- Cube or square tanks, and anyone who prizes shimmer.
- Expert consensus
- BRS's lighting guide says Kessil has "mastered" shimmer, and that the A360X is best for square coverage areas. Dana Riddle's measurements are a useful reference for how much PAR corals actually need.
Sources
Where to buy:
Spot an error or a product we should add? Specs and availability change often, so always check the manufacturer's current listing.