Kessil

(18 items)

Browse our collection of Kessil Lighting — a top choice for reef aquarists who want uncompromising performance, signature shimmer, and a streamlined setup. Known for their dense matrix LED technology and simple, intuitive control options, Kessil lights deliver a natural look and powerful PAR output across a variety of tank sizes.

The compact Kessil A80 is perfect for nano tanks and smaller setups, offering a balance of spectrum and efficiency in a low-profile design. For medium to large reef aquariums, the Kessil AP9X provides wide coverage and fully tunable lighting, with WiFi control and K-Link compatibility for multi-light coordination.

Whether you're lighting a dedicated frag system or a showpiece reef display, Kessil Lights bring industry-leading spectrum control and that iconic shimmer effect to your setup. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we stock the full range of Kessil Lighting, ensuring your tank gets the right blend of beauty and function.

Top Kessil Lighting Picks

A table comparing the facets of 4 items
Facet	AP9X LED Lighting Panel - Kessil View details	A500X Controllable LED Aquarium Light - Tuna Blue - Kessil View details	A360XE Controllable LED Aquarium Light - Kessil View details	A80 Tuna Blue Nano LED Light - Kessil View details
Price
Price	$869⁰⁰	$769⁰⁰	$449⁰⁰	$139⁰⁰
Features
Features	The Kessil AP9X combines Dense Matrix LED arrays, redesigned optics, and full-spectrum control into a single, slim fixture ideal for mixed reef tanks. It delivers up to 48” of coverage with deep PAR penetration and no need for diffusers thanks to industry-leading color blending. WiFi control, dual arrays with 110 LEDs, and integrated K-Link ports make this one of Kessil’s most advanced reef lighting systems. LED & Spectrum Highlights: - Dual Dense Matrix Arrays (55 LEDs each) - Full-spectrum with adjustable Red, Green, Purple (Violet+Indigo) - Includes 395nm True UVA for coral fluorescence - Kessil Logic maintains core growth spectrum regardless of visual tuning	The A500X is built for high-demand SPS systems, offering the power of metal halides without the heat. This 185W unit provides deep penetration up to 4 feet with optional reflectors and supports full-spectrum tuning through the Kessil Logic system. Ideal for experienced reefers looking for maximum PAR, shimmer, and coral coloration. LED & Spectrum Highlights: - Tuna Blue + Red, Green, Purple (Violet+Indigo) - 110° reflector (adjustable to 55° or 35°) - Penetrates up to 48” with narrow reflectors - Controlled via WiFi Dongle or Spectral Controller X - Coverage: Up to 36" x 36"	The A360XE improves on the A360X with 15% more output and even better color mixing. Its compact, lightweight design supports up to 30" x 30" coverage and is fully compatible with the Kessil WiFi Dongle or Spectral Controller. It features dense LED arrays, shimmer, and thermal efficiency tailored for reef environments. LED & Spectrum Highlights: - Tuna Blue spectrum, adjustable from 10,000K to 14,000K - Red, Green, and Purple (Violet+Indigo) channels - Upgraded Dense Matrix LED array for smoother blending - Optional Narrow Reflector for focused light - Coverage: Up to 30" x 30"	A fanless, silent solution for nano reefs and soft coral tanks. The A80 uses a compact Dense Matrix LED array to provide solid spectrum coverage in smaller tanks, while remaining fully controllable and daisy-chain compatible. A built-in heatsink ensures efficient, quiet cooling. LED & Spectrum Highlights: - Tuna Blue spectrum (10,000K – 20,000K) - Dense Matrix LED array - Dimmable color and intensity with Kessil Logic - Fanless design for silent operation - Coverage: Up to 20" x 20"

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Kessil Lighting

Choosing the Right Kessil Light for Your Tank:

Kessil A80: A compact LED ideal for nano aquariums and soft coral setups. It offers quiet operation, energy efficiency, and simple tuning via Kessil’s control knobs or Spectral Controller.
Kessil A360X Series: A powerful option for mid-sized to large tanks. Known for exceptional color blending, this line features deep penetration and wide adjustability with the Spectral Controller X or WiFi Dongle.
Kessil AP9X: Designed for larger reef tanks, this fixture offers broad coverage, full WiFi control, and a refined spectrum that supports SPS coral growth. Compatible with K-Link and other smart aquarium systems.

Optimizing Kessil Lighting Performance:

Shimmer & Spectrum: Kessil’s Dense Matrix LED creates a natural sunlight shimmer that mimics ocean lighting. Use color and intensity controls to fine-tune spectrum balance for different coral types.
Mounting Solutions: Use Kessil’s gooseneck or mounting arms to achieve optimal height and spread. The AP9X can also be suspended for wide tank coverage.
Smart Control Options: Connect via the Kessil WiFi Dongle or K-Link to unlock sunrise/sunset cycles, acclimation modes, and spectrum presets.

Expert Tips

Fine-Tuning Spectrum for Coral Health

Kessil’s signature Tuna Blue spectrum is engineered to enhance coral fluorescence and promote healthy photosynthesis. You can adjust between deeper blue tones and more balanced white lighting to suit the needs of different coral types. SPS-dominant tanks tend to thrive with a heavier blue spectrum, while mixed reefs may benefit from a more balanced output. The Kessil AP9X and A360X series allow for granular spectrum tuning to meet your reef’s specific demands.

Mounting Height & Spread

For optimal light distribution, mount Kessil Lights approximately 8–12 inches above the water surface. Nano lights like the Kessil A80 work well closer to the surface, while the AP9X is designed for higher mounting with wide-angle lensing to minimize shadowing. Always test PAR levels across your aquascape to ensure uniform lighting coverage — especially in tanks with rock islands or varied coral placement.

Using K-Link & Control Options

The Kessil AP9X comes with built-in WiFi, but if you're running multiple A360X or A500X fixtures, K-Link makes syncing your lights seamless. For more hands-on control, the Spectral Controller X provides a tactile interface for spectrum tuning, acclimation programming, and group control without requiring an app or WiFi setup — great for plug-and-play users.

Blending Multiple Fixtures

If your tank requires multiple lights, Kessil’s dense matrix optics allow for seamless blending between units. With AP9X or paired Kessil A360X lights, you can avoid hotspots and color banding while creating a uniform look throughout the tank. When using hybrid setups (such as T5 + Kessil), keep the Kessil units slightly forward or central to maximize shimmer and intensity on coral tops.

Installation & Maintenance

Installing Your Kessil Lights

Mounting your Kessil Lighting properly is essential for achieving even coverage and optimal coral growth. Each fixture is compatible with dedicated accessories:

Kessil A80: Best paired with the Mini Gooseneck mount — an easy, flexible solution for nano tanks and tight spaces.
Kessil AP9X: Designed for larger systems, the AP9X can be installed with Kessil’s tank mount kit or suspended using the AP9X hanging kit. Its slim profile and wide spread minimize the number of fixtures needed, making it ideal for clean, open aquascapes.
Kessil A360X: Use with the Adjustable Gooseneck or Mounting Arm Kit for optimal positioning. These mounts allow height and angle adjustments for precise PAR distribution.

Before finalizing your setup, measure tank height and depth to avoid over- or under-lighting. Always test with a PAR meter if possible.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your Kessil Lights running efficiently:

Wipe lenses every 2–4 weeks with a soft cloth and RO/DI water to remove salt creep and dust.
Check vent openings and cooling fans for buildup to prevent overheating — especially in enclosed canopies.
For the Kessil AP9X, inspect WiFi signal strength periodically and update firmware via the Kessil app for optimal performance.
For hard-to-reach fixtures, consider mounting with quick-release hardware to simplify removal during tank maintenance.

Using a PAR Meter with Kessil Lights

Measuring PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) helps ensure your reef is receiving ideal light levels for growth. Kessil’s narrow beam angle and intense central output can lead to hotspots in deeper tanks — especially with A360X or A500X units. Spread lights evenly and adjust intensity based on livestock needs:

Soft corals and zoanthids: 75–150 PAR
LPS corals: 100–200 PAR
SPS corals: 200–350+ PAR

This ensures all areas of your tank, from bottom sandbeds to upper rockwork, receive appropriate illumination.

Kessil Lighting FAQs

What makes Kessil Lighting different from other aquarium LEDs?

Kessil stands out for its patented Dense Matrix LED technology, which produces a natural shimmer effect and strong light penetration. The brand is also known for reliable spectrum tuning and streamlined design, making it a top choice for reef tanks of all sizes.

Which Kessil light is best for my tank?

For nano tanks or soft coral systems, the Kessil A80 is a compact and efficient solution. The A360X offers more advanced control and higher output for mixed reefs. For wide tank coverage or SPS-dominant systems, the Kessil AP9X is ideal, offering built-in WiFi and broad-spectrum adjustability.

How do I control Kessil Lights?

Kessil Lights can be controlled via the Spectral Controller X, WiFi Dongle, or built-in WiFi (for the AP9X). These systems allow you to adjust intensity, spectrum, and create custom schedules — including acclimation modes and lunar cycles.

Can I mix Kessil lights with other types of lighting?

Yes, many aquarists pair Kessil Lighting with T5 fixtures or other LED brands to achieve full-spectrum coverage. Kessil’s natural shimmer and deep blue output work especially well as part of a hybrid lighting setup.

How do I clean and maintain my Kessil Lighting setup?

Wipe lenses regularly with RO/DI water and a soft cloth to prevent salt buildup. Keep vents clear of dust to ensure proper cooling. Update firmware if you're using a WiFi-connected light like the Kessil AP9X for optimal performance and stability.