Reef Brite Aquarium Lighting
Reef Brite has become a go-to brand for hobbyists looking to enhance coral coloration and boost PAR without replacing their entire lighting system. Known for their high-output LED strips, Reef Brite lights are often used alongside popular fixtures to fill in spectrum gaps, increase shimmer, or spotlight specific areas of the tank.
Their Lumi Lite and XHO series are especially popular for reef tanks — with mounting options that work well on both rimless and canopy setups. Whether you're running a full SPS system or just want your LPS to pop under actinic light, Reef Brite LEDs are built to deliver performance and flexibility.
If you're looking for a way to deepen your blues, highlight fluorescence, or simply get more punch out of your lighting spread, Reef Brite strips offer a reliable and reef-safe solution that integrates easily into most setups.
Choosing the Right Reef Brite Lighting for Your Reef Tank
Reef Brite XHO LED Strips
The XHO series is Reef Brite’s high-output line — designed to supplement or even replace traditional T5s and halides. These strips deliver strong PAR and are often mounted alongside existing fixtures to boost overall intensity and spectrum. The XHO Blue and Actinic models are especially popular for coral fluorescence and nighttime viewing. Whether you’re lighting SPS or just want your reef to glow, XHO strips offer serious performance in a low-profile form.
Reef Brite Lumi Lite LED Strips
Lumi Lite LEDs are a great option for hobbyists who want a slimmer fixture with a softer output. Available in actinic, 50/50, and full spectrum, Lumi Lites are ideal for nano tanks, refugiums, or as color-enhancing supplements. They don’t generate much heat and have a minimal footprint — perfect for tanks where space or aesthetics are a concern.
Mounting Options and Accessories
Reef Brite offers several ways to install their lights, including tank-mount brackets, canopy-ready kits, and magnetic holders. Most strips are plug-and-play and come with waterproof connectors and dimming compatibility. This makes them easy to integrate with existing systems or install as part of a hybrid lighting solution.
Optimizing Performance with Reef Brite LED Lighting
Reef Brite strips are most often used to enhance or fine-tune an existing lighting setup. For example, adding an XHO Blue strip alongside Radions, Kessils, or AI fixtures can bring out coral fluorescence and fill in spectrum gaps, especially in the deep blues. They’re also great for evening viewing or running actinic-only periods to minimize algae growth while still enjoying your tank.
Mount placement matters — for SPS systems, place Reef Brite strips at the front and back of the tank to reduce shadows and improve light spread across branches. For mixed reefs or LPS-dominated setups, mounting a single strip above the center can provide even coverage with a soft shimmer effect.
If you're using a canopy or want a clean hybrid look, Reef Brite strips mount easily on T5 fixtures or inside custom hoods. Many hobbyists run them on their own timers or with dimmers for better control over ramp-up and ramp-down schedules.
These lights are reliable, reef-safe, and easy to retrofit — but like any fixture, they perform best when cleaned regularly and kept free of salt creep or dust buildup.
Expert Tips
- Combine with your main fixture for better spectrum coverage. Reef Brite strips pair especially well with Radions, Hydra, or Kessil setups to boost PAR and bring out fluorescence.
- Use XHO Blues for fluorescence — not just actinic effect. These aren’t just for looks — they contribute real PAR in the 420–460nm range that corals actually use.
- Keep the acrylic lens clean. Salt spray and dust reduce output over time. A quick wipe every couple of weeks helps maintain clarity and performance.
- Dim or stagger lights if you notice coral stress. Reef Brite strips are powerful — especially in shallow tanks. A dimmer or offset timer can help with light acclimation.
- Mount toward the front for better coral viewing. Angling the strip slightly backward enhances color pop and reduces shadowing on your display.
Installing Reef Brite LED Strips
Reef Brite lights are easy to install and work well in a variety of setups — from rimless tanks to full canopies. Most models come with basic mounting brackets, but you can also use third-party holders, aluminum rails, or attach them directly to T5 retrofit kits.
For best results, mount the strips 6–10 inches above the waterline, either directly over the tank or angled from the front to reduce shadowing. If you’re running multiple strips (such as dual XHOs), spacing them evenly across the front and back gives better spread and light penetration — especially in SPS-dominant systems.
Connect the included waterproof power supply and dimmer (if applicable), and route cables neatly to avoid water exposure. If you’re using a controller like the Reef Brite Bluetooth Dimmer or a timer strip, make sure you leave access for manual override if needed.
Maintenance Tips for Reef Brite Lighting
- Clean the light strip and lens monthly. Wipe down with a soft, damp cloth to remove salt creep or dust that can block light output.
- Check power connections for corrosion. The waterproof connectors are reliable, but it's still a good idea to inspect them occasionally — especially near splash zones.
- Secure mounting brackets. Screws or clips can loosen over time. Periodically check that all hardware is tight and holding position.
- Keep the power supply elevated and dry. Use a drip loop and mount the driver in a location with good airflow to prevent overheating or moisture damage.
Test dimming controls periodically. If you’re using a Reef Brite dimmer, confirm that intensity ramps as expected, and recalibrate if needed.
