Reef Brite 36" Blue XHO LED Strip Light

The Reef Brite XHO (Xtreme High Output) series is built for hobbyists who want serious actinic output without the complexity of a full-fixture purchase. The 36" Blue XHO packs 12 LEDs per foot — each rated at 3W and driven at roughly 50% — producing a dense, high-intensity actinic spectrum tuned to excite coral fluorescence and bring out natural coloration in fish and invertebrates. Unlike the Tech series, which runs approximately 6 LEDs per foot and is better suited to gentle supplementation, the XHO can function as a standalone primary light or as a meaningful addition alongside T5 or metal halide setups.

The Blue Actinic spectrum is the most popular XHO variant among reef keepers, and for good reason. The specific LED selections target the wavelengths that drive fluorescent protein excitation in corals, making tanks appear vivid and alive under the light. It is commonly paired with T5 fixtures to add actinic depth without altering the white balance of the primary lamps. When used with ATI T5 fixtures specifically, the included mounting brackets attach directly to the existing end plates — no separate hardware required.

For those building a custom fixture from scratch, up to five XHO strips can be combined using Reef Brite's LED hanging brackets (sold separately), creating a fully configurable multi-channel lighting array. The 36" strip is also available in Daylight White and 50/50 configurations for hobbyists who want to balance or accent their actinic output. Mounting legs are available separately as an alternative to hanging installation.

At 1.85" wide and 1.1" tall, the XHO has a compact profile that fits most canopy and sump applications without obstruction. The included power supply and cord length over 6 feet give reasonable flexibility for placement. This light is best suited to intermediate and advanced reef keepers who have a clear plan for their lighting layout and want a modular, high-output component to anchor or supplement it.