Choosing reef lighting used to be simple — halides for SPS, T5s for everything else. LEDs have flipped that equation. Modern reef LEDs grow anything T5s can, with better spectrum control and a fraction of the electricity bill.
For nano tanks under 40 gallons, the AI Prime 16HD is the undisputed champion. At around $350, it runs full SPS tanks, links wirelessly, and has a spectrum that makes corals pop visually without sacrificing growth.
Mid-size tanks (40-90 gallons) should look at the Radion XR15 G6 or the Kessil A500X. Both provide serious SPS-capable PAR at the right spread for a standard 36–48 inch tank. The Radion has the better app; the Kessil has that famous shimmer.
For large displays, nothing touches the Radion XR30 G6 Blue Pro — or a pair of them for tanks over 120 gallons. Pricey at $1,000+ per fixture, but these will grow any coral and last a decade. If budget is tight, the Nicrew Hyperreef and Reef-Brite XHO strips make a respectable combo.
Whatever you pick, start your photoperiod gentle: 6-hour lights, 30% peak intensity, and ramp up over 8 weeks. Rushing acclimation bleaches more corals than weak lights ever will.