Dimension-based shortlist
| Footprint / examples | First shortlist | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| 40–45cm cube Aqua One MiniReef 90; Red Sea MAX NANO Cube footprint | AI Prime 16HD Value-led compact control; common UK availability | ReefLED G2 60 Coherent alternative where ReefBeat control suits the system |
| Up to 50 × 50cm Typical larger cube / central island | ReefLED G2 60 Red Sea publishes a 50 × 50 × 50cm test geometry | AI Prime 16HD UK sellers commonly frame it as 50 × 50cm; leave margin for demanding edge placement |
| 60cm wide × about 45–50cm deep Aqua One MiniReef 120; MAX NANO XL-class footprint | Reef Flare Pro S Maker claims up to 60 × 60cm coverage | Kessil A360XE 61 × 61cm mixed-reef claim; controller and mount may be extra |
| 60cm wide, premium control Mixed placement or future coral-demand uncertainty | Radion XR15 G6 Pro 61 × 61cm recommended spread with broad programming | Two smaller sources Higher cost, but potentially better shadow geometry than one central puck |
Three buying checks people miss
Confirm the arm clamp clears trim, lids and the filtration chamber. A “compatible” light can still have an incompatible mount.
Small tanks often sit on desks or low cabinets. Mounting height, shades and room sightlines matter.
One fixture is simpler. Two can reduce hard shadows and let you shape overlap, but doubles mounts, cables and control points.
For Fluval Evo and complete MAX systems, establish what the bundled fixture cannot do before replacing it.
What we would buy first
For an empty 45cm cube, start the comparison with the AI Prime 16HD and ReefLED G2 60. For a 60cm-wide nano bought without a light, compare the Reef Flare Pro S, Kessil A360XE and Radion XR15 G6 Pro as complete mounted packages. That is a shortlist, not a ranking: the coral zone and preferred control ecosystem decide the winner.
Check cost before checkout
At the current default UK planning rate, a 60W fixture running at full rated power for 10 hours daily is about £57 per year. An 80W fixture is about £76. Real schedules usually draw less. Model your programme in the Reef Bench electricity calculator.