Is the AP9X enough for a 48-inch tank?

Yes for a tank about 48 by 24 inches. Light falls off toward the ends, so a wider or deeper tank may need a second unit.

Does it need a controller?

No. The included wireless dongle lets you run schedules and dimming from the Kessil app, and it also works with common aquarium controllers.

How does it differ from Kessil's spotlights?

The AP9X is a single wide panel rather than a cluster of narrow spotlights. It covers more area per fixture but gives up some of the punch and tight beam of the A360X.

Can I mount it on a rimmed tank?

It mounts on a pole arm or by wire suspension. Check that your tank or stand can take the arm, since the fixture is fairly heavy.

What corals is it aimed at?

Mixed reefs and SPS tanks, including Euphyllia. The spectrum and intensity suit demanding corals when the schedule is dialed in.

Does it grow plants in freshwater tanks?

It is designed for reef aquariums. The spectrum is tuned for corals, so freshwater planted tanks are better served by a dedicated planted LED.

Where is the Kessil AP9X LED Light cheapest?

At SaltwaterAquarium.com, for $719.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Kessil AP9X LED Light?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 35 ratings.

Where can I buy the Kessil AP9X LED Light?

8 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, SaltwaterAquarium.com, BulkReefSupply.com, AquaCave.com, Shark and Reef.

Kessil AP9X LED Light

Best price now

$719.00at SaltwaterAquarium.comChecked Nov 9

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit SaltwaterAquarium.com

Kessil AP9X LED Light

Best price now

$719.00at SaltwaterAquarium.comChecked Nov 9

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit SaltwaterAquarium.com

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $719.00 at SaltwaterAquarium.com on Nov 9.
Checked at 9 stores.

Our take on the Kessil AP9X LED Light

The Kessil AP9X is a 185 W LED panel for reef aquariums, built around Kessil's dense matrix of Tuna Blue, red, green and violet diodes. It spreads light over roughly 48 by 24 inches, dims smoothly down to 0.1% and mounts on a pole arm or by wire suspension. It suits reefers who want a wide, shimmering blanket of light over a mixed or SPS tank and app control through the included wireless dongle. Against bar-style LEDs it trades some evenness at the edges for Kessil's point-source shimmer and color, and it costs more than most panels of similar wattage. Owners rate it highly for build and spectrum; the main complaints are fan noise and app setup.

Best forMixed and SPS reef tanks up to about 48 inches longReefers who want Kessil shimmer and color on a panelTanks run through a controller or the Kessil appHobbyists upgrading from Kessil spotlights

Pros

Wide 48 x 24 inch coverage from one fixture
Full spectrum with adjustable color and violet diodes
Dims smoothly to 0.1% for dawn and dusk ramps
Solid aluminum build with good heat dissipation
Wireless dongle included for app and controller control
Mounts by pole arm or wire suspension

Cons

Fan noise is noticeable at higher output
App and Wi-Fi setup frustrate some owners
Heavy and bulky compared with bar LEDs
Costs more than most panels of similar wattage
Edge coverage falls off on tanks wider than 24 inches

Kessil AP9X LED Light prices at every store

eBayPre-owned
In stock
$700.00Checked Nov 9
Visit eBay
SaltwaterAquarium.comNew
In stock
$719.00Checked Nov 9
Visit SaltwaterAquarium.com
AquaCave.comNew
In stock
$767.20Checked Nov 9
Visit AquaCave.com
Shark and ReefNew
In stock
$849.00Checked Nov 9
Visit Shark and Reef
myaquaticsolutions.comNew
In stock
$959.00Checked Nov 9
Visit myaquaticsolutions.com
eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by saltwateraq (99.6% positive, 61,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$790.90Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit eBay
BulkReefSupply.comOpen box
Out of stock
$738.65Checked Nov 9
Visit BulkReefSupply.com
Squeaky's AquaticsNew
Out of stock
$959.00Checked Nov 9
Visit Squeaky's Aquatics
Poseidon's RealmNew
Out of stock
$1,038.12Checked Nov 9
Visit Poseidon's Realm

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Kessil AP9X LED Light price history

Lowest price we've seen: $719.00 on Nov 9 at SaltwaterAquarium.com. Tracked across 6 stores since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

4.6 / 535 ratings

Owners rate the AP9X highly, praising its color, shimmer and build. Complaints center on fan noise and the app, and some say it is expensive for the coverage.

What people mention

ColorPraisedOwners say corals look vivid and the spectrum blends well.
Fan noiseCriticisedSeveral note the fan is audible when the light runs near full power.
App setupCriticisedPairing the dongle and app is described as slow and sometimes unreliable.
BuildPraisedBuyers call the aluminum body solid and well cooled.
CoverageMixedThe spread is wide, but light drops off toward the ends of longer tanks.
ValueMixedOwners like the results but some feel it is pricey for one fixture.

Specifications

Wattage: 185 W
Brightness: High Intensity
Full Spectrum: Yes
Spectrum: Tuna Blue + Red +Green + Purple (Violet+Indigo)
Color Temperature: Adjustable
Coverage: 48" x 24" (max coverage)
Dimmable: Yes, Smooth dimming down to 0.1%

Questions and answers

Is the AP9X enough for a 48-inch tank?: Yes for a tank about 48 by 24 inches. Light falls off toward the ends, so a wider or deeper tank may need a second unit.
Does it need a controller?: No. The included wireless dongle lets you run schedules and dimming from the Kessil app, and it also works with common aquarium controllers.
How does it differ from Kessil's spotlights?: The AP9X is a single wide panel rather than a cluster of narrow spotlights. It covers more area per fixture but gives up some of the punch and tight beam of the A360X.
Can I mount it on a rimmed tank?: It mounts on a pole arm or by wire suspension. Check that your tank or stand can take the arm, since the fixture is fairly heavy.
What corals is it aimed at?: Mixed reefs and SPS tanks, including Euphyllia. The spectrum and intensity suit demanding corals when the schedule is dialed in.
Does it grow plants in freshwater tanks?: It is designed for reef aquariums. The spectrum is tuned for corals, so freshwater planted tanks are better served by a dedicated planted LED.
Where is the Kessil AP9X LED Light cheapest?: At SaltwaterAquarium.com, for $719.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Kessil AP9X LED Light?: Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 35 ratings.
Where can I buy the Kessil AP9X LED Light?: 8 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, SaltwaterAquarium.com, BulkReefSupply.com, AquaCave.com, Shark and Reef.