← CADE Pro Reef 600 S2 · All nano reef lights
Best lights for the CADE Pro Reef 600 S2
Match the fixture's coverage footprint to your tank's display footprint — a light rated for a 12×12 in area is a poor fit over a 16×16 in tank. Then pick an intensity tier based on your corals: low for soft corals or FOWLR, medium for LPS or mixed reefs, high for SPS. Most nano light manufacturers don't publish PAR, so coverage and intensity tier are the practical sizing handles.
The CADE Pro Reef 600 S2 (also sold as the Reef S2 600) is CADE's 600mm all-in-one reef system with a 216L (57 gal) display and 266L (70 gal) total volume, in 10mm Opti-Clear glass. The tank measures 600 × 700 × 600mm (23.6 × 27.6 × 23.6 in), with the rear part of the 700mm depth dedicated to an integrated 'Backdrop Water Management System' sump holding a skimmer/reactor chamber, media baskets, and a return-pump chamber. That rear chamber is about 100mm (3.9 in) deep front-to-back (manufacturer figure; usable skimmer width/height not published). It ships without a light and without a stock return pump, both selected separately.
Ranked for an LPS / mixed-reef setup. For SPS or soft-only goals, use the sizing tool.
Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue $259.00
- covers 23.6×24" display area
- LPS/mixed intensity meets your LPS goal
All lights compared
| Light | Coverage | Intensity | Price | Verdict |
| Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue Kessil | 24×24″ | Medium | $259.00 | Top pick |
| Nicrew HyperReef 50 (Gen 2) Nicrew | 24×24″ | Medium | — | Recommended |
| AI Prime 16HD Reef Aqua Illumination | 24×24″ | High | $264.99 | Recommended |
| Reef Breeders Reef Nano LED Reef Breeders | 24×24″ | High | $169.99 | Recommended |
| Fluval Marine 3.0 Nano (20W) Fluval | 9×9″ | Low | $109.99 | Too dim for goal |
| AI Blade Grow 12" Aqua Illumination | 12×12″ | Medium | $263.99 | Not ideal |
| Fluval Marine 3.0 (22W, 15-24") Fluval | 24×12″ | Medium | — | Not ideal |
| Kessil A80 Tuna Blue Kessil | 24×24″ | Low | $139.00 | Too dim for goal |
FAQ
Why use coverage footprint and intensity tier instead of PAR?
Most nano fixture manufacturers don't publish PAR data, so PAR-based comparisons aren't possible across the market. Coverage footprint and intensity tier give you a consistent, actionable way to match a light to your tank size and coral type without needing a PAR meter.
What intensity tier do I need for a mixed LPS reef?
Choose a medium-intensity fixture for a mixed LPS or mixed reef tank. Low-intensity lights are sufficient for soft corals and FOWLR setups, while high-intensity fixtures are needed only if you plan to keep demanding SPS corals.
Can I use a light rated for a larger footprint than my tank?
Yes, but it introduces more risk than benefit on a nano. You may end up with excess intensity at the center and uneven coverage, and you'll pay for output you don't need. Matching footprint closely is the better approach.