Reef Light Shade Fit Guide: AI Prime, Kessil, Radion, and Hydra
A reef light shade is a printed skirt that wraps the sides of a reef LED fixture and hangs down past the lens. It blocks the harsh side glare from your eyes and stops light from spilling out into the room around the tank.
This guide covers what a shade does, the fixture sizes we build to, and how to pick a color.
What does a reef light shade do?
A shade wraps around the sides of your light and continues down past the lens plane. That skirt blocks the direct glare that would otherwise hit your eyes from the side, and it keeps light from spreading out into the room past the tank itself.
It presses on around the light body for a snug hold, the same way our other clip on parts work. It sits above the water and never touches your tank water.
Which fixtures do we build a shade for?
We build a shade sized to four named reef LED fixtures today, plus a universal option if your fixture is not on the list.
| Fixture | Footprint (L x W x H) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AI Prime 16HD | 124 x 124 x 34mm | Manufacturer spec, aquaillumination.com |
| EcoTech Radion XR15 G6 | 178 x 178 x 39mm | Retailer listings, 3 or more agreeing |
| AI Hydra 32HD | 185 x 137 x 36mm | Retailer listings, 3 or more agreeing |
| Kessil A360X / A360XE | 109mm dia x 53mm tall | Manufacturer site plus a retailer listing |
| Any other fixture, up to about 130mm across | Measure your own fixture first | Not sourced to a named fixture |
Fixture footprints come from aquarium/research/light-shades-2026-07-19/light-shade-build-spec.md. The AI Prime 16HD figure is the manufacturer's own published spec. Radion and Hydra figures are sourced from at least 3 agreeing retailer listings. Lights change in small ways over time, so check the fit before you rely on it.
Why does light spill and glare matter?
A bare reef LED throws a lot of side light. That can mean a harsh glare when you look at the tank from the side, and light spilling onto walls, ceilings, or nearby rooms well past the tank's footprint.
A shade does not change how much light reaches your coral. It changes where the light NOT aimed at your coral ends up, by keeping the side spill contained instead of scattering it into the room.
Which color should I pick?
We make shades in black, white, and orange. Black is the most common pick, since it blocks light the most completely and blends with most fixture bodies. White and orange are there if you want the shade to stand out or match a lighter setup.
Color is a look and light-block choice only. It does not change the fit or the fixture the shade is sized for.
Caring for your shade over time
We print shades in PETG, a tough plastic that holds its shape in the warm air right above a tank. Keep it out of direct sun even so, since sun wears down any plastic over time.
Since this part sits above the water and never touches your tank water, there is no rinse step needed the way a submerged part needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a reef light shade?+
It is a printed skirt that wraps your reef LED fixture and hangs past the lens. It blocks side glare and keeps light from spilling into the room around the tank.
What size is the AI Prime 16HD shade?+
It is built to the AI Prime 16HD's own manufacturer spec, a 124 by 124 by 34mm fixture footprint.
Does a light shade change how much light reaches my coral?+
No. It changes where the side spill goes, by containing glare and room spill. It is not designed to change the light aimed down at your coral.
What if my reef light is not on your list?+
Our universal small shade fits a fixture up to about 130mm across. Measure your fixture first and check the fit before you order.
Does the shade touch the water?+
No. It sits above the water and never touches your tank water, so there is no rinse step needed.
What color light shade should I pick?+
Black blocks light the most completely and is the most common pick. White and orange are there if you want the shade to stand out. Color does not change the fit.
Shop reef light shades
Sized to the AI Prime 16HD, Radion XR15 G6, AI Hydra 32HD, and Kessil A360X, plus a universal option. Made in the USA. Printed in the USA when you order.
Reef Light Shade for AI Prime 16HD$24.99
Reef Light Shade for Kessil A360X$29.99
Reef Light Shade for EcoTech Radion XR15 G6$44.99
Reef Light Shade, Universal Small (Measure Your Light)$29.99