With the launch of the AP9XE, Kessil is refining its flagship product for reef aquariums. The new LED fixture delivers 10 percent more light output while maintaining the same power consumption of 185 watts, and features a completely redesigned control system.
At the base of the fixture are two patented Dense Matrix LED clusters. Each cluster contains 57 individual LEDs, for a total of 114 LEDs. Because the LEDs are positioned so closely together behind precision lenses, the colors blend right at the source. This prevents an unnatural “disco ball effect” on the sandy substrate, without any light being lost through diffusers. Furthermore, this design creates the characteristic natural sparkle in the water, comparable to traditional HQI lighting.
The lighting provides coverage of up to 122 by 61 centimeters for mixed reefs and 91 by 61 centimeters for demanding SPS corals, with an effective depth of approximately 76 centimeters. In addition to the familiar Tuna Blue base spectrum, the AP9XE features four separate color channels—violet, indigo, red, and green—to adjust fluorescence and fish colors. Thanks to Kessil Logic, the photosynthetic base for the corals remains stable at all times.
Interestingly, the biggest innovation lies in the controls. Using built-in Wi-Fi, the fixture connects directly to a new web-based IoT cloud platform, without the need for additional dongles or even a separate app. From any browser, enthusiasts can set sunrises, moon cycles, and dimming curves with an accuracy of 0.1 percent, create backups, or share lighting schedules. A notable new feature is temporary guest access, which allows an aquarium store or maintenance technician to remotely monitor the system to set up an acclimatization schedule.
Despite its higher output, the AP9XE retains its slim housing measuring 41.8 by 14.5 by 3.6 centimeters and weighing just over one kilogram. The existing K-Link and 0-10V connections remain, allowing the fixture to be easily connected to older Kessil lamps or external aquarium computers. The Kessil AP9XE has a suggested retail price of approximately 880 EUR (959 USD), although mounting arms and suspension cables are sold separately.
