Create Stunning Visuals and Optimize Performance with Orphek iCon Solutions
Today, we’re bringing you a showcase of incredible aquariums in all sizes and shapes — powered by Orphek LED solutions.
From compact nano tanks to expansive reef displays, aquarists around the world are using Orphek lighting to unlock the full potential of their layouts. Whether you’re aiming for vibrant coral growth, striking color, or clean modern aesthetics, Orphek delivers the performance and precision to bring your vision to life.
Compact Tanks, Big Impact!
Let’s dive into the first layout: a stunning nano aquarium that proves big impact can come in small sizes.
This compact sleek display is illuminated by five OR4 iCon 30 LED Bars — a powerful solution specifically developed to enhance nano reef environments.
About the lights
Introduced last December as part of our expanded OR4 iCon Series, the OR4 iCon 30 delivers unmatched efficiency, flexibility, and precision control.
Its streamlined form and cutting-edge tech allow aquarists to fully customize light output—highlighting every detail of the aquascape while supporting vibrant coral color and growth.
Here, the five units are mounted with precision to provide even distribution and reduce visual distractions, showing how smart lighting integration can elevate even the most compact builds. From shimmer to spectrum, each element works in harmony to create a vibrant underwater scene.
About the Mounting Solution
This refined nano setup features five OR4 iCon 30 Bars installed using Orphek’s UFB & MA 2-in-1 Mounting Kit.
The combination of Universal Fixing Brackets and Mounting Arms offers both flexibility and a clean aesthetic. Although the kit includes two arms, this layout demonstrates that a single arm delivers solid support and a polished finish—perfectly suited for smaller aquariums.
(Click to read the full article about this tank)
Bigger Volume, Bolder Vision!
While nano tanks showcase what’s possible in compact spaces, Orphek LED solutions are just as impressive when scaled up.
Next, we turn our focus to a different kind of display — one that takes full advantage of layout depth, lighting dynamics, and creative design. Whether you’re working with a cube, peninsula, or shallow reef, Orphek’s performance and flexibility adapt beautifully to your vision.
Layered Lighting, Elevated Results
This breathtaking reef tank from Korea showcases the power of blending Orphek’s advanced LED solutions for maximum visual and biological impact. The aquarist has combined two Atlantik iCon units with a single OR4 iCon LED Bar, creating a multi-dimensional lighting setup that enhances both depth and coral vibrancy.
Suspended above the tank, from the ceiling, the Atlantik fixtures provide broad, intense coverage, while the OR4 iCon delivers targeted spectrum and supplemental brilliance — perfectly balancing aesthetics with performance. The result is a radiant, color-rich aquascape that thrives under precise, customizable light.
In the next example, a similarly impressive reef tank layout is showcased — this time illuminated by five Orphek OR4 150 iCon LED Bars. Suspended from the ceiling using Orphek’s Fixing Brackets, the OR4 system delivers uniform, high-intensity lighting across the entire aquarium. The result is a vibrant, well-balanced reef environment, demonstrating how even bar-style lighting can achieve stunning visual and biological outcomes when engineered with precision.
The Orphek Universal Fixing Bracket Kit used here reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and thoughtful design. Built to be versatile, anti-rust, and exceptionally sturdy, the bracket system is easy to install and allows for flexible configurations. With it, aquarists can seamlessly combine Orphek products or mount up to seven OR LED Bars — offering both aesthetic refinement and structural reliability.
In the following setup, two Atlantik iCon units serve as the primary light source, complemented by two OR4 150 Blue Sky LED Bars that enrich the spectrum with added fluorescence and depth. It’s a precise balance of power and nuance—delivering a vibrant reef environment without visual clutter.
This sophisticated reef system exemplifies thoughtful layout and technical refinement. The lighting is mounted on a custom-built aluminum frame suspended cleanly from the ceiling—an open, minimalist structure that offers optimal positioning, efficient heat dissipation, and a seamless integration into the space.
The lights are arranged in parallel, ensuring uniform coverage across the full length of the tank, with minimal shadowing and maximum coral exposure. Every design element—from the concealed wiring to the illuminated sump area—reflects a focus on clean aesthetics and functionality, creating a display that feels both engineered and elegant.
This tank exemplifies how thoughtfully blending Orphek solutions can elevate reef systems of any size—providing not only a stunning viewing experience but also a thriving habitat below the surface.
Refined Power with Natura iCon
In this equally striking Korean reef tank, the aquarist opted for a trio of Orphek Natura iCon fixtures — ceiling-mounted with a reinforced structure for both stability and sleek presentation. Designed for aquariums demanding high PAR and refined color output, the Natura iCon delivers full-spectrum lighting tailored for SPS-dominant reefs.
The layout beneath tells its own story: a carefully curated aquascape with dynamic coral placement and vibrant fish movement, all thriving under the intensity and balance of Natura’s spectrum. The ceiling-mounted configuration enhances the minimalist aesthetic while allowing complete accessibility and uniform light distribution.
This tank exemplifies how the Natura iCon brings professional-grade performance and design harmony to even the most sophisticated reef environments.
Scaling Up with Style: Precision & Power in a Panoramic Reef
This stunning reef tank installation by KingFish Aquarien—a Swiss expert in bespoke aquarium design and reef craftsmanship—embodies the seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and architectural elegance. Based in Flurlingen, Switzerland, KingFish is celebrated for creating tailor-made aquatic environments where aesthetics and functionality unite in perfect harmony.
In this project, six Atlantik iCon units are suspended vertically from a custom-built ceiling structure, thoughtfully engineered to align with the clean lines of the living room. The minimalist suspension system offers a sleek, integrated look with minimal light spillage, allowing the tank to become a natural extension of the space without overpowering it.
The Atlantik iCon’s precision spectrum bathes the reef in vivid, balanced light, enriching coral coloration and growth while preserving the tranquil ambiance of the room. The layout—featuring open swimming space, sculptural aquascaping, and strategic coral placement—reflects KingFish’s commitment to sophistication and technical mastery.
Through the synergy of Orphek’s advanced lighting and KingFish Aquarien’s design expertise, this reefscape becomes more than an aquarium—it’s a living, luminous centerpiece that elevates the entire environment.
Photocredit: KingFish Aquarien
Lighting on Display: Design that Shines
In the following installation, we will see a similar design approach—this time with the lighting system intentionally placed as a visible architectural element: In this elegant living space, the reef tank becomes a luminous centerpiece—thanks to a custom-designed suspended lighting system that doesn’t shy away from attention.
Here, six Atlantik iCon units are mounted in a bold, ceiling-hung frame that makes the lighting itself part of the room’s design language. Unlike hidden or recessed setups, this structure puts Orphek’s high-performance LED technology on full display, adding a modern, architectural element that draws the eye while still delivering precision lighting where it matters most.
The tank below hosts a vibrant collection of marine life and sculptural aquascaping, glowing with rich tones under the Atlantik iCon’s powerful spectrum. The ambient lighting spills gently into the cozy seating area, enhancing the sense of serenity and immersion.
From function to form, this installation is a clear example of how intentional lighting placement can elevate both reefkeeping and interior design—turning advanced technology into a statement piece.
Orphek believes that both reef tanks would also achieve exceptional results under Orphek’s Natura iCon lighting solution, which combines high-performance reef illumination with a refined, minimalist design. Engineered for optimal spectrum delivery and built with aesthetics in mind, the Natura iCon offers a seamless integration into contemporary living spaces while supporting outstanding coral growth and coloration.
To illustrate this, the reef tank above is illuminated exclusively by Orphek’s Natura iCon lighting solution. As seen, it delivers the same high-performance results in terms of coral growth, color vibrancy, and overall visual impact.
Designed with a sleek, minimalist profile, the Natura iCon not only offers advanced spectral output tailored for reef ecosystems but also integrates beautifully into modern interiors. This setup exemplifies how performance and aesthetics converge—bringing to life the very standard of excellence we described.
We’re proud to spotlight an extraordinary installation by Specialised Aquatics by Reef Systems & Services Pte Ltd—a breathtaking 5-meter acrylic reef tank illuminated by nine units of Orphek Atlantik iCon.
Built directly into the architectural structure of the space, the tank features a seamless, custom-integrated canopy housing the lighting system. The 9 units of Atlantik iCon are embedded overhead in a sleek ceiling recess, delivering powerful, uniform illumination without visual clutter. This approach not only maximizes performance and coral health but also preserves the clean, luxurious design of the room—demonstrating how high-end reef systems and elegant interiors can coexist beautifully.
Going Monumental: Custom Spectrum for a Living Reef Legacy
Taking reefkeeping to an awe-inspiring scale, the Polo Reef aquarium stands as a monumental achievement in private marine aquatics. Owned by long-time enthusiast Andrew Sandler, this 17,000-gallon reef is not only the largest known private reef tank in the USA, but also a pioneering example of how customized LED technology can bring a personal vision of nature vividly to life.
Designed to replicate a “snapshot of Nature,” as Sandler describes it, the tank is a masterclass in environmental immersion. Housed within the heart of a private residence, this massive aquatic system now serves as both sanctuary and educational platform, inviting hobbyists from around the world to explore its diverse marine ecosystems.
To illuminate a tank of this magnitude—spanning 16 x 15 x 9 feet with 4-inch-thick acrylic viewing panels—precision spectrum control is essential. That’s where Orphek’s Amazonas 960 iCon LED solution comes in. Four units of a fully customized configuration, tailored specifically for the Polo Reef aquarium, deliver deep-penetrating light in the exact wavelengths required to support the rich biodiversity within.
Orphek’s customization focused on enhancing the Violet/UV-Violet spectrum, which is crucial for the health and vibrancy of LPS and SPS corals. The Amazonas 960 iCon XP Blue Plus units were engineered with a bespoke LED matrix:
- 26 XP 80w LEDs at 400nm
- 26 XP 80w LEDs at 420nm
- 28 XP 80w LEDs at 430nm
This spectrum profile ensures maximum fluorescence and photosynthetic efficiency across a range of coral species sourced from Hawaii, Australia, the Red Sea, and Indonesia. Supported by a 2,500-gallon polypropylene sump and a comprehensive quarantine system, every element of this installation reflects meticulous planning and unparalleled dedication.
In collaboration with Orphek, the Polo Reef tank becomes more than a private installation—it evolves into a living, learning, and legacy-building experience. It proves that with the right technology and passion, even the vast complexity of a coral reef can find a home indoors.
Experience the Orphek Difference!
Transform your aquarium with Orphek’s advanced LED lighting solutions. Discover a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional design, and sustainable practices that ensure your aquatic environment radiates health and beauty. Embrace the future of aquarium lighting with Orphek, where excellence is always in light.
CHECK OUR GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATIONS!
- First and only company to develop and offer the groundbreaking Sun & Moon Synchronization incredible feature enabling the synchronization of both Sun & Moon cycles with the real local timing (or any place worldwide) throughout the year.
- First and only to develop the game changer Calendar feature for 100% coral spawning seasonal control.
- We are the pioneers and only company in the world offering 10,000% dimming control system (0-100% for Sun Cycle and 0.001-1% for Moon Cycle)!
- Orphek is the first and only company developing the 3-in-one power supply technology.
- Orphek is the first and only company in the reef LED lighting market to design each Dual-Chip LED with 2 different mixed LED nm colors, creating this revolutionary technology that enhances the spectrum output, resulting in improved coral health, growth and coloration & LED durability.
- We are the first company to develop “pop it up” spectrum technology for coral color enhancing.
- First company to introduce Aquarium LED lighting Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
- First company to develop solutions to deliver light spectrum for depths over 15 meters.
- First company to develop and offer true UV/violet LEDs in reef aquariums (since 2012!).
- First company that provides a wide spectrum red without using normal 660nm and 640nm LEDs.
- First company making its own wide spectrum blue LEDs.
- First and only company to make its own proprietary white UV LEDs.
- First company to use high Kelvin white LEDs.
- First company to make 100-watt matrix multicolor LED chips and first to have the technology to customize the chip to any Kelvin temperature desired.
Orphek LED Lighting Solutions showcased in this article
Natura iCon – Product Page / BUY NOW
New customized blue spectrum – the widest and most captivating blues ever seen! A mesmerizing blend of blues, inspired by the crystalline beauty of Okinawa’s Pacific Ocean/ Improved LED spectrum for optimal coral growth & color (form 390 to 740nm) with unmatched light uniformity – achieve seamless blend of light across your aquarium, mimicking natural underwater conditions for a thriving marine ecosystem/ 1000% dimming tech/ Sun & Moon Synchronization/ Pre – installed. programs/ Full customization and much more!
Applications:
- SPS/LPS coral reef salted water tanks up to 80 x 60 X 60 cm (31.4″ X 23.62″ x 23.62″).
- Enables positioning at 20cm (8 inches) above the water surface.
- Designed to enhance beauty of both natural and synthetic compositions.
- Public venues / Private aquariums.
- Indoors.
- Perfect for giving your tank the natural look, mimicking nature at its fullest.
- Perfect for coral farming; coral spawning; micro/macro-biology and biological clock correction; and stabilization.
OR4 iCon LED Bars – Product Page / BUY NOW
OR4 iCon Sun & Moon Sync LED Bar series is the newest & most advanced line of Reef & Freshwater Aquarium LED Bars developed and engineered by Orphek with proprietary iCon cutting edge technology/ Game-changing Orphek 6 watt Mixed Colors Dual-Chip Power LEDs /New proprietary reflectors.
Applications:
- SPS/LPS coral growth, color and illumination.
- Reef salted water tanks/ Planted freshwater aquariums.
- Designed to enhance beauty of both natural and synthetic compositions.
- Replace T5/T8 lighting technology for aquariums.
- Public venues / Private aquariums.
- Indoors/ opened or closed areas or canopies, such as gallery displays.
- Perfect for coral shops, coral farming, educational facilities, research centers, nurseries, refugium.
- Perfect for mangrove and seagrass research and farming.
Best for:
Achievement of your desired light spectrum.
Customization – Create your own light fixture by choosing up to 6 LED Bars.
Supplemental light coverage.
Boost of coral color pop, health & growth.
Boost fluorescent color.
Boost photosynthesis.
Perfect for coral spawning; micro/macro-biology and biological clock correction; and stabilization.
Amazonas 960 iCon – Product Page / BUY NOW
Most powerful 320Watt and Wide Spectrum from true UV (380nm – 700nm)/ Revolutionary Orphek matrix mix color 80W LED/ iCon tech – 1000% dimming/ Sun & Moon Synchronization
Applications:
- SPS/LPS coral reef salted water tanks.
- Planted freshwater aquariums.
- Designed to enhance beauty of both natural and synthetic compositions!
- Customizations according to the light design project.
- Public venues / Private aquariums.
- Indoors/ Outdoors.
- Perfect for Deep, Wide, Cube, Cylinder aquariums.
- Perfect for coral farming.
Atlantik iCon – Product Page / BUY NOW
Improved LED spectrum for optimal coral growth & color (From 380-780nm)/ Customized high efficiency 5w Dual-Chip power LEDs / Sun & Moon Synchronization – Helius program and other pre-set programs
Applications:
- SPS/LPS coral reef salted water tanks
- Designed to enhance beauty of both natural and synthetic compositions!
- Public venues / Private aquariums
- Indoors
- Perfect for giving your tank the natural look, mimicking nature at its fullest
- Perfect for coral farming
Orphek Mounting Solutions
Single Mounting Solutions:
Orphek Combined Mounting Solutions:
- Fixing Brackets + Mounting Arms Kit (2-in-1 Kit) – BUY NOW
- Fixing Brackets + Mounting Arms + Mounting Arms Extensions Kit (3-in-1 Kit) – BUY NOW
Special thank you note
We would like this opportunity to thank Orphek clients for their passion for the hobby and their enthusiasm for Orphek products. We extend our sincere appreciation for sharing with us their video and feedbacks.
Credits
Image & content credits: Polo Reef Aquariums / Becker Reef/ KingFish Aquarien/ Aqua Planners/ Jaytee Tran/ Tinkerbellru/ Specialised Aquatics by Reef Systems & Services Pte Ltd
Orphek has also added an awesome proprietary photo/comments of its products.
Invitation
We invite you to explore and its exclusive contents. We also would like to invite you to browse our website and participate with your Orphek experience. Let us know about your tank and share it with other hobbyists in Orphek Facebook Group and Instagram!
Sharing is very easy! All you have to do is to send us the basic information about your tank, usually starting from the beginning (when you started your tank), what are you running in the tank, the living creatures you have in your tank and of course, pictures!