AI Hydra® 32HD — Smart Reef LED
AI Hydra® 32HD — Smart Reef LED
The Hydra® 32HD is AquaIllumination's most field-proven mid-size reef LED — a fixture with a decade-long track record across marine aquariums from softie-dominated Caribbean builds to demanding acropora gardens. For a 24" × 24" footprint, it delivers measurable PAR across every coral category, provided you understand what intensity your animals actually need and how to get them there safely.
Coral Compatibility & PAR Reference
PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation, measured in µmol photons/m²/s) is the scientific unit for light intensity at the coral surface. Coral zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium spp.) have saturation points — exceeding them causes photoinhibition and bleaching rather than growth. Use this table as a starting reference, then verify with a PAR meter at coral placement depth.
| Coral Type | Target PAR (µmol/m²/s) | Hydra 32HD Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Soft corals (mushrooms, zoanthids, leathers) | 25–75 | 30–50% |
| LPS (hammer, torch, frogspawn, brain corals) | 50–200 | 40–70% |
| Mixed reef (LPS + moderate SPS) | 100–300 | 60–80% |
| SPS-dominant (acropora, montipora, stylophora) | 200–450 | 80–100% + Hyperdrive |
PAR measured at 8–10" below fixture in open water. Deeper placement, glass covers, and water turbidity all reduce PAR at the coral surface. Always confirm with a PAR meter.
Photoacclimation Protocol
Corals cannot rapidly adjust zooxanthellae density in their tissue — abrupt PAR increases cause photoinhibition, which presents as bleaching from the top of the colony downward. When installing a new fixture or adding new corals:
- Weeks 1–2: Run at 30–40% of your target schedule
- Weeks 3–4: Step up to 55–65%
- Weeks 5–6: Step up to 75–85%
- Week 7+: Advance to full target intensity
Too much light: pale/white coloration beginning at colony tips, tissue recession. Too little: brown coloration (excess zooxanthellae), elongation or stretching toward the fixture.
Key Features
- Dedicated moonlight channel for natural lunar cycle simulation
- Hyperdrive technology — pushes individual LED channels to ~110% of rated output for peak intensity
- Full Mobius® app control (iOS & Android) — schedule, dim, and program from your phone
- Neptune Apex / Fusion compatible
- Hydra Mounting System (HMS) compatible
- Available in Black or White
Specifications
- Power: 95W
- Coverage: Up to 24" × 24"
- Recommended Mounting Height: 6–12" above water surface
- Dimensions: 7.28" L × 5.375" W × 1.42" H
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Cable Length: 14 ft 8 in
- Input: 100–240VAC / 50–60Hz
Expert guidance
Have a question about this piece?
Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.