AI Hydra® Edge 68HD — Smart Reef LED

The Hydra® Edge 68HD is AquaIllumination's largest Edge-series fixture — purpose-built for systems demanding both maximum output and wide, even coverage. EdgeField™ Optics deliver a 100° beam spread that all but eliminates the hot-spot/dead-zone pattern common to narrower-lens LED arrays, while Solar Blue spectrum targets the 420–480nm absorption peaks of coral zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium spp.) where photosynthetic efficiency is highest.

Coral Compatibility & PAR Reference

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation, µmol photons/m²/s) is the scientifically measurable unit of light intensity available at the coral surface for photosynthesis. The 68HD's 180 µmol peak and 90–135 µmol spread across a 24" footprint puts it in firm SPS territory. The wider spread of EdgeField™ optics means the numbers at the perimeter of your tank are much closer to center values than with conventional LEDs — critical for evenly lighting acropora colonies at the rock edges.

PAR: 180 µmol peak / 90–135 µmol across a 24" spread at rated output. Always verify at your specific coral placement depth with a PAR meter — deeper placements and glass covers reduce available PAR significantly.

Photoacclimation Protocol

The 68HD's high output ceiling demands careful photoacclimation — zooxanthellae cannot rapidly upregulate protective pigments in response to sudden PAR increases, and photoinhibition presents as bleaching from colony tips downward. When commissioning or adding corals:

• Weeks 1–2: 20–30% of target schedule
• Weeks 3–4: Step up to 45–60%
• Weeks 5–6: Step up to 70–85%
• Week 7+: Full target intensity — watch for tip bleaching before advancing

Too much light: pale/white coloration beginning at colony tips and high points, tissue recession. Too little: brown coloration (excess zooxanthellae), elongation or growth toward the fixture.

Key Features

• EdgeField™ Optics — 100° wide-angle spread with superior color mixing and uniform PAR edge-to-edge
• Solar Blue Spectrum — optimized for 420–480nm chlorophyll a/c absorption peaks in coral zooxanthellae
• Solar Ring shimmer control for natural ocean shimmer effects
• Full Mobius® app control (iOS & Android)
• Neptune Apex / Fusion compatible
• PAR: 180 µmol peak / 90–135 µmol across 24" spread

Specifications

• Power: 135W
• Coverage: Up to 30"+ (single fixture); pair for 48"+ tanks
• Recommended Mounting Height: 8–14" above water surface
• Dimensions: 15.25" L × 6" W × 1.06" H
• Weight: 3.7 lbs
• Cable Length: 14 ft 8 in
• Input: 100–240VAC / 50–60Hz