Hydra Edge 68HD
see more →SKU 6353630
Out of stock in-store — order now and we'll bring it in for you, ready to ship (or collect) when it arrives. Paid securely at checkout; we'll email you with timing once it's on order.
- Ships Australia-wide — fast dispatch from Eastwood
- Or collect in store with the rest of your order
- Genuine stock — marine specialists since 2012
Overview
The AquaIllumination Hydra Edge 68HD is the higher-output member of AI's Hydra Edge family. It combines the broad, even spread you'd expect from T5s or a panel-style fixture with the shimmer and control that make LEDs appealing. Its EdgeField™ optics throw light across a 100-degree spread for smoother PAR, seamless colour mixing and less shadowing under ledges and overhangs.
The 68HD has a similar footprint to its little brother, the 44HD, covering roughly 75 x 75 cm per fixture at around 23 cm above the water. The difference is intensity: roughly 50% more LEDs and wattage put more PAR into the same area. That makes it the better choice for deeper tanks and light-hungry corals. A central Solar Ring of white LEDs lets you dial shimmer up or down independently of the rest of the spectrum.
Key features
- 68-LED, 135 W light engine: blue, royal blue, violet, UV, cool white and warm white diodes deliver more punch at depth than the 44HD. This is ideal when you need PAR reaching the lower rockwork and sandbed.
- EdgeField™ optics: developed from AI's Blade series, these give a 100° spread for balanced PAR and colour blending, without the hot spots and colour banding of older point-source lights.
- Solar Ring shimmer control: a dedicated cluster of white and warm white LEDs in the centre of the array lets you tune shimmer and caustics to your taste.
- Solar Blue spectrum: run every channel at equal intensity for AI's shallow-reef-inspired Solar Blue look, then fine-tune the blue-to-white balance from there.
- HyperDrive: shifts unused power from one channel to others with spare headroom, so custom spectrums make full use of the available wattage.
- Dedicated moonlight channel: gentle night-time lighting for lunar simulation and for watching your reef's nocturnal crew come out.
- Smart control: 24-hour programming through the free AI Mobius app, with integration into the MyAI and Neptune Apex ecosystems.
- Slim, quiet housing: the low-profile body and custom heat sink keep the fixture discreet over the tank and quiet in the room.
- Flexible mounting: the fixture is compatible with Hydra Edge-specific mounts and hanging kits, and via adapters with existing Hydra (HMS) single-arm, multi-arm, rail and hybrid mounting systems.
What's in the box
- AI Hydra Edge 68HD LED fixture
- Power adapter
- Quick start guide
Please note that mounting hardware isn't included. Choose a Hydra Edge tank mount, hanging kit or the HMS adapter kit to suit your setup (sold separately).
Who it's for
The 68HD suits reefers who want the Hydra Edge's even spread with extra intensity in reserve. As a guide, AI suggests the 68HD over the 44HD for tanks deeper than about 75 cm. Many keepers with high-demand corals will choose it for shallower tanks too.
- SPS-dominant reefs: plan on around 60 cm of coverage per fixture so Acropora and other light-hungry corals get the PAR they need.
- Mixed reefs: around 75 cm per fixture is a sensible starting point.
- Softies and LPS: coverage can stretch towards 90 cm, though these tanks often don't need the 68HD's extra output.
- Larger displays: run multiple units on a rail or multi-arm mount to light longer tanks evenly.
Setup & tips
- Don't start at full power: the 68HD has plenty of punch. Begin at reduced intensity and ramp up over several weeks, especially if you're coming from a lower-output fixture.
- Map your PAR: if you can get hold of a PAR meter, measure at coral height after installing and adjust mounting height or intensity to suit your aquascape and coral placement.
- Space multiple units evenly: on longer tanks, keep fixtures evenly spaced along the tank so their spreads overlap smoothly without bright seams.
- Sort your mount first: decide on your mounting approach before the light arrives, and keep the power adapter dry and clear of splash zones.
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