Hydra Edge 44HD
Wattage
95 W
Water type
Marine / Reef
Running cost
~$83/yr
Warranty
1 year
Size
28.6 x 15.2 x 2.7 cm
Weight
1.2 kg
Voltage
100-240VAC, 50-60Hz auto-switching
Hydra Edge 44HD
A 95 W LED fixture built to cover up to 76 x 76 cm of reef from a single unit. The Hydra Edge 44HD is Aqua Illumination's mid-size fixture in the newer Edge line – 44 diodes across six colour channels, run and scheduled from the Mobius app, with the HyperDrive power stage AI uses to push more usable light out of the same wattage as the outgoing Hydra HD range.
Key features
- 44 diodes across six channels – 10 Blue, 6 Royal Blue, 8 Violet, 10 Cool White, 2 Warm White and 8 UV, blended through AI's EdgeField optics for a 100° beam spread.
- Covers up to 76 x 76 cm (30 x 30 in) – at a 23 cm (9 in) mounting height, per Aqua Illumination's own coverage figure.
- 95 W from the wall – auto-switching 100–240 VAC power supply, so it runs on Australian mains without a converter.
- Controlled from the Mobius app – 24-hour programming, dedicated moonlight channel, and Neptune Systems Apex/Fusion integration through the optional MXM module.
- HyperDrive power redistribution – AI's current-sharing design between channels, used to lift peak output on the Edge line over the earlier Hydra HD generation at a similar diode count.
Specifications
| Wattage | 95 W |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, auto-switching (UL, CE, RoHS) |
| Dimensions | 28.6 x 15.2 x 2.7 cm (11.25 x 6 x 1.06 in) |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (2.7 lb) |
| Diodes | 44 total – 10 Blue, 6 Royal Blue, 8 Violet, 10 Cool White, 2 Warm White, 8 UV |
| Beam spread | 100° (EdgeField Optics) |
| Cable length | 4.47 m (14 ft 8 in) |
| Control | Mobius app (Bluetooth pairing); MyAI app also supported |
| Third-party integration | Neptune Systems Apex/Fusion via MXM module |
| SKU | HYDEDGE44HD |
| Barcode | 704335295291 |
Performance – PAR
Aqua Illumination publishes a single-height PAR chart for the 44HD: 125 µmol/m²/s peak, ranging 60–125 µmol/m²/s across the coverage spread, measured at a 24 in (61 cm) mounting height. Aqua Illumination has not published a multi-depth PAR chart (readings at, say, 30, 45 and 60 cm) for this model the way some of their earlier fixtures had – so we're publishing the one figure they do provide rather than estimating others. If your tank is deeper than a typical shallow reef, treat 61 cm as the reference height and expect proportionally more PAR at the water surface and less again once you're well past that mounting height.
Which one do I need? Hydra Edge 44HD or 68HD
| Edge 44HD | Edge 68HD | |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 95 W | 135 W |
| Diodes | 44 | 68 |
| Peak PAR (24 in height) | 125 µmol/m²/s | 180 µmol/m²/s |
| Coverage (23 cm height) | 76 x 76 cm | 76 x 76 cm, higher intensity across it |
| Dimensions | 28.6 x 15.2 cm | 38.7 x 15.2 cm |
Both cover a similar footprint; the 68HD pushes more diodes and more watts into that same footprint, which matters most for SPS-dominant tanks or where the fixture sits higher above the water. For a mixed reef or LPS/soft-coral tank at a typical mounting height, the 44HD is usually the better-value choice.
What's included
- 1 x Hydra Edge 44HD fixture
- Power supply and 4.47 m power cable
- Quick start guide
Not included
- Mounting hardware – choose from the HMS Adapter Kit (HYDE44MK, for the HMS Single Arm Kit or Rail), a Flex Arm adapter kit, or the Hydra Edge Hanging Kit, all sold separately
- Neptune Systems MXM module, if you want Apex integration
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for reef, mixed and FOWLR tanks up to roughly 76 x 76 cm per fixture, run through the Mobius app.
- Not suitable as a plant-growth light for a freshwater planted tank – this is a full-spectrum reef spectrum, not tuned for terrestrial or aquatic plant PAR needs.
- Not weatherproof to a stated IP rating – Aqua Illumination hasn't published one for this model, so treat it as standard indoor aquarium electronics and keep it clear of splash.
Running costs and noise
At 95 W and a nominal 8 hours a day, the 44HD works out to around 277 kWh a year – roughly $83 a year at 30c/kWh. Actual cost depends on your photoperiod and electricity tariff. The fixture is fanless, so there's no running noise beyond the power supply.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Aqua Illumination's 1-year manufacturer warranty from date of purchase, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Register the fixture with Aqua Illumination within 30 days of purchase – their warranty terms make registration a condition of full coverage. Ships as a standard parcel.
Goes well with
- Hydra Edge 44HD/44FW HMS Adapter – required to mount this fixture on an HMS Single Arm Kit or Rail.
- HMS Single Arm Kit – the clamp-and-arm mount this adapter attaches to.
- Hydra Edge Hanging Kit – for suspending the fixture from the ceiling on an open-top tank.
Common questions
Does this come with a mounting arm or rail?
No. The box contains the fixture, power supply and cable only – choose an HMS adapter kit, Flex Arm kit or Hanging Kit separately depending on how you want it mounted.
What app does it use?
The Mobius app, over Bluetooth. It also supports Aqua Illumination's earlier MyAI app.
What's the PAR at the water surface?
Aqua Illumination's published figure is 125 µmol/m²/s peak at a 24 in (61 cm) mounting height. They haven't published readings at other heights for this model, so we can't give you a number for a different mounting height without guessing.
Can I run this with a Neptune Apex?
Yes, via the optional MXM module for Fusion integration – sold separately.
How much of my tank will one fixture cover?
Up to 76 x 76 cm (30 x 30 in) at a 23 cm (9 in) mounting height. Wider or deeper tanks may need two fixtures for even coverage.
