Hydra Edge 68HD
Wattage
135 W
Water type
Marine / Reef
Running cost
~$118/yr
Warranty
1 year
Size
38.7 x 15.2 x 2.7 cm
Weight
1.7 kg
Voltage
100-240VAC, 50-60Hz auto-switching
Hydra Edge 68HD
Aqua Illumination's largest Edge fixture – 135 W and 68 diodes over the same 76 x 76 cm footprint as the 44HD, for a brighter high-PAR reef under one light. The Hydra Edge 68HD is aimed at SPS-dominant and deeper tanks that need more intensity from a single fixture rather than two smaller ones, run and scheduled from the Mobius app.
Key features
- 68 diodes across six channels – 16 Blue, 12 Royal Blue, 14 Violet, 10 Cool White, 2 Warm White and 14 UV, in AI's "Solar Blue" spectrum, through EdgeField optics at a 100° beam spread.
- 135 W from the wall – auto-switching 100–240 VAC power supply, runs on Australian mains without a converter.
- Covers up to 76 x 76 cm (30 x 30 in) – at a 23 cm (9 in) mounting height, the same footprint as the 44HD at meaningfully higher intensity.
- Mounts via M8 threaded holes on both sides of the fixture, for the HMS Rail, HMS Single Arm Kit or Hanging Kit – mounting hardware sold separately.
- Controlled from the Mobius app – 24-hour programming, dedicated moonlight channel, Neptune Systems Apex/Fusion integration through the optional MXM module.
Specifications
| Wattage | 135 W |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, auto-switching (UL, CE, RoHS) |
| Dimensions | 38.7 x 15.2 x 2.7 cm (15.25 x 6 x 1.06 in) |
| Weight | 1.7 kg (3.7 lb) |
| Diodes | 68 total – 16 Blue, 12 Royal Blue, 14 Violet, 10 Cool White, 2 Warm White, 14 UV |
| Beam spread | 100° (EdgeField Optics) |
| Cable length | 4.47 m (14 ft 8 in) |
| Mounting interface | M8 threaded holes, both sides |
| Control | Mobius app (Bluetooth pairing); MyAI app also supported |
| Third-party integration | Neptune Systems Apex/Fusion via MXM module |
| SKU | HYDEDGE68HD |
| Barcode | 704335295314 |
Performance – PAR
Aqua Illumination's published chart for the 68HD shows 180 µmol/m²/s peak, ranging roughly 90–135 µmol/m²/s across the coverage spread, measured at a 24 in (61 cm) mounting height. As with the 44HD, this is a single-height chart – Aqua Illumination hasn't published readings at other mounting heights for the Edge line, so we're quoting the one figure they provide rather than estimating what you'd see at, say, 30 cm.
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 roughly the same footprint; the 68HD is the pick for SPS-heavy or deeper tanks that need more PAR reaching the substrate at the same mounting height, or for reefers who'd rather run one strong fixture than two smaller ones.
What's included
- 1 x Hydra Edge 68HD fixture
- Power supply and 4.47 m power cable
- Quick start guide
Not included
- Mounting hardware – choose the Hydra Edge 68HD Adapter (for the HMS Single Arm Kit or Rail) or the Hanging Kit, both sold separately. Note the 68HD adapter is not interchangeable with the 44HD/44FW's HYDE44MK.
- 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, particularly SPS-dominant or deeper setups wanting extra intensity.
- Not suitable as a freshwater plant-growth light – full-spectrum reef output, not tuned for 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.
Running costs and noise
At 135 W and a nominal 8 hours a day, the 68HD works out to around 394 kWh a year – roughly $118 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 68HD 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 use the same adapter kit as the 44HD?
No – the 68HD needs its own dedicated adapter kit, not the 44HD/44FW's HYDE44MK. Check you're ordering the right one for your fixture.
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 180 µmol/m²/s peak at a 24 in (61 cm) mounting height. They haven't published readings at other heights for this model.
Can I run this with a Neptune Apex?
Yes, via the optional MXM module for Fusion integration – sold separately.
Should I get the 44HD or the 68HD?
Both cover a similar footprint. The 68HD suits SPS-dominant or deeper tanks that need more intensity reaching the substrate; the 44HD is the better-value pick for mixed reef or LPS/soft tanks at a typical mounting height.
