AquaIllumintaion creates new "cutting-edge" light! The New Hydra Edge is HERE!

[rtparty]

Ahh ok. A little less sting then….

It’s still too much but these aren’t Chinese black boxes so there’s a cost to do doing business in the US

 

[GARRIGA]

Thinking Blade still best option for replicating that VHO/T5 spread. Was hoping a blend between Radion flexibility and wider spreads was the next iteration vs this solution.

 

[jackson6745]

It’s still too much but these aren’t Chinese black boxes so there’s a cost to do doing business in the US

I get it. Price aside, my only critique would be that I would have liked to see them move over to passive cooing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thanks. Not a go for me.

 

[Coral Memere]

Hey Reef2Reef! You're going to want to stay tuned for this exciting news!

AquaIllumination has revolutionized reefing gear time and time again, and now they've gone "cutting-edge" one more time!

We're excited to announce the launch of the all new Aqua Illumination Hydra Edge!

Envision all the greatness of the Hydra HD Series, now increased to new heights! The new Hydra Edge retains the finest features of the AquaIllumination Hydra HD Series while introducing new, cutting-edge technology, a refined appearance, and improvements that will make your reef truly shine!

The AI Hydra Edge brings significant enhancements to the Hydra lighting platform. It features a new, sleek design and an entirely revamped light engine that combines the best aspects of both point light sources and panel fixtures. Additionally, it offers a full output spectrum that closely mimics natural light, developed through decades of experience, consumer feedback, and expert input. The AI Hydra Edge also includes more flexible mounting options and is compatible with multiple aquarium equipment control apps. These upgrades make it an excellent choice for aquarium lighting!

• A new, sleek form factor
• A completely new light engine that combines the desirable aspects of a point light source with the desirable aspects of a panel fixture
• A full output spectrum based on natural light, decades of experience, consumer feedback and input from experts
• More flexible mounting
• Control through multiple aquarium equipment control apps
• Improved pricing

• Best of Both: Point Source (Solar Ring) and Panel (EdgeField) like the Blade
• LED selection that produces the highly tuned Solar Blue spectrum at 100% on all channels
• LED selection that provides tailored, full spectrum output while eliminating dedicated Red and Green channels in favor of increasing the tunability of the aesthetically more desirable blue and blue to white channels
• AquaIllumination is by volume the most used and trusted aquarium lighting in the world
• Proven track record of growing coral and proving beautifully lit aquariums
• Made in the USA at AquaIllumination’s manufacturing facility in Bethlehem PA
• Backed by the best customer service team in the industry
• 3 Platform control integration: Mobius, Fusion, and myAI
• Extensive Mounting Solutions with many options to fit your tank’s needs

Are you ready to dive into some incredible features of the Hydra Edge? Let's talk about what it can bring to your home reef!

The Solar Ring - Controllable shimmer and caustics! Solar Ring brings a new dimension to aquatic lighting with shimmer and sparkle. Consolidated white LED channel control and centrally placed LEDs let you dial up or lower the drama against a constant backdrop of solid illumination.

• All new for the AI Edge
• Dedicated assembly of white and warm white LEDs in the center of the AI Edge cluster (Marine and FW vary)
• LED location, concentration and optic geometry creates an independently controlled caustic engine
• The Solar Ring provides exceptional and controllable tank shimmer previously available only from narrow optic and coverage fixtures

The 100-Degree Spread - Optics optimized for covering up to 30 square inches of your aquarium with smooth color mixing, even PAR and little to no shadowing. Lighting
you have to see to believe

• Custom designed optics for the Hydra Edge deliver 100 degree spread
• Delivers great coverage over a 30x30 inch area while minimizing shadows and hot spots

EdgeField Optics - Optics that deliver even PAR, smooth color mixing, exceptional spread, and a gentle shimmer. EdgeField Optics integrated with modular cluster LEDs allow light to wrap around high points in your tank and provide a smooth blanket of illumination with minimal shadowing.

• Introduced as the optical engine used on Blade lighting.
• Custom optic design that channels wide light output through an opaque medium and redirects it.
• Creates super even output through internal color mixing and light redirection.
• Increases efficiency by utilizing otherwise out of angle light output.

Solar Blue Spectrum - The Hydra Edge delivers full spectrum lighting tuned to what’s important for a shallow reef. Use the Solar Blue spectrum as a base and then customize it to get the look, glow and colors that you like most.

• All new for the Hydra Edge is a new and exceptionally well crafted spectrum.
• Available in the Marine versions of the Hydra Edge only.
• Simulates shallow reef light spectrum.
• Provides finer control over the active and aesthetically important parts of the blue spectrum range.

Dedicated moonlight - Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean that there's nothing to see. Simulate the moon cycle with the touch of a button and watch what your aquarium inhabitants are up to after dark.

• Introduced with the Hydra 32 and 64. Now integrated with the Hydra Edge.
• Dedicated moonlight channel.
• 2300K LED Moonlight

HyperDrive - HD (HyperDrive) technology lets you transfer unused power from a channel of LED's not being fully utilized to one that is. Take control and blast the colors you want with HD! Customize your colors and output quickly and easily with the Mobius app, or take it to the next level with Fusion control through MXM.

• Introduced on earlier Hydra models featuring HD.
• Allows power that is not being used on one channel to be applied to other channels with additional capacity.
• Does not exceed LED specifications but does allow maximum use of wattage from power supply.
• Provides user with more flexibility in spectrum.
• Ultimately increases efficiency of light by allowing full use of available wattage given your output preference.

State-of-the-art Mounting Solutions

• The rear tilt feature lets you attach the Hydra Edge to the HMS Single Arm Kit, facilitating precise adjustments to angle the light for your aquarium's unique requirements.
• The top tilt mount allows you to secure the Hydra Edge to the HMS Rail and angle your lights beautifully for perfect coverage in your aquarium.
• The Hydra Edge hanging kit presents an elegant and refined solution for gracefully elevating your light above your tank.

Now for the best part: the Hydra Edge has officially arrived and is available for purchase right NOW!

A huge shoutout to AquaIllumination for allowing us to share this fantastic announcement with our community! Don't miss out on this incredible product!

Has anyone read anything on if they've improved on handling the heat? The lenses on my 32 have to be replaced because they melted... Literally plastic drips. My first thought when I saw this new beauty was "it's so much thinner, have they tweaked the heat sink?"

 

[Reefing102]

Looks like a giant black bandaid from the light side.

To be fair I was expecting a layout like the Photon though.

Jokes aside, it’s a pass from me at that price point to par ratio.

 

[Hooz]

Has anyone read anything on if they've improved on handling the heat? The lenses on my 32 have to be replaced because they melted... Literally plastic drips. My first thought when I saw this new beauty was "it's so much thinner, have they tweaked the heat sink?"

The melting has as much to do with the (plastic) lens material and how it reacts with UV light as it does with the heat generated by the light. Since the lens is still plastic, and now they have actual UV (395mn diodes), I'd say there is still a chance that the lenses will eventually melt.

There have been some reports of Blades experiencing lens melt, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[charleydavis]

Hey Reef2Reef! You're going to want to stay tuned for this exciting news!

AquaIllumination has revolutionized reefing gear time and time again, and now they've gone "cutting-edge" one more time!

We're excited to announce the launch of the all new Aqua Illumination Hydra Edge!

Envision all the greatness of the Hydra HD Series, now increased to new heights! The new Hydra Edge retains the finest features of the AquaIllumination Hydra HD Series while introducing new, cutting-edge technology, a refined appearance, and improvements that will make your reef truly shine!

The AI Hydra Edge brings significant enhancements to the Hydra lighting platform. It features a new, sleek design and an entirely revamped light engine that combines the best aspects of both point light sources and panel fixtures. Additionally, it offers a full output spectrum that closely mimics natural light, developed through decades of experience, consumer feedback, and expert input. The AI Hydra Edge also includes more flexible mounting options and is compatible with multiple aquarium equipment control apps. These upgrades make it an excellent choice for aquarium lighting!

• A new, sleek form factor
• A completely new light engine that combines the desirable aspects of a point light source with the desirable aspects of a panel fixture
• A full output spectrum based on natural light, decades of experience, consumer feedback and input from experts
• More flexible mounting
• Control through multiple aquarium equipment control apps
• Improved pricing

• Best of Both: Point Source (Solar Ring) and Panel (EdgeField) like the Blade
• LED selection that produces the highly tuned Solar Blue spectrum at 100% on all channels
• LED selection that provides tailored, full spectrum output while eliminating dedicated Red and Green channels in favor of increasing the tunability of the aesthetically more desirable blue and blue to white channels
• AquaIllumination is by volume the most used and trusted aquarium lighting in the world
• Proven track record of growing coral and proving beautifully lit aquariums
• Made in the USA at AquaIllumination’s manufacturing facility in Bethlehem PA
• Backed by the best customer service team in the industry
• 3 Platform control integration: Mobius, Fusion, and myAI
• Extensive Mounting Solutions with many options to fit your tank’s needs

Are you ready to dive into some incredible features of the Hydra Edge? Let's talk about what it can bring to your home reef!

The Solar Ring - Controllable shimmer and caustics! Solar Ring brings a new dimension to aquatic lighting with shimmer and sparkle. Consolidated white LED channel control and centrally placed LEDs let you dial up or lower the drama against a constant backdrop of solid illumination.

• All new for the AI Edge
• Dedicated assembly of white and warm white LEDs in the center of the AI Edge cluster (Marine and FW vary)
• LED location, concentration and optic geometry creates an independently controlled caustic engine
• The Solar Ring provides exceptional and controllable tank shimmer previously available only from narrow optic and coverage fixtures

The 100-Degree Spread - Optics optimized for covering up to 30 square inches of your aquarium with smooth color mixing, even PAR and little to no shadowing. Lighting
you have to see to believe

• Custom designed optics for the Hydra Edge deliver 100 degree spread
• Delivers great coverage over a 30x30 inch area while minimizing shadows and hot spots

EdgeField Optics - Optics that deliver even PAR, smooth color mixing, exceptional spread, and a gentle shimmer. EdgeField Optics integrated with modular cluster LEDs allow light to wrap around high points in your tank and provide a smooth blanket of illumination with minimal shadowing.

• Introduced as the optical engine used on Blade lighting.
• Custom optic design that channels wide light output through an opaque medium and redirects it.
• Creates super even output through internal color mixing and light redirection.
• Increases efficiency by utilizing otherwise out of angle light output.

Solar Blue Spectrum - The Hydra Edge delivers full spectrum lighting tuned to what’s important for a shallow reef. Use the Solar Blue spectrum as a base and then customize it to get the look, glow and colors that you like most.

• All new for the Hydra Edge is a new and exceptionally well crafted spectrum.
• Available in the Marine versions of the Hydra Edge only.
• Simulates shallow reef light spectrum.
• Provides finer control over the active and aesthetically important parts of the blue spectrum range.

Dedicated moonlight - Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean that there's nothing to see. Simulate the moon cycle with the touch of a button and watch what your aquarium inhabitants are up to after dark.

• Introduced with the Hydra 32 and 64. Now integrated with the Hydra Edge.
• Dedicated moonlight channel.
• 2300K LED Moonlight

HyperDrive - HD (HyperDrive) technology lets you transfer unused power from a channel of LED's not being fully utilized to one that is. Take control and blast the colors you want with HD! Customize your colors and output quickly and easily with the Mobius app, or take it to the next level with Fusion control through MXM.

• Introduced on earlier Hydra models featuring HD.
• Allows power that is not being used on one channel to be applied to other channels with additional capacity.
• Does not exceed LED specifications but does allow maximum use of wattage from power supply.
• Provides user with more flexibility in spectrum.
• Ultimately increases efficiency of light by allowing full use of available wattage given your output preference.

State-of-the-art Mounting Solutions

• The rear tilt feature lets you attach the Hydra Edge to the HMS Single Arm Kit, facilitating precise adjustments to angle the light for your aquarium's unique requirements.
• The top tilt mount allows you to secure the Hydra Edge to the HMS Rail and angle your lights beautifully for perfect coverage in your aquarium.
• The Hydra Edge hanging kit presents an elegant and refined solution for gracefully elevating your light above your tank.

Now for the best part: the Hydra Edge has officially arrived and is available for purchase right NOW!

A huge shoutout to AquaIllumination for allowing us to share this fantastic announcement with our community! Don't miss out on this incredible product!

Improved pricing? $700 for a 30-inch 68 LED. Yikes!

 

[charleydavis]

Hey Reef2Reef! You're going to want to stay tuned for this exciting news!

AquaIllumination has revolutionized reefing gear time and time again, and now they've gone "cutting-edge" one more time!

We're excited to announce the launch of the all new Aqua Illumination Hydra Edge!

Envision all the greatness of the Hydra HD Series, now increased to new heights! The new Hydra Edge retains the finest features of the AquaIllumination Hydra HD Series while introducing new, cutting-edge technology, a refined appearance, and improvements that will make your reef truly shine!

The AI Hydra Edge brings significant enhancements to the Hydra lighting platform. It features a new, sleek design and an entirely revamped light engine that combines the best aspects of both point light sources and panel fixtures. Additionally, it offers a full output spectrum that closely mimics natural light, developed through decades of experience, consumer feedback, and expert input. The AI Hydra Edge also includes more flexible mounting options and is compatible with multiple aquarium equipment control apps. These upgrades make it an excellent choice for aquarium lighting!

• A new, sleek form factor
• A completely new light engine that combines the desirable aspects of a point light source with the desirable aspects of a panel fixture
• A full output spectrum based on natural light, decades of experience, consumer feedback and input from experts
• More flexible mounting
• Control through multiple aquarium equipment control apps
• Improved pricing

• Best of Both: Point Source (Solar Ring) and Panel (EdgeField) like the Blade
• LED selection that produces the highly tuned Solar Blue spectrum at 100% on all channels
• LED selection that provides tailored, full spectrum output while eliminating dedicated Red and Green channels in favor of increasing the tunability of the aesthetically more desirable blue and blue to white channels
• AquaIllumination is by volume the most used and trusted aquarium lighting in the world
• Proven track record of growing coral and proving beautifully lit aquariums
• Made in the USA at AquaIllumination’s manufacturing facility in Bethlehem PA
• Backed by the best customer service team in the industry
• 3 Platform control integration: Mobius, Fusion, and myAI
• Extensive Mounting Solutions with many options to fit your tank’s needs

Are you ready to dive into some incredible features of the Hydra Edge? Let's talk about what it can bring to your home reef!

The Solar Ring - Controllable shimmer and caustics! Solar Ring brings a new dimension to aquatic lighting with shimmer and sparkle. Consolidated white LED channel control and centrally placed LEDs let you dial up or lower the drama against a constant backdrop of solid illumination.

• All new for the AI Edge
• Dedicated assembly of white and warm white LEDs in the center of the AI Edge cluster (Marine and FW vary)
• LED location, concentration and optic geometry creates an independently controlled caustic engine
• The Solar Ring provides exceptional and controllable tank shimmer previously available only from narrow optic and coverage fixtures

The 100-Degree Spread - Optics optimized for covering up to 30 square inches of your aquarium with smooth color mixing, even PAR and little to no shadowing. Lighting
you have to see to believe

• Custom designed optics for the Hydra Edge deliver 100 degree spread
• Delivers great coverage over a 30x30 inch area while minimizing shadows and hot spots

EdgeField Optics - Optics that deliver even PAR, smooth color mixing, exceptional spread, and a gentle shimmer. EdgeField Optics integrated with modular cluster LEDs allow light to wrap around high points in your tank and provide a smooth blanket of illumination with minimal shadowing.

• Introduced as the optical engine used on Blade lighting.
• Custom optic design that channels wide light output through an opaque medium and redirects it.
• Creates super even output through internal color mixing and light redirection.
• Increases efficiency by utilizing otherwise out of angle light output.

Solar Blue Spectrum - The Hydra Edge delivers full spectrum lighting tuned to what’s important for a shallow reef. Use the Solar Blue spectrum as a base and then customize it to get the look, glow and colors that you like most.

• All new for the Hydra Edge is a new and exceptionally well crafted spectrum.
• Available in the Marine versions of the Hydra Edge only.
• Simulates shallow reef light spectrum.
• Provides finer control over the active and aesthetically important parts of the blue spectrum range.

Dedicated moonlight - Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean that there's nothing to see. Simulate the moon cycle with the touch of a button and watch what your aquarium inhabitants are up to after dark.

• Introduced with the Hydra 32 and 64. Now integrated with the Hydra Edge.
• Dedicated moonlight channel.
• 2300K LED Moonlight

HyperDrive - HD (HyperDrive) technology lets you transfer unused power from a channel of LED's not being fully utilized to one that is. Take control and blast the colors you want with HD! Customize your colors and output quickly and easily with the Mobius app, or take it to the next level with Fusion control through MXM.

• Introduced on earlier Hydra models featuring HD.
• Allows power that is not being used on one channel to be applied to other channels with additional capacity.
• Does not exceed LED specifications but does allow maximum use of wattage from power supply.
• Provides user with more flexibility in spectrum.
• Ultimately increases efficiency of light by allowing full use of available wattage given your output preference.

State-of-the-art Mounting Solutions

• The rear tilt feature lets you attach the Hydra Edge to the HMS Single Arm Kit, facilitating precise adjustments to angle the light for your aquarium's unique requirements.
• The top tilt mount allows you to secure the Hydra Edge to the HMS Rail and angle your lights beautifully for perfect coverage in your aquarium.
• The Hydra Edge hanging kit presents an elegant and refined solution for gracefully elevating your light above your tank.

Now for the best part: the Hydra Edge has officially arrived and is available for purchase right NOW!

A huge shoutout to AquaIllumination for allowing us to share this fantastic announcement with our community! Don't miss out on this incredible product!

"covering up to 30 square inches" or "coverage over a 30x30 inch area." Which is it? 30 x 30 is 900 square inches. 5.5 x 5.5 is 30 square inches.

 

[revhtree]

I’m thankful we still have companies innovating and creating in this industry! Thank you AI!

 

[Hooz]

Improved pricing? $700 for a 30-inch 68 LED. Yikes!

Right in between the XR15 and XR30 for price.

 

[saltienewb]

Pricing is in line with Kessil for the smaller one. People act like Kessil, AI, Orphek aren’t premium products with premium pricing. There are lower end options that can put out as much or more par, you just don’t get all the bells and whistles.

 

[Romeo_Reefer]

I wanted to consider the 44 HD for my 32 BioCube. But the $$/watt is not there.
only 1 year warranty.

The ReeFi Uno has 3 year warranty and looks solid with way more light for the $$!!!

Just wondering about the controls. I'm not too familiar with ReeFi controls.

 

[TacticalBacon]

I’m such a noob, I enjoy reading these but have no idea if it is any good or not.

I got suckered by RedSea’s Reefready pitch and got 2 LED 50’s and I am happy with how they look.

I hope to meet people that have these types so I can see the actual difference in a home setting.

So much new stuff and I have no base line to compare.

Appreciate the banter and info.

 

[rtparty]

Has anyone read anything on if they've improved on handling the heat? The lenses on my 32 have to be replaced because they melted... Literally plastic drips. My first thought when I saw this new beauty was "it's so much thinner, have they tweaked the heat sink?"

The Blades aren't melting and this uses the same materials.

I thought the Hydras and Primes "melted" becuase of the Violet/UV LEDs ruined the plastic over time?

 

[Hooz]

The Blades aren't melting and this uses the same materials.

I thought the Hydras and Primes "melted" becuase of the Violet/UV LEDs ruined the plastic over time?

Actually, I've seen 2 reports now of Blades with discolored/melted lenses. I saw them in Facebook groups, and I've been trying to find them again.

Yes. The melting is mostly caused by the way the plastic reacts to the UV/Violet, especially when "dirty". But, the Edge probably uses the same plastic, and it also has 395nm diodes... I predict "melting" will be an issue for people who run them cranked all the time.

It's not an "AI thing", it's a "plastic lens thing". Every light on the market with plastic lenses can have the issue. I've seen Radions, Hydras, Primes, Blades, Unos, etc, etc experience it.

 

[Jgill70]

They can use MyAI whereas Radions can’t. I haven’t seen nearly the issues reported with MyAI and I’ve personally had zero problems with MyAI changing the clocks on my Blades

Mobius changed the clocks on my Radions constantly

Mine as well. I would wake up in the morning and my lights would not be on. I check the time and its 4 am March 5 2074. Contacted Ecotech many times and always got same answer to go to setting and sync the time

 

[TacticalBacon]

Is there a thread of site, where the lights are ranked?

I’ve never heard of half of these and am interested in eventually getting another larger tank.

Has there been an R2R poll that ranks the lights.

Which are the high end options and which ones are the budget friendly options?

Just curious if anyone knows. Google and searching in here don’t help me much.

 

[shakacuz]

I wonder if they once again label near-UV LEDs as true UV.

likely.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Is there a thread of site, where the lights are ranked?

I’ve never heard of half of these and am interested in eventually getting another larger tank.

Has there been an R2R poll that ranks the lights.

Which are the high end options and which ones are the budget friendly options?

Just curious if anyone knows. Google and searching in here don’t help me much.

If there was, it wouldn't offer any insight as what would be the best to the worst. It would simply be skewed towards popularity and companies ability to successfully use shills to market their products.

If there was such a thread, I wouldn't put much stock into it.