Hydor introduced the new AQLUX LED bars at last year’s Interzoo, and we finally have the brand-new AQLUX 700 Reef in our hands to test in the DaniReef LAB, where we will also use the new ITC Parwise with cPur for the first time.
In reality, the Hydor AQLUX bars also come in a version for freshwater aquariums, but we’ll cover those in a future article with dedicated measurements. For now, we’re focusing on the bars for marine aquariums.
LED bars are the most convenient and high-performing system for managing light in an aquarium. They are reasonably affordable, and these are particularly so, and can be purchased in increasing numbers as our needs evolve. One bar might suffice for fish, a pair for soft corals, and more for LPS and SPS corals. Compared to a traditional light fixture, you generally lose advanced programming capabilities for managing the various LED channels, but, in my opinion, with the ability to turn individual bars on and off, this isn’t an issue. In any case, the new AQLUX bars are fully equipped in every aspect, as we’ll see.
Technical Specifications of the Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef LED Bars
- Dimensions: 72 x 8 x 9.5 cm
- Power Consumption: 36 watts
- Maximum Brightness: 1400 lumens
- Retail Price: €109.00 (with no power switch)
Our Video of the Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef LED Bars
In the video, we’ll show the bars and explain how we measure PAR values, commenting live on the results of our tests.
LEDs Used in the AQLUX 700 Reef Bar
- 10,000°K White LEDs: 48 x 0.5 watts
- 395 nm Violet LEDs: 10 x 0.5 watts
- 420 nm Blue LEDs: 11 x 0.5 watts
- 440 nm Blue LEDs: 21 x 0.5 watts
- 460 nm Blue LEDs: 21 x 0.5 watts
- 480 nm Blue LEDs: 14 x 0.5 watts
- 620 nm Red LEDs: 14 x 0.2 watts
- 660 nm Red LEDs: 14 x 0.2 watts
Total LEDs: 153. With a declared power consumption of 36 watts, the LEDs are driven at less than half their nominal power to ensure longevity. It’s interesting to note that the 660 nm red LEDs are very close to infrared. The layout, as you can see from the number of LEDs used, is quite complex, and this is one of the secrets of the Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef light.
The new Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef LED bars have about one-third of the LEDs in the 10,000°K range, half in the blue spectrum, and the remaining 20% (at very low power) in the red spectrum. The result is a bar that emits a rather white light, suitable for any marine aquarium that requires a primary light source. This light could even be the sole source for the aquarium.
Control of the Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef Bars
Hydor made a very smart choice, in my humble opinion, by equipping its LED bars with a simple yet highly functional controller. Using its four buttons, you can set everything you need.
When the bar is connected to power, the timer management starts. The first half-hour is a complete dimming cycle, starting from the night setting and reaching the maximum brightness set. With the TIMER button, you can set the photoperiod duration to 6, 9, or 12 hours. The MODE button allows you to switch between day and night settings. Finally, the DIM button lets you adjust the brightness of the day or night light across eight levels.
However, be aware that, in my opinion, the minimum night brightness, while scenic, is a bit too strong and risks over-illuminating the aquarium. It’s always possible to eliminate it entirely.
If you want to go beyond these settings—such as setting a more precise timer for on/off times, decoupling it from the moment power is supplied, or managing differentiated dimming during the day or night—you can purchase an external controller, for which the light is already pre-equipped.
The Hydor AQLUX bars have two holes at the ends, as seen in the image, where you can attach two terminals that end with a clip, allowing the bars to rest on the aquarium glass. These terminals enable the use of the Hydor AQLUX 700 Reef LED bar in aquariums with lengths between 70 and 100 cm.
Additionally, the AQLUX LED bars are all IP67 certified. This means they are dust-tight and water-resistant, even when temporarily submerged (up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes). This makes them perfect for placement above the aquarium, as even accidental immersion won’t cause issues, and splashes can be easily cleaned off.
All the values we measured, along with our DaniReef LAB methodology, can be found on page two.
