A360W owners, please help.

[Soundwave]

I purchased 2 A360W units for my 40 breeder. They appear to be dimmer than my DIY setup they are replacing. They do look awesome and are like nothing I've ever seen before. However, I'm concerned about the PAR readings I get from them. At 100% with whites at 60% (the threshold at which I can't stand to add any more white) I am only getting a shade over 500 at the water surface directly under each unit. However, on the sand, I'm at the 150 neighborhood and near 250 in the middle. This seems low.

If you have had these for any length of time, can you please chime in on coral growth and overall tank response? I just feel that they aren't as bright as I was hoping for.

Everyone raves about these things but I am concerned that I spent too much money on something I can make for a quarter of the price.

 

[rc1626]

I sold my A350w for just this reason. Par numbers were low, the tank looked dim, and the shimmer was too much. From what I've read it sounds like people like them. I don't know how well they grow corals.......I didn't have mine long enough.

 

[Soundwave]

Interesting observation... After 3 days at 75%, I am getting excellent polyp extension on my acros.

Still. If anyone has had these for any length of time, please let me know how things are going.

 

[toky916]

I've had my 350w for about a half year growth is fine agreed on looks dim but its good for my coral on the sand and off the the sides