Enough PAR for an all SPS tank?
- Thread starter cpllongjk
- Start date
Numbers look on the low side. I would shot for 150-200 par for low numbers. You have more info on your light and tank? I get 200 par in the far corners of my tank and don't have problems with keeping sps on the sand. You might be able to keep sps at the top of your rocks but I wouldn't expect them to grow very fast.
Its a Sun System PAR meter with remote sensor. It belongs to the club I am in.
The reason the corners are low is because my fixture is 24" and my tank is 36". I dont plan on putting corals in the corners was just taking those for reference.
I will probably add a reefbrite strip before I start adding corals for the pop and for a bit of extra par. I agree the numbers are a tad low for my tastes too but in the past I have had much higher PAR with not so good results. This time around I want to see what happens with less PAR, just wondering if its enough is all.
The reason the corners are low is because my fixture is 24" and my tank is 36". I dont plan on putting corals in the corners was just taking those for reference.
I will probably add a reefbrite strip before I start adding corals for the pop and for a bit of extra par. I agree the numbers are a tad low for my tastes too but in the past I have had much higher PAR with not so good results. This time around I want to see what happens with less PAR, just wondering if its enough is all.
bobssecrtsn
New member
Hey i was just wondering what bulb combo your using i bought a 6bulb ati fixture and how high is your light above your water line?
biggles
Premium Member
I would try lowering the fixture to 3-4" and take new readings. Such a small move can have drastic influences on your levels. It is obvious that the center of the light is your highest PAR area so perhaps re aquascape that large right side rockwork and bring it left a tad as i think you will be wasting a lot of real estate you won't be able to use for SPS and that will drive you nuts down the track lol. If you reduced the left rock structure a bit and placed the apex of the large structure at 2/3rd's left to right i think you will be in a better place. Just suggestions matey, i think you are close with your numbers and a small tweak will see you good to go. 
REEF SMAC
New member
Really having a tough time believing that having lower PAR is somehow going to improve your results with SPS this time.
You will be fine with careful placement and selection of SPS that will grow in lower light. I would worry that some SPS would go brown unless they are directly under your fixture.
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
I'd say your PAR levels are good enough.
Have a look at this:
The image is from Reefworks.com which is a UK Aquaculture farm.
And have a read of this:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/3/aafeature1
Some Acros such a Granulosa can reach saturation point at 107 µmol·m²·second. Most reach saturation point somewhere around 350 µmol·m²·second.
IMO if you have at least 150 µmol·m²·second, and on most of your rockwork you do; then you are good to go. You actually have plenty of areas where thePAR is at least around 200 µmol·m²·second; hence place higher PAR requiring acros in these areas, and lower light requirement acros in the other areas.
In my experience, WATER QUALITY has the greatest effect on SPS colours. Get your water correct and with decent lighting, SPS will flourish with very good colour.
Have a look at this:
The image is from Reefworks.com which is a UK Aquaculture farm.
And have a read of this:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/3/aafeature1
Some Acros such a Granulosa can reach saturation point at 107 µmol·m²·second. Most reach saturation point somewhere around 350 µmol·m²·second.
IMO if you have at least 150 µmol·m²·second, and on most of your rockwork you do; then you are good to go. You actually have plenty of areas where thePAR is at least around 200 µmol·m²·second; hence place higher PAR requiring acros in these areas, and lower light requirement acros in the other areas.
In my experience, WATER QUALITY has the greatest effect on SPS colours. Get your water correct and with decent lighting, SPS will flourish with very good colour.
