PAR measurements/lighting requirements

[JandN]

Hi,
I just have what I hope is a simple question. What constitutes "low", "moderate" or "high" lighting as far as PAR is concerned? I've seen different people describing what kind of lighting is low/moderate/high based simply on the type of light, but I have LEDs and there seems to be a lot of fluctuation within the tank (between top and bottom of the tank, the PAR is much lower at the bottom of the tank than at the top) so I want to know what each category means as far as PAR goes.
Thanks for the help
Nicole

 

[postie1686]

i was told that on a tank that is 20" deep you want there to be right about 20 par at the sand bed. and i was also told that using a screen top with led is much better then using the glass tops. the screen lets the light through it better helping to keep the par up there better.

 

[postie1686]

hope that helps

 

[JandN]

The par should be about 20 at the sand bed, but for what kind of light? Would that be considered low or moderate? Thanks for the response!

 

[Felixc395]

Hope this helps. Take a look, it will answer most of your questions.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/1/lines/view

 

[JandN]

Thank you so much! That answered my question perfectly

 

[postie1686]

wow thats good info. i wonder what i was reading for the info i had... :headwallblue:

 

[ast]

light questions

light questions

http://www.reeftank123.com/lighting/lighting.html

 

[Felixc395]

wow thats good info. i wonder what i was reading for the info i had... :headwallblue:

Thank you so much! That answered my question perfectly

Glad I could help! Happy reefing!

 

[RocketSurgeon]

Here are a few sites that discus Par values:

http://www.melevsreef.com/par_readings.html

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html

Specifically T5's:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7807815&postcount=5

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1159820