cubsfan16
Member
I'm trying to figure out if I am blasting my SPS with too much light....I know...no such thing :rollface: My SPS just haven't got that deep coloration....though some have colored up nicely in shaded areas...which led me to take some PAR readings on my DIY ReefLEDlights build (special thanks to Ghostman for letting me borrow his PAR meter). I have decent color now but most are more of a pastel coloration. I am running 48 XP-E Royal Blue, 12 XP-E Blue, 24 XP-E Cool White, 20 XP-G Cool White (HighNoon Effect), 4 XP-E Red, 2 XP-E Green all have 80 degree optics except the red and green which have no optics. The LED's are split evenly on two 18" heat sinks 9" over a 90gal and each color is controlled by a Apex.
I switched over from a 8bulb TEK T5 setup and slowly acclimated to 100% over a 3 month period. I will say my colors are better now than then but not by much. My tank parameters run pretty stable at Cal 440-460, Mg 1350-1400, Alk 7-8, Phosphate .0-.02. I run GFO, Carbon in BRS reactors, Kalk ATO, Dose 10ml Vinegar per day, Lugols once a week.
I have a feeling part of my problem is not feeding enough. I currently feed 8 fish Spectrum pellets once per day and Rods ~1 time per week. I have recently increased feedings of Rods to once per day when the lights go off and have already seen improvements in color....though I made the mistake of lowering my lights about 2-3 weeks ago and increased feedings 1.5 weeks ago so I'm not 100% that it is not a combo of both changes.
The I ran 3 tests; the first all LEDs were at 100%, the second all LEDs were at 50% and the last test is the combo I am currently running 55% HN, 65% W,G,R, 75% RB (during peak periods - All ramp up and down)
My question to those running LEDs (or more specifically DIY'ers) is what intensity are you running your LEDs...I know everyone probably hasn't measured PAR on there units....but if by chance there are a few of you, please chime in. I am also looking at adding some more spectrum to the build....if anyone has any input on this, it would be appreciated. Thanks!!
Sorry for the cyno....battling that now :sad1:
Should also note that there are treads out there claiming RB LEDs PAR values are not accurately measured (under valued 20%-30% from what I've read)
I switched over from a 8bulb TEK T5 setup and slowly acclimated to 100% over a 3 month period. I will say my colors are better now than then but not by much. My tank parameters run pretty stable at Cal 440-460, Mg 1350-1400, Alk 7-8, Phosphate .0-.02. I run GFO, Carbon in BRS reactors, Kalk ATO, Dose 10ml Vinegar per day, Lugols once a week.
I have a feeling part of my problem is not feeding enough. I currently feed 8 fish Spectrum pellets once per day and Rods ~1 time per week. I have recently increased feedings of Rods to once per day when the lights go off and have already seen improvements in color....though I made the mistake of lowering my lights about 2-3 weeks ago and increased feedings 1.5 weeks ago so I'm not 100% that it is not a combo of both changes.
The I ran 3 tests; the first all LEDs were at 100%, the second all LEDs were at 50% and the last test is the combo I am currently running 55% HN, 65% W,G,R, 75% RB (during peak periods - All ramp up and down)
My question to those running LEDs (or more specifically DIY'ers) is what intensity are you running your LEDs...I know everyone probably hasn't measured PAR on there units....but if by chance there are a few of you, please chime in. I am also looking at adding some more spectrum to the build....if anyone has any input on this, it would be appreciated. Thanks!!
Sorry for the cyno....battling that now :sad1:
Should also note that there are treads out there claiming RB LEDs PAR values are not accurately measured (under valued 20%-30% from what I've read)
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