SPS PAR Readings

[Felixc395]

I was wondering what are optimal levels to keep SPS. I have a 24'' deep tank so a little deeper than average and please keep that in mind. Here's what I would like to know:

1. Low Light: What would be low PAR for the bottom, middle, and top of the tank in terms of low PAR?

2. Medium Light: What would be medium PAR for the bottom, middle, and top of the tank?

3. High Light: What would be high PAR for the bottom, medium, and top of the tank?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jimbo7]

I would be really interested to see peoples thoughts on these ranges as well. Also, any written articles with findings.

 

[rhys123]

My outside system is what I consider to be high light

What I consider to be Medium to low range light

Just my opinion

 

[zangmann]

Those outside numbers are insane! Just goes to show how we are nowhere near what the sun does.

I think the second pic is what most of us see in our tanks. Medium light.

 

[USNzifer]

Yeah but if you take that top row of outside numbers add them up and divide by 9 to get the average it is 950 per day...not that crazy high really.. that's what most people get with 10 or 12K bulbs. The numbers for the MH light tank look to be high Kelvin bulbs or low watts..not sure...

It is interesting however that the lower you go in the naturally light tank the numbers don't seem to go down. That is probably due to light entering at all angles of the tank and not just from above as in traditional lighting.

 

[Felixc395]

Thanks everyone. And as always keep it coming!

 

[Felixc395]

I would be really interested to see peoples thoughts on these ranges as well. Also, any written articles with findings.

I'm with you. Articles are always helpful!

 

[SPStoner]

I get some insane par on my 200 DD with 400w Radiums in Lumenmax elites. So much so, that I am considering going to 250's.

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[Felixc395]

My outside system is what I consider to be high light

What I consider to be Medium to low range light

Just my opinion

What light setup is on the second tank?

 

[Felixc395]

My outside system is what I consider to be high light

What I consider to be Medium to low range light

Just my opinion

What light setup is on the second tank?

 

[zef004]

I've see sps grow as low as 200par. And the par in my tank is 175-250 on the sand bed. And 5" from the water line 350-575par.
Some sps need higher par then athers. But most will be ok between 200-400par

 

[Jimbo7]

rhys123. Awesome breakdown of everything. Do you run anything in those outside tanks? How is the color/growth?

 

[MechEng99]

My Very Low PAR QT Tank (SPS grow at only 125-150 on the top rack...proof below):

SPS under 125-150 PAR:

Grow-out Tank (Step 2 of QT) - Low PAR:

Main Tank - Medium High PAR: 400W MH in LumenMax Elites on a 31" deep 150g

 

[rhys123]

What light setup is on the second tank?

Lumenbright reflector 400W Radium on Mag ballast 45cm above the water

rhys123. Awesome breakdown of everything. Do you run anything in those outside tanks? How is the color/growth?

Yes growth is insane judge the color for yourself

 

[Felixc395]

Thank MechEng99 for posting and rhys123 fir the info too.

 

[Felixc395]

This is all good info. I was thinking of getting a PAR meter when I saw the price. I'm fifteen so $250 for a meter isn't my priority. Then I found a LUX/Lumen meter for about $50 and found this to be much more reasonable.

What is high and low Lux/Lumens and is there a way to convert them into PAR?

 

[MechEng99]

You'll have to know the spectrum of your bulbs in order to convert the LUX/Lumens to PAR.

Many local reef clubs have PAR meters available to borrow or rent. You should check around to see if anyone near you has one.

 

[dixiedog]

Recent readings in my tank. I have no way of knowing if these are "ideal" levels, if there is such a thing. I have seen pics of corals flourishing beautifully in everything from 200 to about 800. These are working so far, but check with me in another year. Everything grows well, but there's a lot of very pale SPS here as you can see. It's not quite as bad as it looks, but it's close.

 

[Rickyrooz1]

 

[dan223]

What I consider to be Medium to low range light

THese numbers are almost Identical to what Im getting with an ATI sunpower 6X54 fixture, drop off on the ends is not quiet as extreme though on my setup. I would consider this medium-high.