SPS PAR Readings

[Felixc395]

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

I don't quite understand this. Would someone care to explain a little further?

 

[MechEng99]

My specialty isn't lighting, so I'll refer you to someone else on that.

Here are some good links I've found over time that might help.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/review
http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Tech/par-moles.html
http://www.bio.net/bionet/mm/plant-ed/2001-October/007208.html

 

[Felixc395]

Thanks for the articles. Very good info!

 

[chuckreef]

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.

Hey Dan,

I'm just about to make that switch (MH to sunpower), what height to you have your PM?

Chuck

 

[dan223]

PM is the power module I have the sunpower I dont believe performance wise (par output) theres any difference, its mainly cosmetic and 1 extra fan on the powermodule but the fans are variable speed so probably doesnt matter.
To answer your Q, I have the fixture directly above tank, as in 1/4" above the rim for a few reasons, I dont like canopys or having the light spilling out, and to cut back on evaporation my house has multiple tanks and plants I dont need more humidity. I was worried about not giving enough height for the different color bulbs to blend before hitting corals and rocks but it isnt noticable. No regrets on the SP its top notch performance. LED's do seem to be coming along now I think they will be the future, theres just too many choices.

 

[rhys123]

250W Plasma and 250W Radium MH on Electric Ballast

Par readings

 

[Haksar]

That's a big difference in PAR..is the LED PAR similar or lower than plaama.

 

[rhys123]

The plasma was lacking a descent reflector the young guy who owns it is going to retrofit it to a lumenarc and I will do another set of readings with it against one of my lumenarcs.

 

[kentrob11]

Something must be wrong with that plasma bulb....There is NO WAY a 250watt radium would out-par a plamsa bulb....period. Even in that inefficient reflector, it should still produce better numbers than a 250watt radium, which is known for less than ideal par measurements. Does he have the plasma bulb dimmed down?

 

[rhys123]

Double up

 

[rhys123]

If you say so.

Similar reading as to what I got from them

Someone else thought they needed to be retrofitted to a Lumenarc

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1629428

Same par readings I got

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1629428&page=3

 

[notsomot]

Thats my plasma mate and nothing wrong with my light everyone is getting the same readings. I can re-test if you like...

 

[jestersix]

Thats my plasma mate and nothing wrong with my light everyone is getting the same readings. I can re-test if you like...

I'm curious how far from the light to your 350 PAR reading? Your numbers look about right - but I'm just curious how your setting compares to mine (the 150G pic posted above is my tank).

 

[rhys123]

It was about a foot and half

Nice light I really liked it (more then the MH) it was a little disappointing par wise but not overly so if they where cheaper I would not hesitate having them instead of the MH during winter

 

[jestersix]

Hmmm...At 18 inches I'm getting PAR of around 500+...it is hard to tell perspective from the PAR shot of my tank. Near the middle of the tank there are a couple of Milli frags with a 520 reading, and they are directly under the light (16 inches air + appx 4 inches water). My two fixtures are about 24 inches from the each end of the tank, so the spread overlaps in the middle somewhat.

This picture give a perspective of how my lights are set up (lights are at 50% here)

 

[Felixc395]

jestersix, I like the small footprint and sleekness of your plasma lighting. Nice!

 

[kentrob11]

jestersix,

Based on your experience with these, would you say that at maybe 75% power, would the penetration be sufficient for elevated par numbers 36" or so beneath the surface? I'me still working on a solution for a 60" deep tank....Thanks!