T5 lamp PAR readings

They actually shifted more of a purple color. I just realized that my pics are no longer there, I don't know why, maybe a problem due to their revamp of the blog pages.
 
PAR output vs. metal halide

PAR output vs. metal halide

Grim,
Can the PAR readings that you found be coorelated to Metal Halide readings that I am seeing elsewhere? For example a reading of 80 PAR on a 175 watt metal halide vs. 357 for an ATI sun pro bulb. Do I simply add up the PAR on the bulbs to get the total PAR reading for the hood/fixture or is there something else involved?
Thanks,
 
How about CoralVue? I have a buddy who swears by them... prolly because they cost less... but I wonder (and hes starting to as well) as to how the outputs stack up.
 
Re: PAR output vs. metal halide

Re: PAR output vs. metal halide

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8451121#post8451121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
Grim,
Can the PAR readings that you found be coorelated to Metal Halide readings that I am seeing elsewhere? For example a reading of 80 PAR on a 175 watt metal halide vs. 357 for an ATI sun pro bulb. Do I simply add up the PAR on the bulbs to get the total PAR reading for the hood/fixture or is there something else involved?
Thanks,

No. The readings depend on whether they are in-the-water or test setups. If test setup, it depends on the specifics of the setup, if in the water depends on depth, position under the reflector, etc. So if you see a reading of 80 on Sanjays website for an MH bulb, that is from a specific setup, not in the water, and does not directly compare to T5 readings from another setup, or in the water. The readings for MH bulbs are useful to compare brands/models of bulbs (for example they will show that some 10k bulbs put out more than other 10k bulbs), but aren't going to tell you what PAR level you will see in your tank at a specific depth or position under the reflector.

I have used our club's PAR meter to measure both T5 and MH in my tank, and you can achieve high PAR with both types, in spite of what many MH die-hards will tell you.
 
Re: PAR output vs. metal halide

Re: PAR output vs. metal halide

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8451121#post8451121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
Grim,
Can the PAR readings that you found be coorelated to Metal Halide readings that I am seeing elsewhere? For example a reading of 80 PAR on a 175 watt metal halide vs. 357 for an ATI sun pro bulb. Do I simply add up the PAR on the bulbs to get the total PAR reading for the hood/fixture or is there something else involved?
Thanks,

No, it depends how the tests are done. My numbers are better discribed as readings because they are taken for the most part in a running tank.

I have taken readings under metal halides on my tank and those readings can be compared with the T5 readings I have taken on the same tank.
 
halide par readings

halide par readings

Thanks Obi and Grim,
Grim. Have you posted your MH PAR readings anywhere?
Thanks,
 
I have but can't remember where.

I do have a good memory

4 standard driven T5's (2 Aquablues and 2 Actinic Plus) in Ice Cap reflectors did 135 PAR at the sand 18" blow the surface with the lamps about 3" above the water.

250 watt 14K DE Halides in a so-so fixture about 7" above the water did 95 when the lamps were new. 10K lamps did in the 120's but were very yellow
 
metal halides vs t5 PAR

metal halides vs t5 PAR

Grim,
Wow! No wonder my 5 bulb aquactinic fixture looks MUCH brighter than my 250 MH (20K) and my 2 65 watt PCS! In addition I am getting better coral growth and extension already (3weeks with fixture):) I had 3 ocean pros aquaz and 2 uvl super actinics, I changed one of the ocean pros to a geisman actinic + and like the blue cast much better (I could not find an ATI blue +). My MH and PC's did have crap reflectors though. I am also enjoying the lack of heat, my old set-up used to get over 82 all the time, the new one never breaks 78:) I really like my new T5's, best lights I ever had.
 
We have successfully converted another user lol. Congrats on your new setup and coral growth. Yeah these things are $%#@$% bright.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8451411#post8451411 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hahnmeister
Bill uses CoralVues.

upstairs, right?

downstairs they are ge 6500ks, and ati aquablues and b+, right?

i know the 6500ks are GE, but i am assuming the others are ati...i was just over there last week to get a frogspawn and i was looking at the bulbs in his teklight downstairs..
 
Pics of aquatinics 5 39 watt hood

Pics of aquatinics 5 39 watt hood

I love my aquactinics unit. In this picture it has 3 aquaz ocean pros and 2 uvl super actinics. I recently changed out one ocean pro for a geismann actinic plus and I like the color better. My coral growth has increased since adding this light, and my gorgonian (very white in this pic) has started browning up nicely.
In addition check out the fusilers on the right (blue with yellow tails). I think these are Casio cuning or Casio teres.

index.asp
 
there is a better pic of my tank in the aquactinics forum (thanks Tom). I still can not upload a decent pic.
Note: sorry about posting this message everywhere.
 
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