Anyone running BRS AB+ on Hydras with a PAR meter.

[Pennywise the Clown]

As I am getting the SPS bug I have changed my lighting schedule to the tried and tested AB+ program on my Hydra 26's.
As I live in the UK, there is no chance of renting a PAR meter and buying one is not an option at the moment.
Has anybody running the BRS AB+ schedule on Hydra 26's tested the par levels and is willing to share it would be incredibly helpful.

 

[lpsouth1978]

What size tank (dimensions)? I am not running the AB+, but would be happy to set my lights to it and test PAR for you this evening if no one else has numbers already.

 

[Pennywise the Clown]

Thank you very much.
I am running a Reefer 250 with 2 Hydras. My SPS are on the upper most rock work which is 18'' below the lights.
This is my schedule at peak. I have a bad feeling that it's not enough light for the acros I have.

 

[lpsouth1978]

That should be good. I have 2 over my 40B. The measurements are similar so the numbers should work out pretty well. I will test this evening and get you the numbers.

 

[lpsouth1978]

Here are some measurements for ya. I have the lights set to the exact settings you posted above. My lights are 14" above the water and the top measurement was taken about 6" below the surface. Each of the other measurements were taken at the coral the measurement is on top of. I am not sure that these setting will give you the PAR you need in most of the tank for SPS. You may want to either lower the lights or ramp up some of the settings a bit. I hope this helps.

PAR readings by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

 

[Pennywise the Clown]

That's has been very helpful, thank you for taking the time to test.
I'm actually thinking that at the moment I am probably okay. I have my most light demanding acro, a Strawberry Shortcake, positioned in a very similar spot to where you measured 430 and I am guessing that my other acropora are getting at least 250.
However, if I want to go to a more sps dominated display, I am definitely going to need more light.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

You will be good with adding a third 26 to it, just know that you likely need to reduce the power of the group if doing so. I went from two 26's to 4 over my 75 and had to reduce my total light output by 40%. Running the BRS settings adding the two lights raised my PAR from 250 (with 2 26's) to 550-600 (with 4) on a 75G at mid tank depth with the lights 10.5" above the water line mounted perpendicular to the tank and spaced 7" apart. Now at 60% of their numbers I easily hit 375-450 at the same points.