Decided to stop guessing on my lighting...

[Dom]

Attached is a photo of one of my DT. I've tagged different areas with lux readings taken with my MW700 meter (thank you, Salty).

It is a bit difficult to tell, so I've provided a key to go with the photo.

Bottom front left = 285
Bottom front center = 325
Bottom front right = 250
Bottom rear left = 230
Bottom rear right = 180

All readings are x10. Tank dimensions are (12" High) x (24" Wide) x (12" Deep).

Am I providing enough light?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

All those are in lux, for those who don't know.

If you estimate 6000 lux is 100 par.

Then each of those spots is getting approx how much par?

How much par do those animals need?

 

[Dom]

All those are in lux, for those who don't know.

If you estimate 6000 lux is 100 par.

Then each of those spots is getting approx how much par?

How much par do those animals need?

Well... I did search for information listing corals and their required light in lux or par. Couldn't find anything.

I did some calculations using the lux to par conversion info your provided. It looks like this:

Bottom front left = 285 - 4.75par
Bottom front center = 325 - 5.42par
Bottom front right = 250 - 4.16par
Bottom rear left = 230 - 3.83par
Bottom rear right = 180 - 3.0par

At a depth of 6", I'm reading 590 - 9.8par.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

But those are x10 lux readings correct? Soo.

And yea, lux you'll find very little. That info was printed. Lol.

And most will be listed in low med and high par.

 

[Dom]

But those are x10 lux readings correct? Soo.
And yea, lux you'll find very little. That info was printed. Lol.
And most will be listed in low med and high par.

duh.....

So the corrected numbers:

Bottom front left = 285 - 47.5par
Bottom front center = 325 - 54.2par
Bottom front right = 250 - 41.6par
Bottom rear left = 230 - 38.3par
Bottom rear right = 180 - 30.0par

At a depth of 6", I'm reading 590 - 98.0par.

These numbers are nice but don't tell me anything until I am able to know what ranges are considered low par, medium par and high par.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

duh.....

So the corrected numbers:

Bottom front left = 285 - 47.5par
Bottom front center = 325 - 54.2par
Bottom front right = 250 - 41.6par
Bottom rear left = 230 - 38.3par
Bottom rear right = 180 - 30.0par

At a depth of 6", I'm reading 590 - 98.0par.

These numbers are nice but don't tell me anything until I am able to know what ranges are considered low par, medium par and high par.

Hahaha. Gotcha.

Exactly. And unfortunately as well. What we don't really know are real numbers because corals do so well in many ranges. Sprung and a few others suggested the common sense approach of grading them like plants in zones. So research and questions are a reefers other hobby.

2000par is direct sun zero is zero.
IMO Most work off of the under 100 is low 500 is high. Old school was 2000 was high. Lol.

It's have Xenia in my sump at 3000 lux. I have the same Xenia at the top of my tank at 35000 lux. So there's that too.

Most zoas seem to enjoy 150. Some take a LOT more like the ones next to my Xenia at the top.
Very few have seemed to be only low light. I made a thread in the low light corals that Dana enlightened us all on. And there is another current thread of Danas with the lowest successful par. So def look for those.

Fwiw. For a med to low light tank I think you're spot on. You will probably get the signature deep purple corralines as well. You could look for low light acros for the top. Jus sayin. And any easy/normal sps will prob do great up in he middle and too as well.

 

[BigJohnny]

50-150 par is great target for lps corals. I know of many aquaculture facilities who target that range and they propogate corals for a living. If you can crank your lights up a bit a more, you will probably see better growth and coloration. Having said that, if you are already maxed out on your light source, I don't think you need to go out and purchase a new light unless you have issues.

 

[Dom]

And there is another current thread of Danas with the lowest successful par. So def look for those.

You will probably get the signature deep purple corralines as well.

Yes... I read Dana's thread earlier today. I have to read it a few more times. Any yes, I am getting some dark purple coraline growth.

 

[Dom]

50-150 par is great target for lps corals. I know of many aquaculture facilities who target that range and they propogate corals for a living. If you can crank your lights up a bit a more, you will probably see better growth and coloration. Having said that, if you are already maxed out on your light source, I don't think you need to go out and purchase a new light unless you have issues.

Yeah... I'm going to stand fast with this light as I am planning a bigger build after the holidays. Still in the paper planning stages.