Growing Bahamian SPS corals. Need help figuring out light

PeanutWorms · Jan 2, 2020

Hey everyone!
I'm going to be growing some Bahamian SPS wild corals. It is a long story as to why but essentially I'm helping out some research.
I can't quite figure out the whole lighting thing. I know that corals generally do better with blue light (right?) and have the ability to put in any type of Coralife bulb. Based on some research papers, I know that they ran 350 μmoles m−2 s−1 under naturally-variable solar irradiance in a greenhouse facility. How do I convert these words into something that means something to me?

AquaBiomics · Jan 2, 2020

That number is PAR. If I was setting up a system today, to grow corals for research, there is zero doubt in my mind: I'd set up MH lights and never look back.

PeanutWorms · Jan 2, 2020

AquaBiomics said:
That number is PAR. If I was setting up a system today, to grow corals for research, there is zero doubt in my mind: I'd set up MH lights and never look back.

I've got a meter that measures in Lux and foot candles. Does that help me at all measuring PAR? Also, how does knowing PAR help convert to stuff like 10,000 K or actinic?
Do you have any suggestions for the metal halide bulbs/setup?

AquaBiomics · Jan 2, 2020

PAR doesn't tell you color (e.g 10k), just intensity.
Converting from Lux to PAR is highly imperfect and specific to the lamp, but probably better than nothing.
Apogee PAR meters cost about as much as a light so IMO it's an essential reeling tool even for hobbyists. I'd just get a PAR meter

As for MH fixtures I have not tried enough different kinds to have an educated opinion. After trying 3 different kinds I've seen no differences.

flsalty · Jan 2, 2020

You should probably talk to this guy

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