Hydra 32 + 3D diffuser issues

[legalizedreefer]

I’m running a hydra 32 with the mimicked AB+ spectrum and a 3D reefing diffuser over an IM Nuvo 40. I rented a PAR meter and found I was really low on par.

long story short, in order to get my PAR to 250 near the top of my rock work, I had to crank my hydra all the way up to as high as it could go. Does this sound right or am I missing something?

 

[blaxsun]

What were the PAR levels without the diffuser?

 

[legalizedreefer]

What were the PAR levels without the diffuser?

They were more around 300 near the top at full intensity without the diffuser. Light mounted about 12” off the water surface

 

[blaxsun]

They were more around 300 near the top at full intensity without the diffuser. Light mounted about 12” off the water surface

I know my Radion diffusers knock the PAR down 10-15%, and these are also only 8" off the tank. It's possible that this is what you need to run your light at based on the height. You might also benefit from a second Hydra and lowering both (I assume it's positioned this high to give you more coverage).

 

[Eagle_Steve]

To get my 32s back up to par (pun intended) with a diffuser, I had to lower down to about 9". With the diffuser, no need to hang so high, as it blends so much better and spread is increased a little. I also had to turn up a bit, but not max them out.

 

[legalizedreefer]

I know my Radion diffusers knock the PAR down 10-15%, and these are also only 8" off the tank. It's possible that this is what you need to run your light at based on the height. You might also benefit from a second Hydra and lowering both (I assume it's positioned this high to give you more coverage).

Thank you!

 

[legalizedreefer]

To get my 32s back up to par (pun intended) with a diffuser, I had to lower down to about 9". With the diffuser, no need to hang so high, as it blends so much better and spread is increased a little. I also had to turn up a bit, but not max them out.

Thanks, good to know!! I’ll rent the meter again and play around with lowering the light further

 

[SPS2020]

@Eagle_Steve , what diffuser are you using?

@legalizedreefer , same question

Thanks!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

@Eagle_Steve , what diffuser are you using?

@legalizedreefer , same question

Thanks!

I am using a 3d printed on from thingy verse. For the diffuser, I bought 98% transmission diamond style diffuser from Lowes.

It is very similar to the 3d reefing one, but I have a good friend with a 3d printer who hooked me up.

 

[SPS2020]

I am using a 3d printed on from thingy verse. For the diffuser, I bought 98% transmission diamond style diffuser from Lowes.

It is very similar to the 3d reefing one, but I have a good friend with a 3d printer who hooked me up.

Thank you!

 

[legalizedreefer]

@Eagle_Steve , what diffuser are you using?

@legalizedreefer , same question

Thanks!

3D reefing

 

[SPS2020]

3D reefing

Thank you!

 

[Reefdiculous22]

What were the PAR levels without the diffuser?

What is a diffuser? Is that something I have to buy separately?

 

[Reefdiculous22]

What is a diffuser? Is that something I have to buy separately?

Nm. I just looked it up. Lol

 

[legalizedreefer]

Nm. I just looked it up. Lol

You should do it. I’ve been super happy with the results of mine.

 

[Deets]

To get my 32s back up to par (pun intended) with a diffuser, I had to lower down to about 9". With the diffuser, no need to hang so high, as it blends so much better and spread is increased a little. I also had to turn up a bit, but not max them out.

9 inch above water level or above glass tank ?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

9 inch above water level or above glass tank ?

9" Above waterline, about 10" from rim of tank with the tank I have.

 

[claybers]

9" Above waterline, about 10" from rim of tank with the tank I have.

I think you may have this reversed. How can the night be further away from the glass rim than the water level

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I think you may have this reversed. How can the night be further away from the glass rim than the water level

Yup. brainfart. Thx for catching that.