Light Program Double Check from Experienced Reefers Please

[tdburchett]

I compiled a list of recommended PAR’s from different reputable sources and created the attached lighting program for my mixed reef tank (IM 20 Pro 2 with AI HD16 light) with the help of a rented PAR meter. I notice that recommended PAR settings vary drastically based on source. Since a few of the corals will have PAR’s a bit higher than some of the recommended values, I am using a 30 day acclimation ramp starting at 50% to allow for light acclimation. Does anyone see any big issues with this lighting setup or ramp? Any thoughts on why the recommended PAR readings are so vastly different? Thank you.

 

[blaxsun]

I think the schedule looks fine although I think 30 days is too long of an acclimation period (I'd probably have a week max). Every coral supplier runs their lights, flow and water parameters a bit differently.

Most of my soft, LPS and even SPS are in the 50-175 PAR range. That seems to work for me with my corals but YMMV with similar levels.