Light settings LPS aquarium

[Xanka]

Hey,

I have an LPS aquarium that is illuminated by both an ATI Hybrid and the Sirius X6. Now I am looking for an ideal program for both the animals and the eye.

Are there people here who want to share their settings? Thanks in advance. Greetings, Frank.

 

[mcarroll]

I have to recommend a light meter to set your lights rather than copying someone's settings. (Do they have the same installation of their light? Same tank? Same corals? Etc.)

Cost for a lux meter can be as low as $free or $15....and of course that's not your only option!

Once you have a meter, then you can target the best levels. @Dana Riddle has written a lot on this, and you're welcome to PM or tag me once you have a meter.

 

[Xanka]

Hi mcarroll,

I live in Belgium and i am not familiar with this forum or how to tag someone. I have the SQ-520: Full-Spectrum Smart Quantum Sensor (USB). My tank only contents LPS corals and over a period of a year corals are starting to retract flesh. I cant figure out what the problem is. Water values are OK according to ATI.

 

[mcarroll]

@Xanka – you've been tagged!

So if you take readings from across the top of the tank, what are you getting currently? (And why copy settings if you have a meter? )

Generally speaking 200-400 PAR is a decent level, depending on your goals.

 

[mcarroll]

Here's a search for Dana's posts on PAR levels to get you started: par

But I'd also look up his articles on advancedaquarist.com.

 

[Xanka]

PAR - levels at the top at the tank are 375 in the middle, 175 at the sides
at the bottem: 250 in the middle, 180 at the sides.
I am struggling with the setting of the lamp.
You cab choose red, blue, white and royal blue.
Currently my settings are:
red: 5 (max=255)
blue: 255 = max
royal blue: 235 (max=255)
white: 60 (max=255)

all at an intensity of 45%. I can increase this to 100%.
I noticed that when I increase the intensity corals are bleaching in particular chalice...

 

[mcarroll]

Adjust colors to your preference – simple!

In the end, keep the PAR levels where they are.

Bleaching is expected under those circumstances – good lesson/experiment!

 

[Junior84]

Quick question if i have a 4 bulb t5 fixture. Could i run 3 ATI blue+ and 1 purple+ to grow lps and soft coral obviously on a set schedule but just with those bulbs ?

 

[Xanka]

Quick question if i have a 4 bulb t5 fixture. Could i run 3 ATI blue+ and 1 purple+ to grow lps and soft coral obviously on a set schedule but just with those bulbs ?

I don’t see why not. Here are some pictures of my previous aqua. Light: Ati hybrid with 2 blue+ and 2 aquablue special.

 

[Xanka]

It looks like there are not many Sirius users in the USA.

 

[LetItReef]

I don’t see why not. Here are some pictures of my previous aqua. Light: Ati hybrid with 2 blue+ and 2 aquablue special.

Nice! ATI hybrid- 4 bulbs and?

 

[Xanka]

This was my old aqua. This one i started a year ago.

It is lighted with both the hybrid and the Sirius. The intention was to create two zones, one for acro’s and one for deepwater corals.

But the tanks doesn’t run so good. After one year no grow, corals die,........