Lighting advice

[Etto]

I've had the tank going for about 4 months. I've gone through 2 separate QT and the fish are in as of last weekend. I started testing the lighting and think I need to add to what I have and would like some advice. I was looking at adding 2 more Kessil 360s. That is what Randy's video on BRS recommended.
I'll attach a photo of my tank and my current par numbers.

Lights are 8" from water and are set at (as per BRS):
CLR 20%
INT 100%
V 100%
R 20%

Do you think adding the 35 degree reflector would give me the par I need on the top of the rocks for SPS or should I just go with more lights.


Thanks for any advice

 

[paulgriffin971]

Are those PAR numbers at the surface, middle, or bottom of the tank?

PS--I'd recommend moving those wave makers on the back wall up and as close to the water surface as you can without pulling in a vortex. That way the flow will go from top-rear to bottom-front, front-bottom along the sandbed to rear-bottom, then rear-bottom up to rear-top. All the crud they'll move will then go forward, rearward, and upward then through the overflow skim screen.

 

[Etto]

All numbers are from the bottom except the ones that go over the rocks which are the center circles.

PS - Thanks

 

[paulgriffin971]

OK, roger that. If you check the numbers toward the upper middle of the tank about 6" from the surface you'll probably be in the 3-500 range. That's about perfect for a mixed reef. Two Kessil's on that size tank is fine.

Personal opinion but lighting duration and water chemistry will be far more important as you ramp up a new tank. But if you're going for strictly SPS, then yes add at least one more light at the same settings you have those two.

I personally wouldn't jump into adding any SPS until the tank is at least 1 year old. But....that's just me. Someone else on here would probably recommend the species that are more adaptable as the tank goes through it's maturity phases.