Lux

Lonny · Nov 5, 2016

I downloaded a free lux meter app and was curious what a good number at water surface is? The meter said 40,067. Is that a decent number? I'm currently running a 48" 8 bulb ATI sunpower dimmable. Set at 70%. Thanks

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 5, 2016

Lonny said:
I downloaded a free lux meter app and was curious what a good number at water surface is? The meter said 40,067. Is that a decent number? I'm currently running a 48" 8 bulb ATI sunpower dimmable. Set at 70%. Thanks

Your lux par conversion should be 40. Depending on your color combo.

It will depend on livestock rock and the depth of the tank.

Right now your in the neighborhood of 800 to 1000 par.

ksc · Nov 5, 2016

At what distance from the light did you take your reading? @70%,, an ATI Sunpower isn't capable of 800-1000 par.

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 5, 2016

and if the app is bad its prob readin the white tube.

edit . with a lux meter im pullin 40k + lux at 6 in from a C+ B+ non dim

Lonny · Nov 6, 2016

10" from the light. Running 6 blue+, 1 coral+, 1 purple+

Lonny · Nov 6, 2016

I doubt the app is too accurate. I was just trying to get a ball park figure. I just don't want to spend $2, $300, on something I'll use once or twice.

Lonny · Nov 6, 2016

My tank is 60"×24"×24"

ksc · Nov 6, 2016

I wouldn't dim the bulbs, there's really no reason, and you will shorten their life. Those lux readings are terribly inaccurate.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/par-readings-from-sunpower.223967/

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 6, 2016

Im running from stuff like Sabbafellas posts as well. Had to esp before lux.
I had a assumed/researched the the max of an ati 8bulb should be around 1200 to 1400 par at about 6 in. Bulb choice dependant naturally.

With all three estimates, Par , lux, comparative, it def should put you in the ball park.

agreed on dimming, maybe for acclimation

ksc said:
I wouldn't dim the bulbs, there's really no reason, and you will shorten their life. Those lux readings are terribly inaccurate.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/par-readings-from-sunpower.223967/

where do you think he'd be at with those bulbs and percentages? 600?
I had guessed higher esp w the high probable blue on the lux meter.

FWIW some of the apps use the camera (2 different ways sometimes) some the light sensor.

ksc · Nov 6, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
Im running from stuff like Sabbafellas posts as well. Had to esp before lux.
I had a assumed/researched the the max of an ati 8bulb should be around 1200 to 1400 par at about 6 in. Bulb choice dependant naturally.

With all three estimates, Par , lux, comparative, it def should put you in the ball park.

agreed on dimming, maybe for acclimation

where do you think he'd be at with those bulbs and percentages? 600?
I had guessed higher esp w the high probable blue on the lux meter.

FWIW some of the apps use the camera (2 different ways sometimes) some the light sensor.

Assuming a Sunpower at 100%, 1000 is about the highest you will get 1/2" from the bulb. @10" through air I'd guess around 500

mcarroll · Nov 7, 2016

Check your numbers just in case...readings or math are suspect...light through air drops by 50% every time distance doubles.

gus6464 · Nov 7, 2016

Ohh look OP hadn't even posted what his bulb combo was but yet conversion factors were thrown out very quickly. Yeah let's just make stuff up.

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 7, 2016

gus6464 said:
Ohh look OP hadn't even posted what his bulb combo was but yet conversion factors were thrown out very quickly. Yeah let's just make stuff up.

Morning Gus. Happy Monday.

Lonny · Nov 7, 2016

gus6464 said:
Ohh look OP hadn't even posted what his bulb combo was but yet conversion factors were thrown out very quickly. Yeah let's just make stuff up.

Woops thought I did. 6 b+, 1p+, 1c+

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 7, 2016

Lonny said:
Woops thought I did. 6 b+, 1p+, 1c+

It's cool. Doesn't matter w a good t5 you'll be in the 35 to 45 range as a constant. The lux par conversion number. That'll get you in the ball park as an estimate.

Run both numbers as an estimate of that range.

W more blue it's a higher number. IME

Lonny · Nov 7, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
It's cool. Doesn't matter w a good t5 you'll be in the 35 to 45 range as a constant. The lux par conversion number. That'll get you in the ball park as an estimate.

Run both numbers as an estimate of that range.

W more blue it's a higher number. IME

Good to know thanks man. You must not have any free time lol. This hobby is such a steep learning curve. To stack photography on top of it makes my head hurt lol. My buddy is into it and the stuff he talks about goes right over my head. Hmm didn't even think to ask what he uses to measure light. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

gus6464 · Nov 8, 2016

10" above the tank on a tank that is 24" high at 70% power is not enough light with a sunpower with sps. Put the light at 100% and lower to 8" above tank to start the acclimation.

Lonny · Nov 8, 2016

gus6464 said:
10" above the tank on a tank that is 24" high at 70% power is not enough light with a sunpower with sps. Put the light at 100% and lower to 8" above tank to start the acclimation.

I started at 50% and over the last two weeks raised it 10% a week. My plan was to do this till I hit 100%. My last fixture was a week 4 bulb hydroponic fixture. So I was worried about frying my corals. I burned the bulbs in by raising the fixture up off the tank.