Optimal PAR Levels for different SPS Types

[CoralDanimal]

Hello! I've done some searching, but feel free to send me a link if this has already be listed out.

I bought a PAR meter to dial in EcoTech Radion G5 XR30 Blue for my SPS collection. I'm curious what the optimal levels are for the different types (Acropora Millepora, Acropora Tenuis, etc.). From what I've gathered:

• Acropora Efflo: 350 - 500
• Acropora Tenuis: 350 - 450
• Acropora Millepora: 350 - 400
• Acropora Valida: 250 - 350
• Acropora Echinata: 200 - 300
• Acropora "Deepwater" 200 - 250

While I'm sure these could all grow fine in the normal SPS PAR recommendations (250-400), I'd like the community's take on which Acroporas do better at higher PAR so I know which of my corals to mount highest. Also, curious where people find the most success for Staghorns.

And by 'success' - I know the dream is coloration + growth, but if I had to choose between the two I would choose coloration.

 

[SoAg Reefer]

My millepora tend to thrive in the 400-450 range while my tenuis do better in the 300-350 range. Rest I agree with

 

[Dominic Prezwanski]

Here I thought keeping the rock work low to allow it to grow out.. might explain my failures all these years, finally got a par meter.

should inlift up the stickfrags so they start above 250..?
Kessil 360x plus aquatic life t5

 

[CoralDanimal]

Here I thought keeping the rock work low to allow it to grow out.. might explain my failures all these years, finally got a par meter.

should inlift up the stickfrags so they start above 250..?
Kessil 360x plus aquatic life t5

It's great you have a PAR meter and know the different levels within the tank. I think that is a bit of a gamechanger within itself.

In terms of whether to move it up, obviously there are a lot of factors (nutrient levels, photo period, etc.) , but what I've been doing is slowly elevating certain corals that I believe will appreciate more coral (ex: Tenuis) and then giving it a week to observe. My goal is to slowly ratchet up the par by 10 or so each week until I reach a level where I'm happy with growth/coloration of that coral. I have a spreadsheet where I'm keeping notes so in the event I need to move corals/rocks around I know what corals liked what PAR.

 

[jda]

I would keep the PAR below 350 with that Radion. While most all of those can do great with more PAR from Mh or T5, they tend to burn under most LEDs - not all, but most.

The type of light matters.

 

[thaistalyn]

A couple sites I have bookmarked on this topic:

1. Dana Riddle's article on Coral Nutrition. About half way down he describes "Feeding Light". The min and max light intensity values for various Acropora species is listed as an ideal zone with compensation (min) and saturation (max). The whole series of articles is great if you want to learn more about how to grow coral.

2. Seneye's Marine Coral Par levels. Also a species list with suggested par levels

 

[Dominic Prezwanski]

Thank, that’s a lot of help!

 

[dank reefer]

Also keep in mind that depending on how your nutrients are, some acros can take more or less par too.

 

[Big E]

I would keep the PAR below 350 with that Radion. While most all of those can do great with more PAR from Mh or T5, they tend to burn under most LEDs - not all, but most.

The type of light matters.

This, plus you have to consider the fact each of those diodes with a lens works like a tiny magnifying glass.
The par can be the same but the more focus the lens has the better chance you have of frying corals.

If your LEDs have reflectors this is much better for blend and eliminates the magnifying glass effect, which may make it easier for par considerations.

Measuring par really is only of value if you are using it to compare settings with the same LED brand and settings. Even then, it still has limitations as people only measure the levels flat with the meter straight up.
If you don't envelop the corals 360 degrees in light the par levels are not very accurate or the same from tank to tank.