Par Levels For Different Types Of Coral

gmastr85 · Jan 3, 2016

I've had a frag tank going for a couple months now. Most of my corals are doing fine but a couple have had bleaching issues with my LED's . Since my Maxspect Razor (120 degree lenses) is 6" above the waterline and the tank is only 12" deep; I have the LED's turned way down to 40% max (white), and 65% max (blue).

I've decided to invest in a Biotek Marine BTM3000 PAR Sensor. I don't have it yet, it's on the way. I was wondering what PAR levels others shoot for depending on the type of coral. I have a mix of everything in the frag tank but I have SPS directly under the lights, followed by LPS and softies around the edges of the tank. My guess would be about 200 PAR for SPS. I'm not sure what a good level would be for other corals though.

So I was wondering if someone would tell me what PAR levels work for them so I can have an idea of what PAR level to run my lights at. Thanks for the help!

Tristan · Jan 4, 2016

I'm not completely sure but vivid aquariums has care requirements such as par for each coral they have. So you could check their website and look for the corals you have and check what the par rating should be.

gmastr85 · Jan 4, 2016

Thanks I will try to find their video... I appreciate it!

gmastr85 · Jan 4, 2016

The video was just a tank shot with vivid demonstrating a par meter. They took a couple measurements, but did not go into detail at all about what types of corals should receive certain par levels.

So does anyone have any kind of information on par levels for specific types of corals?

gmastr85 · Jan 7, 2016

Bump...

Tegridy Reef · Jan 8, 2016

I don't think there is a true answer to your question. I have Hollywood stunner chakice in 300 to 50 but if I take my mummy chalice might bleach at 200 all corals or individually differnt I've seen zoas is 300 par and other in 50 I also think it depends on your light LEDs I fell or more harsh then halides

gmastr85 · Jan 9, 2016

Thats what I'm looking for. I know there is no exact answer. I'm looking for guidelines. What others are using. And I realize every coral is different.

Triggreef · Jan 9, 2016

In my frag tank on the rack the corals sit on, I get 300 par under the light and down to 100 on the sides. Many of my larger polyps are loving it directly under the light but smaller zoas don't like it so much. The larger ones like pink cat eyes gobstopper etc extend looking for light if I move them to the outside areas. I keep all the higher light sps in the center as well.