PAR/light penetration 4 ft down?

[Passedyouby]

I know not everyone is on the PAR bandwagon, but lets ignore that for now!

I have a 48in deep tank with a Kessil 360NE (narrow beam) and have absolutely no idea how much light is getting down to the bottom.

1) Does anyone have a rough formula for how much light is 'lost' per inch or depth? I understand water clarity etc play a big factor here.

2) has anyone here used a single 360NE and played with a par meter at deeper than average depths?

3) if not a kessil, does anyone here have 3 or 4ft down par readings to compared to a sample at 6in

4) My tank is deep, but narrow meaning that even 4 ft down most corals will be 4in from the glass. Does anyone know what sort for "ambient PAR" is generated by the sun reflecting in the room, household lights, etc? Again, i understand this is wildly subjective, just looking for anything to go off of!

I only have a few tiny frags in the tank now until i learn more about where they need to be placed. Sorry its a mess, found the first photo i had laying around.

Thanks everyone in advance!

 

[Passedyouby]

Oh! And yes, im aware those are fake corals!

I needed a splash of color for the first 6 months while getting the tank up and running

 

[jda]

Don't be shocked if nobody knows too much about this. That is not a super popular light since most people do not need that kind of application. Probably renting or borrowing a PAR meter is the only way. ...sorry that I cannot help, but free bump.

 

[Passedyouby]

Don't be shocked if nobody knows too much about this. That is not a super popular light since most people do not need that kind of application. Probably renting or borrowing a PAR meter is the only way. ...sorry that I cannot help, but free bump.

I figured as much! Thats why im happy for ANY data pertaining to depth more than 18-24in down. Im interested in learning more however and long term a par meter is totally going to have to be in my plans.


Ps. Thanks for the free bump!

 

[Mical]

Here's an affordable option - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/usb-smart-quantum-par-sensor-apogee.html

 

[sfin52]

Seneye is a good one and can monitor the tank as well

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Here's an affordable option - https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/usb-smart-quantum-par-sensor-apogee.html

The problem the OP may run into is getting the sensor down there while keeping the meter dry. The cord on those are not very long, and the sensor will need to be kept still to get a good reading. No easy feat when the provided handle is only 18" long.

 

[Mical]

The problem the OP may run into is getting the sensor down there while keeping the meter dry. The cord on those are not very long, and the sensor will need to be kept still to get a good reading. No easy feat when the provided handle is only 18" long.

There is NO meter - you use a laptop. The sensor is on a 15ft long USB cable that plugs into your laptop. That's what makes this versatile, you can use on multiple tanks with minimal set-up & tear down.