PAR readings help

[Akida17th]

I borrowed a quantum par meter from work (not waterproof) and I've been concerned since I changed from Radion pro's at 40%. I have the fixture 11" above the water surface and my par readings at the water surface is only 320 which I think is crazy low. I'm running an ATI 24 watt bulb 5 ATI blue+ 2 ATI coral+ and ATI purple+. Since I ran LED's I never was concerned about par levels but now I'm running T5's I'd like to know what is a good range. I have a mixed reef at the moment with acans, chalices, favias, mushrooms, anemones (gigantea carpet, bta's) and some sps (montis and stylos as of now). So I can't get readings at bottom of tank due to the sensor not being waterproof. Is 320 at the top of my tank optimum? I have a 30x30x24 but a 4" sand bed so corals are at most 20" below water surface. Should I drop the fixture down more? I'd love to hear some feedback since I'm new to arranging par levels. Thanks

 

[Reefing Madness]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature2
you might want to lower those lights I think. You should be getting over 600 with that many lights.

 

[Akida17th]

Dropped at 7" it was only at 390 but ati claims that's accurate and will grow any corals or nems. I have a gig I'm there now who needs high light and doing well.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Welp,if its working, no reason to mess with it. But man that number is low.

 

[Akida17th]

I know maybe the par meter isn't accurate. It's a hydroponics quantum par meter but I don't see why that wouldt matter.

 

[Russ265]

i used that same one and got 600 at 1" below the surface.

i know it is inaccurate though. i think i toned it down so it is 400 at the surface according to that par meter.

my red planet is supposedly getting only 150 par and there isnt a spec of green on it after 2 weeks.

just go off the corals. thats the only meter you need.