Par readings

scotty333 · Jun 4, 2024

Hi guys,
When doing a par check on the sand the level jumps around from 80-130 due to the water agitation
Would it be fair to assume 105 par or does it not work like that ?

Reefer Matt · Jun 4, 2024

scotty333 said:
Hi guys,
When doing a par check on the sand the level jumps around from 80-130 due to the water agitation
Would it be fair to assume 105 par or does it not work like that ?

Yeah, I use the average. You can turn off flow to give you another perspective as well. I use flow on, and lids on (I have lids) when checking par to get a better sense of actual numbers. But it is going to be a ballpark figure regardless.

danreef55 · Aug 27, 2024

@Reefer Matt
I am planning on SPS dominant tank with some fairy wrasse. As you know it isn't a matter of if they will jump it is matter of when. I am considering either using mesh lids but not sure how much of an impact the lids will have on light penetration. I will be getting a light meter but wondering if you can give me some input. Appreciated Dan

Reefer Matt · Aug 27, 2024

danreef55 said:
@Reefer Matt
I am planning on SPS dominant tank with some fairy wrasse. As you know it isn't a matter of if they will jump it is matter of when. I am considering either using mesh lids but not sure how much of an impact the lids will have on light penetration. I will be getting a light meter but wondering if you can give me some input. Appreciated Dan

I don’t think you will see much of a difference with mesh lids. Even with polycarbonate lids, I didn’t have a huge drop in par. I don’t remember exactly, but it was under a 50 par difference compared with no lids.