Par results

[Apet66]

I tested my par and here's the results.
Water surface center tank: 224
Center tank highest rock: 188
Center tank mid level: 177
Center tank sand bed: 166
Sides mid tank: 129

6 bulb t5 with 3 and 3, blue+, actinic+. Giesmann bulbs. 7.5" above the water level.
15.5" deep tank.
Is this adequate for sps on the highest point of my rocks? Which is about 10" from the lights and about 3" from the water surface.



Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[Apet66]

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[gmoney243]

Par is low for sps. What size tank and bulbs? How old are the bulbs? I recomended 4 ati blue plus, ati purple plus, ati coral plus as new bulbs that should give way more par and great color. Those actinic+ bulbs dont have a lot of par

 

[greg0385]

400 ontop of scape and 200 on sandbed. These # and not nessecary but a good base to start off with.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[Dowtish]

Actually the geissmen actinic plus matches the ATI blue plus PAR. But it is odd that you are getting that low with those bulbs. What kind of fixture is it?

 

[Apet66]

Par is low for sps. What size tank and bulbs? How old are the bulbs? I recomended 4 ati blue plus, ati purple plus, ati coral plus as new bulbs that should give way more par and great color. Those actinic+ bulbs dont have a lot of par

It's a 35gal long, 36"L x 16"H x 15"front to back. 36" bulbs that are just over a month old. I've heard the ATI bulbs have better par. I have some acro and birds nest and a green branching digitata that are polyping, digitata is actually growing. Mainly concerned about the acro.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[kwandrsn]

I believe the fixture he has is a coralvue 6 bulb t5/led 36"

It is Jay's old light

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[thereeferdude]

Be sure to update us on your numbers when you get the meter back. I guarantee you'll be pleased to see what that light is actually putting out.


Kyle Hurt
Via the R2R Forum iOS app

 

[Apet66]

I just committed to a led fixture so I may not get a chance to re test this fixture. I know its pushing more par than it tested out at. My sps is showing growth so it can't be as low as the readings. On a side note. Now that your an expert on DIY led fixtures, take a look at the fixture in the for sale or trade forum from slayerofshadows. Tell me if you think I could put a housing on it and clean it up.
Thanks Kyle.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[thereeferdude]

I am by no means an expert! I am an ambitious amateur with a touch of OCD. That set-up is a steal for the components alone. You could make a mighty fine light out of it.

A lot of folks are suggesting T5/LED combos to help moderate the shadows a LED-only set-up. I would keep that in mind when planning and building an enclosure. You could leave a bit of room for T5s front and back that could be retrofitted later if needed or desired. I am not too sketched out about the shadows I am see with my new light, but I definitely see some folks desire to minimize the shadows.


Kyle Hurt
Via the R2R Forum iOS app

 

[Apet66]

Thanks Kyle,
Jay actually suggested taking the center 2 bulbs out of my t5 fixture and retro fitting those lights down the center. If that's feasible I may go that rout. It would be a challenge for sure but I would have an awesome light if I could pull it off.

 

[JOKER]

As for the par meter Is it free to use or do we pay someone? I would be interested in checking mine

 

[Apet66]

Pm smyrnareefer (Jay) and let him know you would like to borrow it. The cost is nothing.

 

[JOKER]

Ok thank you

 

[thereeferdude]

So Tony, did you get that LED light? I like Jay's idea, that would be a sweet combo.


Kyle Hurt
Via the R2R Forum iOS app

 

[Apet66]

I sure did. :thumbup: I'll need someone with some experience in lights to look at what I have and what I'll need to intergrate the 2.

 

[thereeferdude]

That should be minimal- probably going to need U-channel or other heatsink option of your choosing and some minor supplies.


Kyle Hurt
Via the R2R Forum iOS app

 

[Apet66]

I'll need to replace one of the drivers also. I found one online for just under $25.00. The blues are mega bright on 100%.