Too much par?

Eleni18 · May 6, 2023

Hi all. I have recently switched to an ATI hybrid powermodule 8X54W and this is my par measurements. As I have absolutely no experience with this, what do you all think? Too much, about right or too low on the left side where I would like to keep my BTA anemones from moving? How about 300+ par in the middle of the sand bed? I am growing a mixed reef tank so is that OK? Is it normal for toadstool leathers to be happy at 400 par and pulsing xenia at 500?

iamacat · May 6, 2023

I can make out a 400 and 300 and those are the low areas. I’d say you’ve got a lot of PAR if that’s correct

my Xenia have traveled up rock and sit at 260 trough and 380 peak

Eleni18 · May 6, 2023

Thanks, I attached larger photos

Eleni18 · May 6, 2023

Also, I have a very important question. I am trying yo keep my BTA anemones on the rockwork on the left side. They now have a par of 80-100, maybe 250 on the back side. I have read that BTAs need a rather high par, around 200-350. So if I have to lower par overall, they will certainly try to move, which would be a nightmare scenario. So what do I do to keep them where they are at the moment?

iamacat · May 7, 2023

Eleni18 said:
Also, I have a very important question. I am trying yo keep my BTA anemones on the rockwork on the left side. They now have a par of 80-100, maybe 250 on the back side. I have read that BTAs need a rather high par, around 200-350. So if I have to lower par overall, they will certainly try to move, which would be a nightmare scenario. So what do I do to keep them where they are at the moment?

If you recently changed lighting I would assume the nem is going to want to move if it is unhappy there. It doesn’t appear you know what the previous light PAR measurements were so I’m not sure if the nem will be affected. I found that flow moved my nems more often than lighting tho once they settle into a region. That rock seems pretty isolated so hopefully they just walk around that area

your other corals may show signs of stress if they have recently gone from say 100 PAR to 300

exnisstech · May 7, 2023

My bubble tips sit under 350+ and stay put. The only time one moves is when they get to crowded and run out of room

Eleni18 · May 7, 2023

exnisstech said:
My bubble tips sit under 350+ and stay put. The only time one moves is when they get to crowded and run out of room

Thanks! The problem is I think where they are they don't have enough light-around 120 on the side of the rock and yes OK, maybe up to 350 on the back side.

Eleni18 · May 7, 2023

So do you think I should leave it as it is? I realize par may be quite high at 500-600 on the very top of some of the rockwork and 300-400 on some parts of the sand bed, but is it too high? If I lower it, the anemone side of the tank would be in lower light than they like...

exnisstech · May 7, 2023

If everything else is looking good maybe just keep an eye on things? I looked up your light and I think it's dimmable. Maybe start off lower and work your way up over time. Too little light is better than too much if it happens quickly.
Bubble tips will move if they are not happy. It can be troublesome when they start stinging coral. I have some that have thier foot way down inside the rock and will stretch out 5-6 inches to get into the light.

iamacat · May 7, 2023

Eleni18 said:
So do you think I should leave it as it is? I realize par may be quite high at 500-600 on the very top of some of the rockwork and 300-400 on some parts of the sand bed, but is it too high? If I lower it, the anemone side of the tank would be in lower light than they like...

The PAR they were under previously is more important. Corals can adapt to various PAR but should be acclimated.
You will see changes in your corals if they are stressed from an overexposure. Observe and decrease the power % of your light if necessary