What’s your par look like ?

[kzenoni]

Wondering what the best par is for a tank. I have a 200 gallon reef with a few sps, more into soft corals such as torches , hammers and toadstools. Just upgraded to 4 radion xr30 pro lights. Running at 50% I’m getting 90-115 par on sand bed, 160-220 mid tank and 260- 320 top of aquascape. Am I in the right realm of what is needed. Failed to mention I’m new at this only at it for about 5 months. Thanks for any input.

 

[threebuoys]

If you haven't already, try this thread and search for similar setups, you may find some guidance

This thread is to host a Database of Par values on different tanks under different lighting, hopefully it will be useful for people to cross reference if they don’t have access to a Par Meter.

This will not be an exact science but should give people a good estimation of different lighting over different tanks.

Please do not use this thread for comments, let’s try to keep this a Database for Par data only, for more information, suggestions or information please go here..

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/s...d-and-share-your-numbers.538890/#post-5569165

suggested information that should be included in your post:

• Type of meter you are using for measurements
• Type of lighting.. be specific as possible and include things like manufacturer, age, length and type of bulbs for those t5 users, wattage and reflectors for the MH users.
• LED users if possible include percentages used for different colors
• Height of lighting over your water
• Depth of water
• Pumps or power heads running?
• Any other factors that may contribute to readings such as room lighting, windows, tank in sunroom? etc.
• A picture with measurements would be ideal but a list/description would be fine as well.
• Provide as many collection points as possible such as bottom of tank left, right and center.. middle of tank left, right, center, front and back etc.

 

[kzenoni]

If you haven't already, try this thread and search for similar setups, you may find some guidance

Thanks . I have not but I’m about to.

 

[Fennel]

Wondering what the best par is for a tank. I have a 200 gallon reef with a few sps, more into soft corals such as torches , hammers and toadstools. Just upgraded to 4 radion xr30 pro lights. Running at 50% I’m getting 90-115 par on sand bed, 160-220 mid tank and 260- 320 top of aquascape. Am I in the right realm of what is needed. Failed to mention I’m new at this only at it for about 5 months. Thanks for any input.

I am still learning also.. my lux is 56k before the light spreads out.. if that makes sense..

 

[Pistondog]

Most of us over light our aquariums. Anything above 150 - 200 par is overkill for the corals you mention.

 

[Greybeard]

Easy answer...

I have since added a 4 bulb T5 hybrid fixture to the AP700's. Adds about 90 par across the board. I'm running at 2/5 power, above, giving me 250 to 150 par, middle of the day. Ramps up and down, of course.

These AP700's are enough to cook anything, if I were to turn 'em all the way up.

Oh, mostly softies, anemones, some LPS.

 

[kzenoni]

If you haven't already, try this thread and search for similar setups, you may find some guidance

From what I can tell I think I’m good. Thanks again

 

[kzenoni]

Most of us over light our aquariums. Anything above 150 - 200 par is overkill for the corals you mention.

I read between 150 and 200 were good so thanks for the confirmation

 

[kzenoni]

Easy answer...

I have since added a 4 bulb T5 hybrid fixture to the AP700's. Adds about 90 par across the board. I'm running at 2/5 power, above, giving me 250 to 150 par, middle of the day. Ramps up and down, of course.

These AP700's are enough to cook anything, if I were to turn 'em all the way up.

Oh, mostly softies, anemones, some LPS.

Awesome, glad I did my homework. Now just the wait for my corals to get used to the new lights.

 

[kzenoni]

I am still learning also.. my lux is 56k before the light spreads out.. if that makes sense..

I had the black boxes (not happy after checking par) they had hotspots all over and nothing was consistent so upgraded to the radion and was very pleased with the reading.

 

[dwest]

I agree you are good. About 100 PAR on the sand is great for most mixed tanks.

 

[JCM]

At the risk of sounding pedantic, torches and hammers are hard corals not soft.

I also think your par readings are good.

 

[kzenoni]

At the risk of sounding pedantic, torches and hammers are hard corals not soft.

I also think your par readings are good.

Thanks for the information, again I’m new at this lol. I do love the torches tho

 

[kzenoni]

Thanks for the information, again I’m new at this lol. I do love the torches tho