As before mentioned, this above was the starting point, simply by measuring the PAR throughout the day, every 30 minutes, in a fixed location in the center of the tank at a depth of 9". The PAR meter was fixed submerged so it couldn't move throughout the day.
I run an ATI Powermodule, with 2x T5 Channels with 4 bulbs each, approx 2,5months in use.
Also you see the grey bars representing the 2x ReefBrite Bars installed on the front and back of the tank.
Interesting was that each Reefbrite provided approx 40 PAR each.
The goal of this exercise was:
- Comparing the light characteristics against the curve shape of a natural Reef from Dana's articles, concerning ramp up/down and peaks/lows.
- Getting an Idea of the PAR throughout the day emmited
- Identify the theoretical DLI in the center of the tank
- Looking for optimization of the Light intensity curve closer to nature
- See if the 12-13 hours photoperiod is somewhat ok to use.
Looking at the above graph, it's already obvious, that there are some things, that can be optimized, concerning PAR.