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If you're running 400w metal halide, you do not need more PAR. I suggest you read up on how to position the lighting and how to place corals. You put your first SPS frag in your tank about 3 weeks ago. You do not need more PAR.Is there anyone out there using 600w MHs? If so, what ballast and bulbs are you using? I'm currently running mine at 400w, but need more par.
Parameters are stable (Alk & Cal). They don't move much at all. This is actually my 4th reef tank. I've just been out of it for a while. The frags are doing well and encrusting, but I do wonder if having par greater 300 would help produce faster growth and better color. I've heard people say SPS really excels when you have them under 600 par (non-LEDs)If you're running 400w metal halide, you do not need more PAR. I suggest you read up on how to position the lighting and how to place corals. You put your first SPS frag in your tank about 3 weeks ago. You do not need more PAR.
You probably need better understanding of water chemistry and flow, but if you have enough fixtures to cover the tank, lighting isn't your issue.
I actually thought about that. I'll definitely see about making the switch. Thanks!Switch from black to clear mesh .
There is a thread on the difference in par.
Screen Top PAR Reduction
I did a test today to see what the difference in PAR was for my tank from screen top on to screen top off. I used a Seneye and the results are shown in the screenshots. The Seneye was kept in the same position on the sand about center tank. For the screen top on I passed the Seneye cord through...www.reef2reef.com
That’s interesting. Good to know about the selection.The next step up is 1000w Halides. Hamilton has these with reef type of bulbs in 10k, 14k and 20k, I think.
Yea that was my thread. I stopped using them because growth was more than I needed in a 12" deep frag system.I found the thread, but agree the above is something to consider. Very few folks have tanks big enough to run 400 watt halides, let alone need 600.
Ushio 7k 600 Watt Metal Halide Test
I posted this in another thread and thought I would post it here as it will be an ongoing test. Hamilton 20"x20" reflector. Quantum electronic ballast. Ushio 7K 600 Watt MH conversion bulb. It will be run on my 36x24x12 frag system. Replacing my 150 watt 14K de Phoenix system. Yes its overkill...www.reef2reef.com
54''x33''x24''. The light hangs about 11'' from the water surface.Maybe I missed it. How deep is this tank?
Right now I'm using 14k Hamiltons, so I'm sure I could gain more par with the 10K. Like you, I have the OR3's on the sides. I ordered the clear screen mesh, so I'll be interested to see what my par meter says.Lower K equals higher par.
You will need some supplemental blue to get the color you want.
Definitely not with a 400w ballast. You may be able to with a 1000w light and LEDs as a supplement. I have 2x 400w MHs & 3x orphek OR3 bars and still only getting 220 at bottom and 300 mid.I was planning using the Cozumel Suns Large Pendant 20x20x9 and using 4 36" T-5's for my 96x40x36 tank... Are you suggesting that they are not enough power for a deep tank?