AI Prime HD settings for 6 gallon shallow lagoon

ArtofReefing · Jan 25, 2021

Hey guys, I'm having trouble getting the right amount of light to my tank and buying or renting a par meter is not possible for me at the moment. My tank is 16Wx16L and 8 inches tall. The AI Prime HD is 7½ inches above the water line and the corals are about 6 inches below the water level even though its an 8 inch deep tank the sand bed takes up roughly 2inches. Its an lps and softie dominated tank so intense light is not my goal. I just don't know if I'm giving my coral too little amount of light with my current prime hd settings. I'm going to post a picture of my lighting schedule maybe someone thats familiar with the prime hd can help. I feel like I can turn my lights up higher but without knowing the par I'm afraid of bleaching my corals do to the shallow tank.

MONTANTK · Jan 26, 2021

Without looking at a par meter I’d say they’re getting enough light. I run my primes very close to your settings and I was getting 250-350 par up top with 120-150 towards the bottom and my tank is a 7.5G peninsula. I can’t remember if I tested par with one prime or two. Almost positive it was one. Regardless you should be okay. Only thing I’d consider is maybe reducing the time at peak intensity by an hour or two but if your corals look happy, and they do, I wouldn’t change anything

ArtofReefing · Jan 27, 2021

MONTANTK said:
Without looking at a par meter I’d say they’re getting enough light. I run my primes very close to your settings and I was getting 250-350 par up top with 120-150 towards the bottom and my tank is a 7.5G peninsula. I can’t remember if I tested par with one prime or two. Almost positive it was one. Regardless you should be okay. Only thing I’d consider is maybe reducing the time at peak intensity by an hour or two but if your corals look happy, and they do, I wouldn’t change anything

Okay great advice, I appreciate the input. So far the corals have been doing great with this light setting. I don't want to push the limits if not necessary so I think I'll ll keep it just how it is like you suggested.