Biocube 32 Standard Lights

[rpkneumann]

There are a hundred opinions about lights.
Let me add more to that.
I could not find a posting for the stock BioCube 32 providing measurements at different depth and investing in a PAR meter didn't seem feasible.
Coralife's specs are: (measured at 12" away from light)

• PAR* 53
• LUX* 2200
• Peak PAR* 81
• Peak LUX* 3430

I happen to have a Dr. Meter Lux meter in my toolbox so I went ahead and measured the light using this instrument plus a measuring tape.
First dry then actually packing the probe water tight under water. Result did not change significantly.

I'm aware that there a different opinions on how to convert the numbers to PAR.
Its about in the same range of what i have seen some people report.

My tank's depth to the sand is about 16" .
I measure every distance 3 times to get and average number. This is not an scientific test . Angles, probe shaking nd position to the LED field play a big role.
The results are measured in LUX and converted using this Convert Lux to PPFD (LED parameters)
16" - 3,500 Lux - 56 PAR
14" - 4,800 Lux - 77 PAR
12" - 5,600 Lux. - 89 PAR
10" - 7,700 Lux - 123 PAR
6" - 12,000 Lux - 192 PAR
2" - 18,000 Lux - 288 PAR

 

[ExpensiveSushi]

Thanks for this @rpkneumann ! Assume this was with all three lights on? Taken in the middle of the tank?

I snagged a pic from a post on another site with data that a fellow Biocube owner captured that comes close to your numbers.

I'm resisting the urge to upgrade, but also don't feel like i need some of the high-end SPS. Hoping to follow others who are staying with the stock lighting.

E/S

 

[rpkneumann]

Thanks for this @rpkneumann ! Assume this was with all three lights on? Taken in the middle of the tank?

I snagged a pic from a post on another site with data that a fellow Biocube owner captured that comes close to your numbers.

I'm resisting the urge to upgrade, but also don't feel like i need some of the high-end SPS. Hoping to follow others who are staying with the stock lighting.

E/S

The picture you linked is actually what prompted me todo the measurements.
Yes, all taken in middle of the tank.
BTW it is very easy to vary the results if you tilt the lightproble ever so slightly.
Since I just started I do not see any reason to upgrade .... for now.