G3 and G4 pro light diffuser question

[PerplexyHexy]

Just wanted to hear everyones input on using the diffusers on their xr15 pros... I have 2 G3 pros and 1 G4 pro and I am getting scattered reading with my par meter... was wondering if using the diffusers would even out the numbers a bit... what about using the wide angle lens for the G3s? Just wanted to get some input on this stuff and a little more consistent par readings...

 

[Rakie]

THey are game changers. Use them, they're amazing. UNLESS, you have a LARGE system with a BUNCH of them, then they aren't necessary. If you have a single xr30, or an XR15, they are necessary.

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Looks like im gonna have to try it... the way I have it now just makes them spotlight the area they are under... you think they will have some type of deal on them at RAP? Im hoping they will

 

[Rakie]

I can tell you even a G4 XR15 was seriously harming my mushrooms at 50%, while not giving any par to the corals in the corner of the frag tank. Adding the diffuser made a HUGE difference. And the G4 optics are already a gigantic improvement over the G3.

For your G3, go wide optics TIR Lens and a Diffuser.

 

[pecan2phat]

I use one on my rimless open top tank because the G4 optics are blinding when you are sitting down and are eye level or below the light. It's definitely a must IMO for setups like that but I also have another tank with a canopy and I do not use the diffusers in that setup.
Yes, it blends the light better and removes any spot lighting but it also decreases PAR by quite a bit based on my PAR meter measurements.