Help With PAR Measurements

[Rovert]

I have 2x 32" ReefBreeders Photons about 12" above the waterline on a CADE1800 and want to use my Seneye to measure my PAR at certain levels to be sure I'm optimizing the light level for what is intended to be a mixed reef SPS dominant, but need advice on the procedure.

Given the Photons can be adjusted from 0%-100% across 6 channels, I was thinking of starting by measuring with these parameters to get a baseline:

• First set of all channels in above positions at 100%
• Second set of 9 with all channels at 50% output
• Adjust to a 'reef' spectra favoring spikes in the blues and reds
• Third set at 100% for Violet, Royal Blue and Ice Blue) 50% for Red and Green:
• Fourt set at 50% for Blues and Red/Green

My understanding of the White channel is that it's more for visual appeal than for photosynthesis of the corals. The goal here is to have some sort of benchmark of the output so I don't under- or over-light my tank. I also understand that about 300-350 is the goal for SPS at the upper levels of the tank, with 100-150 on the sand bed, but would that be enough when I start adding T. Maximas?

Input on photo period is also welcome. Right now the tank runs from 2PM-10PM ramping up blues to 60%, with red/green at 20% and white at 10% maximum about an hour into the day and backing off about an hour before the end of the period. Too much? Not enough? Is it OK to have more intense lighting for a shorter period (or vice-versa) for aesthetics? Could use some help here.

Am I over-thinking this? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[minus9]

Check out @therman thread, he uses these lights and grows the crap out of sps all day long.

 

[Floyd-]

I have two reefbreeders on my Max S-650 tank. With the lights about 13" off the water at the moment I have all blues at 70%, White at 35% and red and green at 7%. I need to get new PAR numbers but last I checked at 65% blues I was only at 140ish on my rocks. Im slowly bumping up 5% at a time until my corals dont reach for the light. Might end up at 80% or so with this deep tank.

 

[kriskool123]

I have a red sea 350 g2.. 48 inches long, 21 inches height and 20 inches wide. I have a photon 48 set to 100% blue/violet /cool blue.. 10% red and green channels and 30% white channel...

I have it mounted at 14 inches tall and getting only 380 par at top rock structure. Is there a way to hit 450-500 at top level? Should I lower the light to get better par?

I prefer to have lower par on the outer edges.

 

[oreo54]

"Standard" height is 8".
Which is about right for a 24" wide tank.

6.5" for a 20" wide tank..

 

[oreo54]

I have it mounted at 14 inches tall and getting only 380 par at top rock structure. Is there a way to hit 450-500 at top level? Should I lower the light to get better par?

That height is good for a 36" wide tank.

 

[Hooz]

I mean, have you watched this yet?

 

[oreo54]

I mean, have you watched this yet?

Those heights are intense. I see he did mention the spill outside the tank at the end

 

[Floyd-]

Yes I saw that video and it helped point me in the right direction. I have the same light ratio and about the same mounting height.