Is my par map acceptable for sps dominant mixed reef?

[KatoJoe]

Hi guys. So I’m currently in the process of cycling my new build and first serious tank. I have some questions about PAR. I’ll try to attach a photo with PAR measurements taken with apogee mq-510.

I’d like the tank to be an sps dominant mixed reef. My concern is that the PAR might not be high enough for SPS but if I add another light will it be too much for the lps I’d like to keep down low? In that case would I have to wait for SPS to grow out and shadow the lower portion of the tank a bit or might the lps be okay with the higher light? I’m sure it’s specific to each exact type of coral but I’m just wondering what peoples generalized experience might be in a similar situation.

Ultimately, should I add a third light from the start or leave as is? I would be adding one of the same lights I already have. Tank is a Red Sea reefer 425 (93) gallons I think. 4 foot by 22” or 24” high if I remember right. Lights are 2 radion xr15 gen 6 running ab+ At 100% when par measurements were taken.
Thanks!

 

[mtraylor]

You said sps dominant. You need a third light imo. Then take measurements again. You only have 200par at middle of tank at top of rock work.

 

[MaxTremors]

I agree, you’re underpowered for an SPS dominant tank. If you’ve got LPS you want to keep towards the bottom, I would add an XR30 to the center of the tank and have the XR15s on the sides, this will create slightly lower PAR on the sides for your LPS, and provide higher PAR in the center of the tank.

 

[biecacka]

PAR & Reef Tank Lighting Schedules: What's The Ideal Output Intensity For Your LED Light? - BRStv Reef FAQs

Slide and pray is becoming a tired story about reefers trying to find the right PAR values and reef tank lighting schedule. The proven results with simple plug and play T5 and metal halide lighting is a thing of the past because the high-powered LED lights of modern reefkeeping gives users complete

www.bulkreefsupply.com

good info there


corey

 

[KatoJoe]

Thanks for the replies guys. That was my feeling as well. I know the PAR up top was on the low end for sps and figured I need to add another light. However, I was surprised to see the 150ish par at the sand bed also and thought “how am I going to get into an acceptable range for both lol! I’m leaning towards adding a light and making it work for LPS with clever placement, hopefully!

 

[biecacka]

Per WWC and BRS, 250 is sufficient. You could start with what you have and if you feel the need to add more, do so.

Corey

 

[Uncle99]

Those numbers look good at this point.
Maybe as they grown in terms of volume you might need to add some par but that’s down the road.
Most tanks are over lit, not under lit.

 

[design.maddie]

I have a very similar setup as you. You can go check out my SPS growth with the same footprint and lights. (1/2 sized) It grows SPS very well in the top 10" of the water column. Anything lower and the growth will be stunted. Montiporas, Leptoseris, Pavona, Cyphastrea, Pocillopora and Porites will all grow very well in these lights. I am currently working with Acros and Millies. They are a bit slower to grow but it could have been to a lack of a nutrient. What I find to be a big key when operating at this minimum level with PAR is water movement. I have a very healthy bit of water movement. I believe that it allows the corals to be more efficient with their photosynthesis.

Should some SPS be kept in 350+ PAR? Sure. Can you grow healthy SPS at 175-250 PAR? Yes.

 

[KatoJoe]

Per WWC and BRS, 250 is sufficient. You could start with what you have and if you feel the need to add more, do so.

Corey

Yeah, I only have 250 right under the water surface about 2 inches though. More like 180-200 where the corals would attach to rock. Granted they would grow closer to the higher PAR area as they get bigger. That article has some interesting info on extending the time the lights are on for lower PAR levels. Might be and option for me.

 

[KatoJoe]

I have a very similar setup as you. You can go check out my SPS growth with the same footprint and lights. (1/2 sized) It grows SPS very well in the top 10" of the water column. Anything lower and the growth will be stunted. Montiporas, Leptoseris, Pavona, Cyphastrea, Pocillopora and Porites will all grow very well in these lights. I am currently working with Acros and Millies. They are a bit slower to grow but it could have been to a lack of a nutrient. What I find to be a big key when operating at this minimum level with PAR is water movement. I have a very healthy bit of water movement. I believe that it allows the corals to be more efficient with their photosynthesis.

Should some SPS be kept in 350+ PAR? Sure. Can you grow healthy SPS at 175-250 PAR? Yes.

Thanks! Very helpful response. I’ll be sure to look at yours when I have time later today.

 

[biecacka]

Here are my tanks readings. And growth of TSA Fuzz. 2/24/22 until 7/16 I think.
granted there is more than just light needed.


corey