Lighting for SPS

bif24701

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What do you think about my lighting levels? Is it too high?

180 gallons, 72x24x24"

2 each Kessil AP700s mounted ~7" from water. @ 50% peak

Pair 60" T5HO, ATI Blue Plus, mounted in front of tank about 7". On 10 hours.

This is my PMK, it's about 12-16" below the water line, toward the back. Centered under a Kessil.

Do you think that this is a good level?

Before I added the T5s a month ago my Kessil where at 80% and about the same PAR. My corals are well adjusted to this level of light. I figure this is about ideal for SPS. The Kessil put out a blanket of even PAR through the tank almost as well as the T5s. I get at least 200-250 PAR around the 1" sandbed.

NO3- 10ppm

PO4- 0.03-0.09

ALK-10

Cal-420

MAG- 1450

Salinity 35ppt

Very high flow

Bottom line is that I've seen tanks with 1/2 this PAR and look great. Am I pushing it too much? My corals seem to be happy, growing, very colorful, and great PE. Right now everything is set up for max growth as you can see. I've just been questioning things since I added the T5s and I just got the PMK this week.
 
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bif24701

bif24701

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Here are my PMK readings:
Before T5s come on and Kessils not yet at 50%:

d4eb139a9e319249c4e5aff054b2b9d7.jpg


After T5s on and Kessils now at peak (50%):
6976e19f540fed85fa76460ba315ff18.jpg


End of lighting cycle reverse:
14c67150f45210297774fe8be12a9461.jpg

5505a6e6d612c52738c5afda7e1845c6.jpg
 

graham_kyle1

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Looking for intensity recommendations. I have a 90g with a 180w razor. Mostly lps right now but wanna try some harder corals.
 
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bif24701

bif24701

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Looking for intensity recommendations. I have a 90g with a 180w razor. Mostly lps right now but wanna try some harder corals.

Do you have or access to a PAR meter? Trust me I've learned my lesson, when it comes to LEDs a PAR meter is a must.
 

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