My par map with 2 XR 15s. How to support SPS without over lighting LPS

[FishTacos2]

I have a 4’ tank Waterbox marine x 110.4

These are my par levels with 2 radion XR 15 blues gen 6. All channels at 100% with overall 80% intensity

Basically confirms the the BRS investigates video on the Gen 5s. 2 XR 15s is great for LPS. For SPS they recommend 4 XR 15s.

Currently I’m getting even 160 par on my sand bed. If I add 2 more XR 15s to get 300 par at the top of the tank, it seems like my sand bed will increase to over 200 par.

Seems impossible to have 300 up top and 100-150 on bottom.

How do all you mixed reef folks deal with this issue. Do you just let your LPS get 200+ par?

 

[Spare time]

Just have the SPS closer to the top and in higher flow areas (which will break down the flow for the lps). A part value in the 200's is fine for SPS especially with a light that contains lots of blue/violet.

 

[Faurek]

You didn't specify actopora, so seriatopora and montipora digitata seem like good options, if you want acros maybe try smooth skins like echintas, carduus, speciosa and others only once the tank is really established.

 

[Peanut]

I have a 4’ tank Waterbox marine x 110.4

These are my par levels with 2 radion XR 15 blues gen 6. All channels at 100% with overall 80% intensity

Basically confirms the the BRS investigates video on the Gen 5s. 2 XR 15s is great for LPS. For SPS they recommend 4 XR 15s.

Currently I’m getting even 160 par on my sand bed. If I add 2 more XR 15s to get 300 par at the top of the tank, it seems like my sand bed will increase to over 200 par.

Seems impossible to have 300 up top and 100-150 on bottom.

How do all you mixed reef folks deal with this issue. Do you just let your LPS get 200+ par?

how high off the water are your lights?

 

[bubbgee]

I have a 4’ tank Waterbox marine x 110.4

These are my par levels with 2 radion XR 15 blues gen 6. All channels at 100% with overall 80% intensity

Basically confirms the the BRS investigates video on the Gen 5s. 2 XR 15s is great for LPS. For SPS they recommend 4 XR 15s.

Currently I’m getting even 160 par on my sand bed. If I add 2 more XR 15s to get 300 par at the top of the tank, it seems like my sand bed will increase to over 200 par.

Seems impossible to have 300 up top and 100-150 on bottom.

How do all you mixed reef folks deal with this issue. Do you just let your LPS get 200+ par?

I have overhangs and shadows I take advantage of for my LPS. My sandbed gets 250 par. What you could also do is get 3 XR15s and use the edges of the tank for softies and LPS. That works for me.

Middle of the tank is just for SPS if that's the case.

 

[rtparty]

6 15s over a 250g. There’s a weird reflection in the picture and it looks like more.

My LPS all thrived and many got over 300 PAR

 

[BryanM]

I have a 4’ tank Waterbox marine x 110.4

These are my par levels with 2 radion XR 15 blues gen 6. All channels at 100% with overall 80% intensity

Basically confirms the the BRS investigates video on the Gen 5s. 2 XR 15s is great for LPS. For SPS they recommend 4 XR 15s.

Currently I’m getting even 160 par on my sand bed. If I add 2 more XR 15s to get 300 par at the top of the tank, it seems like my sand bed will increase to over 200 par.

Seems impossible to have 300 up top and 100-150 on bottom.

How do all you mixed reef folks deal with this issue. Do you just let your LPS get 200+ par?

I think most people do this by shading the LPS on the sand. Under rocks, or shaded by larger SPS above them.

 

[Faurek]

If you want to upgrade lights I would go slow and add a 3rd on a very low setting then slowly go up