Par for LPS

[petcellar]

Heading to RAP this weekend and going to get a few corals to start stocking my tank.

It's a Red Sea (I know:confused:) 900 G2. I've had it up and running with fish for months. It's lit with 3 ReefLED 160s. I put it on the default 20K Red Sea settings.... basically cranks the blue up all the way and the white to about 50%.

I've attached a PAR map below. Basically it's about 150 or so on the sand.

I'm planning on doing a mixed LPS with some softies. Probably not going to do much with SPS in this setup.... at least not at this time.

I know PAR levels are just general guidelines, and I know there is no magic number.

But thinking general broad trends.... I think its probably a bit much for a mainly LPS tank. I'm thinking it might stress the corals out a bit, and also intensify algae battles without much benefit, if any.

What would y'all recommend for PAR levels on the sand for this tank?

 

[TX_REEF]

LPS will thrive in the areas from 100-150 par and low to moderate flow. You should be able to grow most SPS in the 200-300 zone near the top center, as long as sufficient flow is there.

 

[petcellar]

LPS will thrive in the areas from 100-150 par and low to moderate flow. You should be able to grow most LPS in the 200-300 zone near the top center, as long as sufficient flow is there.

Gotcha! So as long as flow is good up top you think I should leave it how it is for now.

Appreciate the advice!

 

[VintageReefer]

I keep 100 and sometimes think it’s too much for some lps

 

[Science/G]

Looks good.. some SPS up high, montipora, Anacropora, smoothskin acros, even light demanding acros at 300 par. LPS to the sides and middle scape. Favites, stylos, Duncan's, torches Lobos, acans. Cyphastrea and chalices down low. Nice!

 

[TX_REEF]

Gotcha! So as long as flow is good up top you think I should leave it how it is for now.

Appreciate the advice!

I meant SPS in the top center, but I think you got my meaning despite my typo :)

 

[mjszos]

Most LPS for me historically has been in the sweet spot below 150.

I have had some success very slowly acclimating some LPS to higher PAR, but it’s always been hit or miss.

 

[LPS Bum]

I have a Gen 2 Reefer 625 with 3 ReefLED 90s. Similar set up to yours.

Depends on which LPS corals you want to keep. My fleshy LPS (Acanthos, Elegance, Scolys, Trachys, Bubbles, etc) prefer lower PAR. Around 50-80, with low flow. Torches and Hammers like a bit more. Favias and Chalice somewhere in between. I’d say 50 on the low end and 100 on the high end is perfect. Maybe 150 tops for the Euphylias.