PAR Testing Advice

[BigRich]

Hi everyone I’m hoping for some advice on two separate PAR questions;

1) Should you shut off all flow when taking PAR measurements with the Apogee? What is the more accurate or “better” way? I’ve noticed a pretty big difference in readings with flow on vs off.

2) During “blue” only light schedule(Radion G4 pros) should I try to get the same PAR recommended for the coral or should it always be lower? Currently I’m only running my blue schedule at 35% intensity(each blue channel/slider is at a 100%)

I’m running a modified SPS AB+ program. Any tips or insight would be great! Thanks, Rich

 

[IslandLifeReef]

IMO, you should test with the pumps on, unless your pumps are usually off when the lights are on. Reflection and refraction change significantly with water movement, so IMO, testing with the pumps on gives you a more realistic value of what your corals are seeing.

 

[BigRich]

IMO, you should test with the pumps on, unless your pumps are usually off when the lights are on. Reflection and refraction change significantly with water movement, so IMO, testing with the pumps on gives you a more realistic value of what your corals are seeing.

Thats what I was thinking. Any ideas on the second part of my question, should I try for a specific PAR when running just "blues" on my radions? Thanks again