I’ve always used a LUX meter to measure light over my SPS, however I figured it was time to do the real test and use a PAR meter. Because of the advice I’ve read in topics in the past you can somewhat gauge lighting intensity with a LUX meter, seems like I remember reading 25k-80k was acceptable range for LUX over SPS. Now I don’t know enough to be able disprove anything so this is all here-say. But I can say that I’ve been lighting my tank according to my LUX meter UNTIL today!
I was recommended, by a friend , to visit #TopShelfAquatics where they will happily rent you out a very nice PAR meter for 20-30 dollars for 24 hours!
Upon returning home with the PAR meter and taking a few quick reading under my current settings on both my Dimmable Sunpower +Reefbrite Tech LED strip and a Radion xr15w pro I was shocked to find out that I was only reading between 115 and 190 PAR! While that is acceptable for some SPS and all LPS, science proves (according to
Bulk Reef Supply) that an acceptable range is between 250-350 PAR with some exceptions involving growth vs color. Growth happening at the lower end (250 PAR) and color at the higher end (350 PAR). I decided to shoot for 250-400 ending up at around 280 near the edges and between 375-400 in the center.
Basically, at the end of the day I’ll ALWAYS recommend using a PAR meter to measure light. You can get under the water right next to the coral so you know exactly what the coral is getting. It was extremely easy to do and has given me peace of mind knowing I’m giving my sticks what they need. Check your LFS and see if they rent one out, you may have to drive 1.5 hours away like I did, but it’s totally worth it! Thanks #TopShelfAquatics and make sure you stop in and check them out, lemme show you why you should!
@TopShelfAquatics Orlando
