XR15 Blue Par Readings 48” tank - Fine tuning for corals

[Letterkenny]

I did a par mapping for my Waterbox 130.4 powered by 2x XR15 Blue Gen 5 lights spaced approximately 13” from either end of the tank. Tank dimensions are 48x24x22. The lights are using the AB+ spectrum (all channels at 100% and adjusting intensity for the XR15 Blues). I am trying to be Euphyllia heavy with some SPS at the top (my friend really loaded me up for “trying out” SPS).

I am currently running at 66% intensity, Based on my analysis, it seems that I should bump this up to 80% and consider adding a third XR15 down the road for the SPS. While I am no where near the 450 par that the Orpheks that these came from, will my 80% mapping be fine for these or is it rather important to get 3x XR15s?

 

[Billldg]

I would shoot for the 300 to 350 range. Though the SPS frags may object at first, they will adapt to the 300 to 350 range. You may not even know they objected as they may simply fall in line to the 300-350 range. I would definitely add a 3rd XR15 as they seem to help each other. I can't explain why, but as the BRS studies have shown, the multiple XR15's actually help out each other as the light spectrum bounce off the other fixture.

 

[Letterkenny]

I would shoot for the 300 to 350 range. Though the SPS frags may object at first, they will adapt to the 300 to 350 range. You may not even know they objected as they may simply fall in line to the 300-350 range. I would definitely add a 3rd XR15 as they seem to help each other. I can't explain why, but as the BRS studies have shown, the multiple XR15's actually help out each other as the light spectrum bounce off the other fixture.

Yea I’m going to see if I can get away adding one (wife dependent). These were under like 450 par with Orpheks but my coral guy said they also should be fine based on my 80% par map.

Is there an actual BRS with 3x XR15? I’ve only seen 2x or 4x. Would be interested in knowing the spacing.

 

[Billldg]

Yea I’m going to see if I can get away adding one (wife dependent). These were under like 450 par with Orpheks but my coral guy said they also should be fine based on my 80% par map.

Is there an actual BRS with 3x XR15? I’ve only seen 2x or 4x. Would be interested in knowing the spacing.

I haven't looked at it in a while as I plan on actually adding 5 XR15 G5 Blues. If I remember the studies didn't show a odd number, but if you look at the studies, you may be able to figure out 3 fixtures. I will add 5 to a 72 in wide tank. I plan on spacing out the 2 outer ones as wide as I can on the Aquatic Life 61 in fixture. The multiple fixtures actually help each other, thus raising par in the center when they meet. I have seen this first hand as I have a par meter and took measurements in my tank with 2 XR15 G4 pros, and the par where the 2 meet is roughly 150 par higher.

 

[Letterkenny]

I haven't looked at it in a while as I plan on actually adding 5 XR15 G5 Blues. If I remember the studies didn't show a odd number, but if you look at the studies, you may be able to figure out 3 fixtures. I will add 5 to a 72 in wide tank. I plan on spacing out the 2 outer ones as wide as I can on the Aquatic Life 61 in fixture. The multiple fixtures actually help each other, thus raising par in the center when they meet. I have seen this first hand as I have a par meter and took measurements in my tank with 2 XR15 G4 pros, and the par where the 2 meet is roughly 150 par higher.

Yes I actually saw the same thing during my testing. I just didn’t include the data point given my aquascape doesn’t support this.

 

[User1]

I believe BRS did some tests on these. Found this one - but maybe others. Not sure if it helps.

 

[Letterkenny]

I believe BRS did some tests on these. Found this one - but maybe others. Not sure if it helps.

That’s the one I referenced. Unfortunately they didn’t include and 3x setup though and didn’t include par ranges for different intensity’s.

 

[User1]

That’s the one I referenced. Unfortunately they didn’t include and 3x setup though and didn’t include par ranges for different intensity’s.

Ah - got it. Sorry about that. I thought they had a few but guess I missed that!