PAR Readings

[johnmiller81]

I was able to get my hands on a PAR meter today and documented my PAR values. I currently keep SPS and LPS. Based on my PAR readings do you think i need to increase or decrease to support my current habitat.

Just looking for general feedback.

[mcgyvr]

Am I seeing 250-300 at the sand bed?
If so thats plenty of light for anything..

[johnmiller81]

Yep. 250-300 depending where on the sand bed. Interestingly in the right far corners it does drop to 100

[mcgyvr]

What type of lights are you using anyways?
I'd expect a bit more of a change in readings from top of tank to sand bed but depending on the light/water movement,etc.. its entirely possible..

[johnmiller81]

I dumped my Gen 3 and went to 6 bulb 60" ATI T5s on my 60" tank. The fixture is about a foot above the water level.

I wish I had the meter while I had the Gen 3.

[Ron Reefman]

What is the wide spread of readings, like 340/145?

I agree that the spread from top to bottom is smaller than I've ever seen when I measure other people's tanks. But then 99% of them are leds and t5 is reflected around more in a tank than SOME leds (the ones like Radion that use pucks rather than array).

[mcgyvr]

I just assumed that was the actinic then both channel readings..

[johnmiller81]

Oh sorry. I just realized I forgot that detail. Yes the first number are with all lights on (6 bulbs). The second reading is with 2 bulbs.