LED's & Par?

[MizTanks]

Can someone explain to me how a par reading of 250 from LED's could burn corals but a Par reading of 400 from T5's won't?

[Dmmz]

Wish I knew more about lighting and could help you but I have no idea hopefully somebody can help you out

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Here's an article I just found... I just skimmed it but it looks like different meters can read high or low depending on the LED spectrum.

Aquarium Equipment: PAR Meters and LEDs - How Accurate are the Measurements? A Comparison of Three Meters and Lux to PAR Conversion Factors for LEDs — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/2/equipment)

[MizTanks]

Awesome Tom! Thanks :) When another reefer said this happened to him, while using my same lights. I became concerned. Me having no way to measure my par, pur or lux, know what I mean?

[MizTanks]

Bummer...the link doesn't work :(

[Dmmz]

Works for me

[MizTanks]

It takes me to the sight but then right away it leaves and I get this message.

SECURITY WARNING: Please treat the URL above as you would your password and do not share it with anyone. See the Facebook Help Center for more information.

[Dmmz]

That is weird I am using my phone so it is probably differnt

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Bummer...the link doesn't work :(

I think I just Bing searched "reef LED PAR measurements" or similar. May be that will get you into the page.

[MizTanks]

Ok. I did find another sight that I found to be very very helpful. In that it explains pretty much what light is actually useful to my corals.
https://reefledlights.com/ledmytank/

[binford4000]

Haven't had time to read the info but it sounds like your talking of spectrum. As Jamie knows I have been running LEDS for close to 5 years now. First issue with LEDs is that PAR readings while helpful must also be considered off by at least 25% at a minimum. T5 also produce light the full length of the bulb while LEDs are more directional or more like spot lights that use a reflector to create a spread. But still have a direct beam in the centers that can easily burn coral. I have found that my LEDs perform best when raised over 12" above the water line. I presently have my six SOL LEDS at a height of 16". Getting the spectrum correct is critical for the health of the coral and this is best accomplished by observation due to the incredible high cost of the analyzer used to measure it. Most of the new higher end fixtures have pre programmed settings that can be tweaked to the reefers likeing.Well that's my .02

[MizTanks]

Chuck-at what intensity are you running your whites compared to your blues?

[binford4000]

Chuck-at what intensity are you running your whites compared to your blues?

I presently have my whites at 22% and both blues at 100%. HTHY

[MizTanks]

Exactly what I needed to hear :) Meaning I'm on the right track!!!

[MizTanks]

Well my white schedule now runs like so....on at 1% 9:30am ramping every 10min up to 20% by 1pm then ramping down every 10min off by 3pm.
My blues on at 9am at 3% ramping every 10min up to 50% by 3pm then ramping down every 10min off at 7pm. Lunars on from 7-9.
I've promised myself to leave them like this for the next two weeks. I like the look! Coral colors look great and even my Birds Nest skeleton is coloring up while the polyps remain a vibrant green.

[binford4000]

Sounds like a plan. Rember after two weeks if it ain't broke leave it alone and enjoy it

[MizTanks]

Will do :)