[nivenethan]

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

Nikon D40 / Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Macro with one of Melevs acrylic shoot-down boxes



+1 on patience.

I've been 100% LED for about a year, and I'm still learning and adjusting, looking for the optimal levels (as are most that made the early jump to LEDs.) I adjust intensities every couple weeks, and often rotate stock between the DT and FT to see what changes occur between the AI and Maxspect LED coloration. At present, I'm at 36%W/100%B on 2 SOL White units raised 17.5" ATWL. My Acans are 100~150 PAR. My Purple Bonsai also lightened significantly but is steadily recovering from it's near-death bleaching event. As for Red Planet, mine is mostly green with just a hint of pink, although it is just now beginning to improve.

Coloration has been the only issue (aside from the initial bleaching due to my ignorance of the PAR output of LEDs.) I've experienced great growth rates from both SPS and LPS.

Each time I've lowered light output, coloration has improved overall (although that could be anecdotal and a result of the corals continuing to recover.) I'm watching for the point that no further improvement is gained at lesser light levels, then I'll very slowly work on increasing intensity.

I'll second the above. I'm running my Gen 2 AI's at 12" above water and corals start at about 10" below that. Purple Bonsai is 20" below water....its a little pale, but getting better. Red Planet is 12" below water and really starting to darken up nicely and greens starting to come out.

I started lights out at 90%W & 100%B....wow...corals didn't like that. I'm down to 65%W & 100%B.....up from a previous 50%W & 100% Blue. I think I'm settling in somewhere around 60-65%W.

I have 8 modules over an 8 foot 300 gallon.