What exactly is PAR

MBVette · 02/17/2009, 10:35 AM

can someone explain to me what exactly PAR is.

Thanks

Juruense · 02/17/2009, 10:46 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photosy...tive_radiation

MBVette · 02/17/2009, 10:53 AM

ok how about what is PAR and how does it relate to the aquariums. That is not in a language that I understand. lol

kraze3 · 02/17/2009, 10:58 AM

Its basically how the light reaches different depths in your tank. Just because they are bright doesnt mean that photosynthesis is taking place. A reg flashlight will light up the bottom of your tank but corals cannot grow with this light.

MBVette · 02/17/2009, 11:02 AM

Thanks Kraze.

IslandCrow · 02/17/2009, 11:41 AM

In very simplistic terms, PAR (or Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is the amount of light that is usable for photosynthesis. It's measured in a unit called a micro Einstein. So, just as Kraze said, it's important in a reef aquarium, because it's the most practical way to measure how much light a coral is receiving that contributes to the photosynthetic process.

ArizonaReefer · 02/17/2009, 05:43 PM

Does the type of Metal Halide bulb make a difference? DE HQI or Mogul Base?

Is one type better than the other?

Juruense · 02/17/2009, 05:46 PM

Alright, even though I got NO thanks and NO love I am back with another PAR link: http://www.melevsreef.com/par_readings.html

ezcompany · 02/17/2009, 05:56 PM

THanks Juruense, we love you

Juruense · 02/17/2009, 06:01 PM

IslandCrow · 02/17/2009, 08:39 PM

Very cool. I hadn't seen that section on Melev's site before. I definitely like his PAR sensor handle. Leave it to the acrylic king. . .

Tylt33 · 02/17/2009, 08:45 PM

Lumens are for humans and PAR is for coral. It's how much energy (i.e. food) is available from any given light. More PAR = more food.

02/17/2009, 10:35 AM	#1
MBVette Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Haymarket, VA Posts: 327	What exactly is PAR can someone explain to me what exactly PAR is. Thanks

02/17/2009, 11:41 AM	#6
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	In very simplistic terms, PAR (or Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is the amount of light that is usable for photosynthesis. It's measured in a unit called a micro Einstein. So, just as Kraze said, it's important in a reef aquarium, because it's the most practical way to measure how much light a coral is receiving that contributes to the photosynthetic process. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

02/17/2009, 05:56 PM	#9
ezcompany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,640	THanks Juruense, we love you __________________ Jin Have a nice day! Current Tank Info: IM40

02/17/2009, 08:39 PM	#11
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Very cool. I hadn't seen that section on Melev's site before. I definitely like his PAR sensor handle. Leave it to the acrylic king. . . __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

02/17/2009, 10:46 AM	#2
Juruense Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,138	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photosy...tive_radiation

02/17/2009, 10:53 AM	#3
MBVette Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Haymarket, VA Posts: 327	ok how about what is PAR and how does it relate to the aquariums. That is not in a language that I understand. lol

02/17/2009, 10:58 AM	#4
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	Its basically how the light reaches different depths in your tank. Just because they are bright doesnt mean that photosynthesis is taking place. A reg flashlight will light up the bottom of your tank but corals cannot grow with this light.

02/17/2009, 11:02 AM	#5
MBVette Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Haymarket, VA Posts: 327	Thanks Kraze.

02/17/2009, 05:43 PM	#7
ArizonaReefer And Now a FloridaReefer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 820	Does the type of Metal Halide bulb make a difference? DE HQI or Mogul Base? Is one type better than the other?

02/17/2009, 05:46 PM	#8
Juruense Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,138	Alright, even though I got NO thanks and NO love I am back with another PAR link: http://www.melevsreef.com/par_readings.html

02/17/2009, 06:01 PM	#10
Juruense Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 1,138

02/17/2009, 08:45 PM	#12
Tylt33 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chico, California Posts: 1,755	Lumens are for humans and PAR is for coral. It's how much energy (i.e. food) is available from any given light. More PAR = more food.