Is PAR relevant in a reef?

ZLogic · 12/01/2013, 07:55 PM

From keeping planted tanks, I know that the wattage isn't as important as the overall PAR rating combining distance from light source, spectrum and intensity. Does the same go with corals?

CoralReeForrest · 12/01/2013, 08:02 PM

Yes.

Dmorty217 · 12/01/2013, 08:16 PM

Par does matter but so does spectrum. You can have high par but not the right spectrum and you will see little to no growth

SGT_York · 12/02/2013, 07:32 AM

Not really,

PAR is Photosynthetic Active Radiation by definition it is the light that is within the spectrum required for photosynthesis. Generaly this is the light that the corals "see" all other light is just for asthetics or may be damaging.

Reef Frog · 12/02/2013, 09:11 AM

As you know, light is all important and different species can require vastly different placement with regards to light. Corals react differently LEDs, T5s, MH and a PAR meter can take some of the guesswork out of placement.

The problem is the meters are expensive and there is little good reference data to start with. We do know about general requirements & most place a new coral low in the tank out if direct light and move it up gradually, seeing if it will thrive in the place we would like to place & mount it permanently.

Yes, distance of the light fixture from the water surface AND the depth of the water column are important to how much light radiation a particular coral will receive.

12/01/2013, 07:55 PM	#1
ZLogic Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 8	Is PAR relevant in a reef? From keeping planted tanks, I know that the wattage isn't as important as the overall PAR rating combining distance from light source, spectrum and intensity. Does the same go with corals?

12/01/2013, 08:16 PM	#3
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Par does matter but so does spectrum. You can have high par but not the right spectrum and you will see little to no growth __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

12/01/2013, 08:02 PM	#2
CoralReeForrest Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Redding,Ca Posts: 1,010	Yes.

12/02/2013, 07:32 AM	#4
SGT_York Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,746	Not really, PAR is Photosynthetic Active Radiation by definition it is the light that is within the spectrum required for photosynthesis. Generaly this is the light that the corals "see" all other light is just for asthetics or may be damaging.

12/02/2013, 09:11 AM	#5
Reef Frog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,121	As you know, light is all important and different species can require vastly different placement with regards to light. Corals react differently LEDs, T5s, MH and a PAR meter can take some of the guesswork out of placement. The problem is the meters are expensive and there is little good reference data to start with. We do know about general requirements & most place a new coral low in the tank out if direct light and move it up gradually, seeing if it will thrive in the place we would like to place & mount it permanently. Yes, distance of the light fixture from the water surface AND the depth of the water column are important to how much light radiation a particular coral will receive.