Reef-Safe PAR distribution

ReefLED 90 used for demonstration PAR distribution

Aquarium PAR Map

How we measured
Measurements taken in a saltwater aquarium using an Ocean Optics Flame T VIS-NIR spectrophotometer.
ReefLED 160S mounted 31cm / 12” above the center of a 80x80x80cm / 32″x32″x32″.
ReefLED 90 mounted 21cm / 8” above the center of a 60x60x60cm / 24”x24”x24”.
ReefLED 50 mounted 17cm / 7” above the center of a 50x50x50cm / 20″x20″x20″.

PAR vs. PUR

Using PAR measurements only to determine light quality or compatibility of a specific light unit for coral photobiology can be misleading.

The PAR measurement was developed to measure the Photosynthetic Active Radiation of plants that is within the visible light region (400 -700 nm).

The Photosynthetic Utilized Radiation or PUR that is relevant for optimal Zooxanthellae photosynthesis is between 360- 480 nm which starts outside the range of visible light (measured by PAR meters) in the UV region and continues into the blue part of the visible light range.

Read more

PUR/PAR values at a point directly under the center of the ReefLED, just below the water surface.

Reef-Safe PAR distribution

ReefLED 90 used for demonstration PAR distribution

Aquarium PAR Map

PAR vs. PUR

Using PAR measurements only to determine light quality or compatibility of a specific light unit for coral photobiology can be misleading.

The PAR measurement was developed to measure the Photosynthetic Active Radiation of plants that is within the visible light region (400 -700 nm).

The Photosynthetic Utilized Radiation or PUR that is relevant for optimal Zooxanthellae photosynthesis is between 360- 480 nm which starts outside the range of visible light (measured by PAR meters) in the UV region and continues into the blue part of the visible light range.

Read more

PUR/PAR values at a point directly under the center of the ReefLED, just below the water surface.