I just tested the PAR level on my ReefBreeder Value Series with blue @ 100% and white @ 25%, 90° optics, which is where I have been running it in on my frag tank -- 410 PPF with the bottom of the LED fixture 12" off the water surface. The sensor is 3" under water and centered on the LED fixture.
I then switched over to a 250W radium bulb, using a lumatek electronic ballast set to HQI and using lumen max elite reflector -- 1026 PPF
Granted the reflector is about 6" closer to the water surface (will make an adapter to get it 12" off the surface this week) but man what a difference.... but other than that sensor was in same location in water and centered under the reflector.
Oh and the color was sooooo much better. I had forgotten how good MH looks. Next test after I build something to attach the reflector to my current hanger will be to watch the water temps and 2,4,6 and 8 hours of MH light usage. I know it will go up but would like to see by how much.
I then switched over to a 250W radium bulb, using a lumatek electronic ballast set to HQI and using lumen max elite reflector -- 1026 PPF
Granted the reflector is about 6" closer to the water surface (will make an adapter to get it 12" off the surface this week) but man what a difference.... but other than that sensor was in same location in water and centered under the reflector.
Oh and the color was sooooo much better. I had forgotten how good MH looks. Next test after I build something to attach the reflector to my current hanger will be to watch the water temps and 2,4,6 and 8 hours of MH light usage. I know it will go up but would like to see by how much.
