Lighting my 69g

[ChrisfromBrick]

So my tank is 36Lx 21w x 21 deep. I have one Kessil A360x over center.

I know that it only covers 24” length by 24”w. For softies (and a few LPS) that are in its coverage zone, is this adequate? What I really am trying to ask is: will adding more overlapping light create faster growth in my zoas? I don’t know the par levels and not that interested in measuring it.

The corals in coverage zone look fine and maybe I am overthinking this but I want to make sure I am giving them enough light.
In the future, I understand that if I want more corals to fill entire tank, I will need to widen that coverage. I DO plan to get sps but not for at least a few months.

 

[Rjukan]

Do you have it running at 100% how high above the water do you have it mounted?

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Do you have it running at 100% how high above the water do you have it mounted?

Thanks- runs up to 70% (at its peak almost all blue) and is 10” off the water.

 

[Kodski]

I don’t know the par levels and not that interested in measuring it.

But why?

You're asking a question that can quite literally only be accurately answered by testing your par. So many variables to your question like your power settings on your light, shadows from your rock structure, shadows caused by corals, mounting height, water clarity ect. Then if you add a second light, how will you know if your light is now too strong for your corals? Testing par is the only what to truly know if your lighting solution is adequate for the corals you wish to keep. A few people on the internet with the same light might give you an answer that might be right or wrong but ultimately you'll figure it out by one of two ways. Either with trial and error or the easier way of testing your par. There's a reason you see it talked about so much, its just simply important information to know and isn't any different than nutrient levels in your tank. You can grow corals without testing your par like I said with trial and error, But the whole point of your post you're asking how can you ensure the best growth of the corals. The only way to do that is to test and know your par in the tank.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

gotcha and good point - so the reason is because i don’t want to spend hundreds on a par meter.

 

[Kodski]

gotcha and good point - so the reason is because i don’t want to spend hundreds on a par meter.

You'll more than likely be able to find somewhere to rent one from. A lot of LFS rent them out, just call around and ask. Otherwise they may know of someone local who does too. If not, BRS technically rents them out.