mindeeo

I also found, as did Melev, that surface water movement had a significant effect on par. With my powerheads off, PAR was much higher. However, since we don't run our tank without water movement (obviously), we only shared the readings based on our powerheads set to their normal flow. edit: I just realized I am posting on my wife's account. Darn, I wanted to be Smart Brother and now she gets all the credit! lol

His numbers actually aren't that far off from ours. Points A and S in our tank are about 11" under the surface with readings of 315 and 300 respectively. In comparison, he gets readings at 12" of 349 to 283 (depending on method used). It's also worth noting that the numbers quoted are from a 400w radium, whereas we have 250w radiums. No doubt I need to replace the bulbs due to age! I plan to swap them in the next month or so and I will remap and share our findings.

Do the PAR readings seem low? We have great coral growth (or seem it seems without having a comparison model), but more would be great!

Also, I could not resist adding a few pictures of our new corals. (Easy on the photographer... I have much more practice capturing kids and dogs!)

We did a PAR mapping of our tank. Although we gained much data from this, and it appears to all be good, we thought we'd share it to see if others have any insight. Feedback, thoughts, ideas, etc. welcome!

We finally got a good look at him, and he doesn't look so scary.

I am embarrassed to admit now that I only posed the question out of curiosity. I don't have frogspawn (yet); nonetheless, I hope others find this insight useful. I did!

That is the name of the game with saltwater tanks! Waiting....

Great stuff! We stopped by today on the way to the boatshow, and nearly had to buy something and return home (instead of proceeding tothe boat show). Thanks John, and staff, for a great diversion and we will beback! Also, you have a coloring table? I wish I would haveknown!

Can the growth be removed?

I prefer corals, my husband loves fish. Although I wouldn't admit it to him, if I had to give up one - good bye corals. In the meantime, I am grateful to have both and hope to maintain.

Vienna, VA, the home of the Vienna Inn chili dog! Can't beat that...

We are planning a ricordia garden on our floor, but doing it on sand. As for the sand, not sure of all of the advantages or disadvantages. I think some growth looks great on the tank floor. For us, with a smaller tank, it also allows for more "stuff". Look forward to see what you will do.

We got some pretty strong magnets at Harbor Freight. If you have one near you, it might be worth a shot.

Something to do with a peacock? I dunno.

Wellthat is an exclusive club that I don't want to join - scary!

Piper21, I am impressed. You have some great pics, and can even make a frag look great!

Phone? Wow! Really? Great pics!

So, did you order it? I'm sure your wife would be so excited.

I am just starting out in the hobby (although my husband is much more experienced) and wonder how (you) others determine how many corals to put in a tank. When I garden, for each seedling I purchase, there is info about how much space the plant will eventually need. I struggle to figure that similar info out for corals. How did you gauge how many corals to place in your tank?

I was curious about the zig zag periwinkle, and found: http://reefcleaners.org/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=4&flypage=flypage.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=34. Why did you decide to add these? Seem interesting....

There are plenty of great vendors out your way- brk, aquatic obsession, even fins and feathers isn't too far from you.

Impressive!! Enjoyed the pics, and got a lot of nice ideas.

That is super cool. I can't wait to learn more about it.

+1 If you don't have others, have you considered getting another fish (that eats)?