1. What is PAR?

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measures the light intensity available for photosynthesis in the 400-700 nm wavelength range. It's crucial for determining if aquarium lighting provides sufficient energy for healthy plant growth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the PAR equation:

Where:

• \( PAR \) — Photosynthetically Active Radiation (µmol/m²/s)
• \( Watts \) — LED power consumption (watts)
• \( Efficiency \) — LED efficiency (2-3 µmol/J)
• \( Area \) — Tank bottom area (m²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the amount of photosynthetically usable light reaching the plants based on LED specifications and tank dimensions.

3. Importance of PAR Calculation

Details: Proper PAR levels are essential for aquatic plant health, growth rates, and preventing algae issues. Different plant species require different PAR intensities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter LED power in watts, efficiency between 2-3 µmol/J, and tank bottom area in square meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical PAR requirements for aquarium plants?
A: Low-light plants: 10-30 µmol/m²/s, Medium-light: 30-50 µmol/m²/s, High-light: 50+ µmol/m²/s.

Q2: How do I measure tank bottom area?
A: Multiply tank length by width in meters. For example, 60cm × 30cm = 0.6m × 0.3m = 0.18m².

Q3: What affects LED efficiency?
A: LED quality, spectrum, age, and thermal management. High-quality LEDs typically achieve 2.5-3 µmol/J.

Q4: Can I use this for other light types?
A: This calculator is optimized for LED lighting. Fluorescent and metal halide lights have different efficiency characteristics.

Q5: How does water depth affect PAR?
A: PAR decreases with depth due to water absorption. This calculator provides surface-level estimates.