Coral Lighting Calculator
Calculate ideal PAR levels and placement zones for your corals based on species and tank depth.
What type of coral?
Tank Depth
Common depths: 12" (nano), 18" (standard), 24" (tall), 30"+ (large)
PAR Reference by Species
Acropora
Needs strong light and flow
300-450 PAR
High
Montipora
More forgiving than Acropora
200-350 PAR
Mid-High
Pocillopora
Fast growing under strong light
250-400 PAR
High
Stylophora
Good beginner SPS
200-350 PAR
Mid-High
Seriatopora (Birdsnest)
Tolerates varying light
150-300 PAR
Mid-High
Euphyllia (Hammer/Torch)
Can bleach under too much light
100-200 PAR
Mid
Acanthastrea
Colors pop in lower light
75-150 PAR
Low-Mid
Blastomussa
Prefers shaded areas
50-100 PAR
Low
Brain Coral (Favia)
Adaptable to various light
100-200 PAR
Mid
Chalice
Too much light causes bleaching
75-150 PAR
Low-Mid
Duncan
Hardy and adaptable
75-150 PAR
Low-Mid
Zoanthids
Very adaptable, colors vary with light
75-200 PAR
Variable
Mushrooms
Prefer lower light areas
50-100 PAR
Low
Leather Corals
Tolerant of varying conditions
100-200 PAR
Mid
Xenia
Can grow rapidly
100-200 PAR
Mid
Green Star Polyps (GSP)
Hardy and fast spreading
100-200 PAR
Mid
Kenya Tree
Very hardy beginner coral
75-150 PAR
Low-Mid
PAR Requirements
Select coral type and tank depth to see results
Target PAR at Coral Level
Minimum
Optimal
Maximum
Required PAR at Surface (accounting for light loss)
Minimum
Optimal
Maximum
Placement Zones
☀️ High Zone
🌤️ Mid Zone
🌙 Low Zone
Lighting Tips
Understanding PAR for Reef Tanks
What is PAR?
PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measures the light usable by corals for photosynthesis. It's measured in µmol/m²/s and is the most accurate way to determine if your corals are getting the right amount of light.
General PAR Guidelines
SPS Corals
250-450 PAR
High light demanding
LPS Corals
75-200 PAR
Moderate light needs
Soft Corals
50-150 PAR
Lower light tolerant
Light Penetration & Depth
Light intensity decreases as it travels through water. As a general rule, you lose approximately 10-15% of PAR for every 6 inches of water depth. This is why deep tanks require more powerful lights, and why coral placement is crucial.
Acclimating Corals to Light
- Start new corals in lower light areas
- Gradually move them to their target position over 2-4 weeks
- Watch for signs of bleaching (turning white) or browning
- Bleaching indicates too much light; browning indicates too little
- Adjust intensity, duration, or placement as needed
Using a PAR Meter
For best results, use a PAR meter to measure actual light levels in your tank. Place the sensor at coral height and measure throughout the tank to create a "PAR map." This helps you understand the light gradients and place corals appropriately.
