Photosynthetically active radiation transmission

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  • Thread starter Thread starter salty joe
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    Radiation Transmission
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting the optimal material for a shield in an algae scrubber to maximize photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmission. Joe is considering regular glass, low iron glass, and 1/8" thick acrylic, while aiming to position the lights close to the algae to enhance light intensity. Bob provides insights on PAR, indicating that effective wavelengths for algae pigments range from 420 to 650 nanometers. The goal is to determine which material transmits the highest percentage of PAR for optimal algae growth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and its wavelength range (420-650 nm).
  • Familiarity with materials used in light transmission, specifically regular glass, low iron glass, and acrylic.
  • Basic knowledge of light intensity and its relationship with distance from the light source.
  • Awareness of algae growth requirements in reef tank environments.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the light transmission properties of low iron glass versus regular glass and acrylic.
  • Investigate the impact of distance on light intensity in aquatic environments.
  • Explore the effects of different wavelengths of light on various algae species.
  • Learn about the construction and design of effective algae scrubbers for reef tanks.
USEFUL FOR

Aquarium hobbyists, marine biologists, reef tank enthusiasts, and anyone interested in optimizing algae growth through effective light transmission materials.

salty joe
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I am building an algae scrubber for a reef tank and am trying to decide what material transmitts the largest percentage of PAR. My choices are to place the lights an inch or so from the algae with a clear shield, or move the lights at least 12" away to avoid salt spray/creep. I don't know a lot of physics, but I know that light intensity drops off in a hurry with distance. So I want to get the lights close. I can't afford exotic materials, so I guess my choices for the shield are regular glass, low iron glass and acrylic probably 1/8" thick.

Can anybody point me to a link or in a direction to determine what material will transmitt the highest percentage of PAR?


Thanks,
Joe
 
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What is 'PAR', exactly (e.g., the wavelength range)?
 
Table 3.1 in Photosynthesis (sixth edition, Hall and Rao, page 40) shows that all the various algae pigments (green, red, brown) have photosynthesis absorption maxima between about 420 and 650 nanometers (blue and red light).

Bob S
 

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