PAR Levels for SPS, LPS and Soft Corals
These are the PAR (photosynthetically active radiation, µmol/m²/s) ranges the reef hobby has broadly converged on for the three main coral groups. Sources differ at the edges, so the ranges below are given as the span across several reef retailer and hobbyist guides rather than a single “correct” number. Every range is sourced.
Target PAR by coral group
| Coral group | Typical target PAR (µmol/m²/s) | Placement | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft corals (zoanthids, mushrooms, leathers) | ~50–150 | Lower / shaded zones | Reefco, Pod Your Reef, The Coral Farm, Red Sea guide |
| LPS (Euphyllia, Acanthastrea, Lobophyllia) | ~75–300 | Middle zones | Reefco, Pod Your Reef, The Coral Farm, Red Sea guide |
| SPS (Acropora, Montipora, Pocillopora) | ~200–500 | Upper / brightest zones | Reefco, Pod Your Reef, The Coral Farm, Red Sea guide |
The spread is real: some guides cap LPS around 200 and SPS around 400, others push LPS to 300 and SPS to 500 (with experienced keepers running Acropora higher still). Aim for the middle of a group’s range first, then adjust based on how the coral responds.
Per-genus detail
For finer placement, one retailer (Reefco Aquariums) breaks the groups down by genus. These are their stated ranges:
SPS
| Genus | PAR (µmol/m²/s) |
|---|---|
| Acropora | 200–300 (tolerates up to ~700) |
| Montipora | 200–300 (some thrive 400–450) |
| Pocillopora | 250–350 |
| Stylophora | 300–400 |
LPS
| Genus | PAR (µmol/m²/s) |
|---|---|
| Euphyllia (Hammer, Torch, Frogspawn) | 100–250 |
| Lobophyllia | 150–200 |
| Trachyphyllia | 50–150 |
| Favia / Favites | 50–150 |
| Acanthastrea | 100–250 |
| Blastomussa | 75–125 |
Soft corals
| Genus | PAR (µmol/m²/s) |
|---|---|
| Zoanthids / Palythoa | 50–150 |
| Mushrooms | 50–150 |
| Leather corals | 100–150 |
| Kenya Tree | 80–250 |
| Xenia | 100–150 |
| Gorgonians | 100–250 |
How to use these numbers
Build the tank in zones. SPS go high and bright, LPS in the middle, soft corals low or shaded. When you move a coral into brighter light, do it gradually over weeks — a sudden jump in PAR causes bleaching and tissue recession. If you do not own a meter, see estimating reef PAR without a meter.
The ranges are guidance, not law. Individual colonies acclimate to a band around these numbers, and flow, feeding, and spectrum all interact with light. Watch the coral, not just the meter.
Sources
- Per-genus PAR ranges: https://reefcoaquariums.com/blogs/news/par-levels-for-corals-sps-lps-soft-corals
- Group ranges (SPS 200–400, LPS 100–200, softies 50–150): https://www.podyourreef.com/blogs/care/understanding-par-a-hobbyists-guide-to-reef-aquarium-lighting
- Group ranges (SPS 250–500, LPS 150–300, softies 50–150): https://www.thecoralfarm.com/lighting-requirements-for-corals-and-other-inhabitants.html
- Group ranges (SPS 200–400+, LPS 75–200, softies 50–150): https://charterhouse-aquatics.com/blogs/help-guides/red-sea-reefled-par-spectrum-and-mounting-guide