1. 1. How to Converting PAR data from the sun Quantum [umol/(m^2s)]?to μmol photons/m²/s?
To convert Quantum (umol/(m^2s)) to μmol photons/m²/s, you need to multiply the Quantum value by a conversion factor that represents the number of photons per micromole at the specific wavelength range of 400-700 nm. This conversion factor is approximately 4.6, which means that 1 μmol of photons is equivalent to 4.6 umol of Quantum. So the conversion formula is: μmol photons/m²/s = umol/(m^2s) x 4.6.
is it correct?
Light is measured in flux units of Watt per squared meter. PAR units are measured in micro mole photons per squared meters per second for the electromagnetic radiation spectrum between 400-700 nm. It is true that as a rule of thumb you can use the multiplication suggested, but it is biased. Because each wavelength obtains different energy and ability to penetrate the water and reach the coral (coral symbionts- zoox).
In order to answer the question you will need to find what is the depth dependent intensity profile and wavelength profile in your region. Then, you will need to search in the literature for conversion tables between Wm-2 to micro Einsteins. Integration on the result will give you the exact intensity.
Finally, the range of light intensities for cultivation of corals really depends on what they have naturally in their environment. For example, in clear water at 1 m depth in Eilat, Israel (Red Sea) at noon, light intensity exceeds 500 umole photons m-2 s-1.
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