Most of us dont have a par meter to measure. But we do alot of read up on the corals or fishes we going to get before we go out there to buy them. With the right info, we know where to position our corals. Then next is through close observations. If the coral is not opening well within 1-2 days, you better start shifting it to another location or check your water parameters.
I have personally recovered a few bleached lps, mostly its due to too strong lights. Keeping them undershade or lower lighting zone with good water parameters will get it colour up in 6 months time. Dont expect a miracle cure.
Many a times I see impatience newbies started blasting lights or dosing chemicals they do not measure to try achieve the colours they desire. Time and diligence water change is the best medicine for this hobby. If you dont have it, whatever you try will deem to fail.
Disclaimer: Above statement refers to newbies and not season reefers who know what they are doing to speed up the process with tight counter measures.
Cheers,
James
http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/topic/105744-the-journey-to-the-valley-of-the-reef-by-james/'>