How do you take PAR readings?
- Thread starter mpderksen
- Start date
that Fish Guy
Frag Swap Crusader!
Yeah, very expensive.
I think that they start around 300 and go up from there.
Most people do not have one though.
They just borrow it from somebody that does have one.
I think that they normally borrow them from their Local Reef Club.
I think that they start around 300 and go up from there.
Most people do not have one though.
They just borrow it from somebody that does have one.
I think that they normally borrow them from their Local Reef Club.
infamous_6969
New member
If you are a DIY type person then you can make your own.. I stumbled on this thread a while back just have not yet built one.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=120109
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=120109
Ron Reefman
Active member
Seneye is a water monitoring system that costs about $100 and it comes with a basic PAR meter and light meter.
Back in late 2008, there was a group buy here on RC for Apogee PAR meters. At that time they were selling for $250 and we got them for $150. I was one of the lucky ones to get in on that deal. I think the group buy volum was something like 100 to get the special price.
Back in late 2008, there was a group buy here on RC for Apogee PAR meters. At that time they were selling for $250 and we got them for $150. I was one of the lucky ones to get in on that deal. I think the group buy volum was something like 100 to get the special price.
HurricaneSystem
Member
They aren't that expensive really. I bought an Apogee 200 PAR meter and it is about $400.00.
That isn't much to pay when you consider that you will be able to dial your lights in the first time with no guessing.
That isn't much to pay when you consider that you will be able to dial your lights in the first time with no guessing.
that Fish Guy
Frag Swap Crusader!
400 not expensive?
For most people here 400 for anything is a lot of money.
But definetly a ton of money for something that you will probably use once and the leave it in the box forever.
I mean if you spend 400 on an LED Light or Power Head or Skimmer at least you will be able to get use out of that item every day.
Even if I won the Lottery I would consider a 400 PAR Meeter to be very expensive.
You can get the Apogee sensor by itself for about $140. Hook that up to a cheap ol' digital multimeter, and multiply the reading by 5. Adjust by percentage given by Apogee on their website to correct for the type of lighting and you have yourself par readings.
Apogee has recently updated their website with a bunch of information on using their sensor for reef lighting and pretty much give you step-by-step instructions on how to use their sensor with a multimeter.
Apogee has recently updated their website with a bunch of information on using their sensor for reef lighting and pretty much give you step-by-step instructions on how to use their sensor with a multimeter.
HurricaneSystem
Member
that Fish Guy,
400 is nothing in the grand scheme of a saltwater reef. I think that a PAR meter should be part of your arsenal when you are trying to dial in lighting for corals.
I understand that is a lot of money for people, but when you KNOW exactly how to adjust your LED's and what part of your tank represents different levels of PAR, that knowledge is just priceless.
400 is nothing in the grand scheme of a saltwater reef. I think that a PAR meter should be part of your arsenal when you are trying to dial in lighting for corals.
I understand that is a lot of money for people, but when you KNOW exactly how to adjust your LED's and what part of your tank represents different levels of PAR, that knowledge is just priceless.
reef bloke
Member
that Fish Guy
Frag Swap Crusader!
Yes, you are correct, 400.00 is nothing in the Grand Scheme of things in this Hobby.
But I can think of 100 Ways to Better Spend 400.00 in the Hobby than by getting a PAR meter.
A PAR Meter is Not Necessary.
It may be cool and interesting to have one but
99.9% of Reefers have Never used a PAR Meter yet have great success.
Everyone needs Lights, Power Heads, Skimmer, Livestock, Live Rock, etc.
Those are much better ways to spend 400.00
Ron Reefman
Active member
I loan mine out for a coral frag.
HurricaneSystem
Member
I agree that, if it is a lot of money to you, borrow one if you have the lights you are going to keep.
If you change lights frequently, it is a very nice tool. I would come and read your PAR, but I am in TN
If you change lights frequently, it is a very nice tool. I would come and read your PAR, but I am in TN
reef bloke
Member
Ive compared both, the seneye reads around 70 -100 PAR higher than the Apogee. You tend to get closer readings without the pumps on though, in some instances both read the same or very close with pumps off. The Seneye fails to red the spectral output of my LED's for some reason though.
Which one is more accurate? I couldn't tell you but I use the Apogee sensor more as its much more convenient than hooking it up to a laptop or PC at every use.
Which one is more accurate? I couldn't tell you but I use the Apogee sensor more as its much more convenient than hooking it up to a laptop or PC at every use.
