mickeysreef <*))))<
NJRC Member
what par meter would you buy? I've heard there's a difference between t5, led .
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par meter
- Thread starter mickeysreef <*))))<
- Start date
PARs aren't necessary with T5s, as they cover all the bases.
LEDs are the ones that can use PAR info, but, usually if you have decent lights built to cover the area they're in, they should be fine.
I used to go nuts with PAR readings, charts and everything, then fell into the habit of putting corals where they were 'supposed' to be as opposed to where they wanted to be.
Haven't done a PAR test in years at this point and if a coral seems unhappy I just move it somewhere else.
LEDs are the ones that can use PAR info, but, usually if you have decent lights built to cover the area they're in, they should be fine.
I used to go nuts with PAR readings, charts and everything, then fell into the habit of putting corals where they were 'supposed' to be as opposed to where they wanted to be.
Haven't done a PAR test in years at this point and if a coral seems unhappy I just move it somewhere else.
You should definitely do a par test. You will be very surprise what your numbers are. Even if you have t5 it’s a good idea to know how much par you corals are getting. With t5 this means you will have to move the fixture up or down depending on your reading.
if you are using leds it’s very important to know your par numbers.
most people don’t need to purchase a par meter. They can borrow one and use that once and don’t touch their lights.
i use the seneye and it works for my needs the numbers are close to the apogee
The seneye can also be use to test your waters temp/ph/water level the seneye
Will send you a message is you have any changes to these Parameters.
I got my seneye used for $100 and for me that’s a great deal.
here is someone on reef2reef selling a used seneye. He is selling the complete system. With the wi-if hub.
www.reef2reef.com
if you are using leds it’s very important to know your par numbers.
most people don’t need to purchase a par meter. They can borrow one and use that once and don’t touch their lights.
i use the seneye and it works for my needs the numbers are close to the apogee
The seneye can also be use to test your waters temp/ph/water level the seneye
Will send you a message is you have any changes to these Parameters.
I got my seneye used for $100 and for me that’s a great deal.
here is someone on reef2reef selling a used seneye. He is selling the complete system. With the wi-if hub.
Seneye
Complete Seneye reef package with par meter. Has everything except slides. Would need to purchase slides. 170 shipped. Also includes dri box
www.reef2reef.com
Last edited:
radiata
NJRC Member
I bought an Apogee USB Smart Quantum SQ-420 PAR Sensor because I found it to be the most cost-effective tool for my needs. It is just the Apogee sensor hardware with its own USB connector. It connects to a PC or Mac computer via USB. You just download the necessary software from the vendor, and VOILA! you have a functional PAR Meter. Here's the $234 URL:
www.bulkreefsupply.com
I've only run it on a PC, not a Mac, so YMMV. You'll also need a portable laptop to run this, unless your desktop computer is very adjacent to your desktop (there are possible USB cable length limits. (I won't bet the farm on this, but I think the software you download to run this meter will probably be more up to date than any firmware software on any other meter that you might buy.)
The downside of buying a PAR meter is that you'll probably actually use it no more than two or three times. Once you've nailed your PAR, you've nailed it. (See amado's post above.)
Considering how much I actually use my SQ-420, I should probably lend it out to my fellow NJRC members. Any interest out there? I'm not interested in making any money here. I think it would be fair to require a $250 deposit that would be returned less my original cost of mailing it to you, and less any payment expenses I happen to incur. Payments and refunds would be via PayPal. So, a lender's actual cost would just be for delivery both ways. And, if you're willing to pick-up and drop-off this meter in 07039 there would 'be no shipment costs for you. There should also be a time limit to the lend, so maybe after maybe 3 weeks, you own it!
Your thoughts?
FWIW, the above mentioned seneye in armado's post is a viable alternative to PAR measurement in this price range. I don't own one, so I can't offer an opinion on it.
USB Smart Quantum SQ-420X PAR Sensor
PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) is the easiest way to measure the available light for corals consume and use for photosynthesis. With LED lights giving more and more control to the consumer the best thing is a PAR meter that is affordable and simple to use. With PAR readings you can...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
I've only run it on a PC, not a Mac, so YMMV. You'll also need a portable laptop to run this, unless your desktop computer is very adjacent to your desktop (there are possible USB cable length limits. (I won't bet the farm on this, but I think the software you download to run this meter will probably be more up to date than any firmware software on any other meter that you might buy.)
The downside of buying a PAR meter is that you'll probably actually use it no more than two or three times. Once you've nailed your PAR, you've nailed it. (See amado's post above.)
Considering how much I actually use my SQ-420, I should probably lend it out to my fellow NJRC members. Any interest out there? I'm not interested in making any money here. I think it would be fair to require a $250 deposit that would be returned less my original cost of mailing it to you, and less any payment expenses I happen to incur. Payments and refunds would be via PayPal. So, a lender's actual cost would just be for delivery both ways. And, if you're willing to pick-up and drop-off this meter in 07039 there would 'be no shipment costs for you. There should also be a time limit to the lend, so maybe after maybe 3 weeks, you own it!
Your thoughts?
FWIW, the above mentioned seneye in armado's post is a viable alternative to PAR measurement in this price range. I don't own one, so I can't offer an opinion on it.
mickeysreef <*))))<
NJRC Member
I did order the 510. my reasoning is that I've already gone through at least 12 tanks. so I'm always up to something - new tanks, new lights etc . but all the reasoning here is sound.
Expensive. But worth it
Bulk reef supply already has this program. You can buy the par meter and return it
For a small fee.
mickeysreef <*))))<
NJRC Member
What's your location?
That’s my backup plan, but I don’t wanna spend 80 dollars without looking for other options first.
I got used seneye for $100 and I been using that as a par meter.
Would you also add a Par Meter Wand?
Still have it?