Aluminum Rod for Par Meter

[Biglurr54]

This may not be the correct place to ask this question but i figured its the best place to start. I have a Seneye that I am using for Par readings. I dont like sticking my whole hand in the tank to get the readings. I feel that it can change the readings and it gets cumbersome. I tried zip tying it to a fiberglass rod but the seneye is very sensitive to angles and the fiberglass rod would not allow it to angle.

Could I buy an aluminum selfie stick and use that. It would only be in the water for short periods of time and cleaned off in between uses. Will the aluminum be in contact with the water long enough to leach anything or cause any harm?

I'm more embarrassed to buy a selfie stick than I was to buy condoms when I was younger!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Short periods of time should be OK.

You might find a plastic selfie stick.

 

[smokin'reefer]

Seneye ITC Reefculture PARwise PRO Light Meter

The PARwise PRO is an advanced light meter for optimal settings (intensity, color spectrum, photoperiod). It uses cPUR technology to measure the intensity and spectrum that corals can utilize. *Mobile device, PC or tablet is required to operate but not included.

www.aquariumspecialty.com

A little pricey but would this work for the seneye? I have it for my Apogee.

 

[Biglurr54]

Short periods of time should be OK.

You might find a plastic selfie stick.

My tank is deep and Im having a hard time finding a plastic one, let alone one that can make it to the bottom of the tank. Most are steel. Some are stainless (Who knows the make up of the Stainless) and some are Aluminum. I might just take the articulating part off and mount it to the fiberglass rod.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I would not be too worried about short term aluminum use.

 

[AZMSGT]

I took a piece of PVC pipe, heated the end and shaped an angle on it. Then I mounted the sensor on the end. Hind site, I would use a piece of sharkbite PEX pipe. It melts and molds easily. Plus it’s flexable to allow you to get a better angle when moving around the tank.

You can find PEX pipe in all hardware stores and Home Depot or Lowes.

Here’s the PVC version.

 

[Amado]

I have a seneye and I use this.
I just use tie wraps to hold the seneye.
And when I am done I can use it to clean the glass


AquaticHI 5 in 1 Multi-Function Aquarium/Fish Tank Cleaning Tool, Algae Scraper, Fish Net, Sponge, Plant Fork, Gravel Rake for Long Deep Fish Tanks

 

[Jamesmost]

Fiberglass rod, with a piece of pex on end....

 

[Biglurr54]

I appreciate the ideas. I was able to make something up with the fiberglass rod with a good angle but it was fixed. I need something that is adjustable. I was getting off readings because the meter was at the perfect angle each time. I am going to look into the aluminum selfie sticks and hopefully i will be able to salvage the end off it and attach the end to the fiberglass rod. If not then aluminum it is. Come to think of it, my sand stirring stick and glass cleaner 5-1 thing has an aluminum rod painted black. It looks like a ski pole and i have used that for years with no ill effect.