Apogee mq-200

Duberz · Mar 9, 2016

I have this par meter to test my gen 2 radions. I just tested and got like 400-420 just under water level. I tested at my peak which is 20k at 60% with everything running. The lights are mounted on the rms arms. My question is how accurate is this reading? Reason I ask is because the spot where I have some encrusting monti's is only reading in the low to mid 100's.

dbl · Mar 9, 2016

My research has shown you have to add 10-15% to a par meter reading for LED's to adjust for spectrum. It will be interesting to see what others have to say.

Duberz · Mar 10, 2016

Yea I have also read that. Anywhere from 5-20%. I sure wish it would just read what it actually is.

dbl · Mar 10, 2016

Duberz said:
...I sure wish it would just read what it actually is.

Agreed.

alton · Mar 10, 2016

I run the local fish club PAR meter program in my area and some that bring the meter back say they turned there LEDs down due to high readings. If it is one thing LEDs have taught us we don't need those super high 500+ readings to grow SPS. The only question I would ask is how old are your fixtures? LED fixtures do go bad sometimes, they are not perfect.

Duberz · Mar 10, 2016

Lights are about 2yrs old. I'm going to try again today with all the pumps off. Maybe the surface agitation has something to do with it.

SPSREEFS · Mar 10, 2016

I own a Apogee par meter and love it. I grow SPS quite well and they color up really nice in the low 200 range. ITs plenty of light. I run the Reefbreeders LED and it has worked exceptionally well!

SPSREEFS · Mar 10, 2016

Also, you can send your meter in and they will install the new upgraded sensor to it for a few hundred bucks. LED Ready they claim.
However, their claims and info did not impress me enough to spend that kind of money on it. As long as the meter is consistent and you record the numbers its good enough.
Your running different lights, so yo numbers may vary slightly. I run my light at 35% max everyday. Thats it! And more and growth slows! My SPS(Acros) get plenty. Unless they are extremely shallow water species(A. Humulis, etc.) they dont need to be blasted with light..........

Duberz · Mar 15, 2016

Well I got a response from apogee. For my lights with the sensor(black)I add 10% to the reading.

SPSREEFS · Mar 15, 2016

That's great. It does not(in my opinion) have to be dead on. Just consistent and close. You will put the puzzle together once you have the frags or corals a while.
The par meter has saved my friends corals numerous times. You just cannot tell how bright they are when they are new and your not familiar with them.