Does the Seneye par meter work without the slides?

glb · Dec 21, 2020

I’m thinking about getting a Seneye primarily for the par meter and only using the slides when I need a QT tank. Does the PAR meter work on its own without a slide? Thanks!

Buffalou · Dec 21, 2020

Deep · Dec 21, 2020

glb said:
I’m thinking about getting a Seneye primarily for the par meter and only using the slides when I need a QT tank. Does the PAR meter work on its own without a slide? Thanks!

you might want to watch this video if you planning on buying seneye for the par meter.

Looks like the readings are way off in comparison to Apogee meters (which are generally considered accurate).

Fin · Dec 21, 2020

The BRS comparison with Licor, Apogee and Seneye par meters

glb · Dec 21, 2020

Fin said:
The BRS comparison with Licor, Apogee and Seneye par meters

Thanks for this! For my LPS/softie tank, the Seneye looks like the best one for me. The fact that it’s less accurate at the corners of the tank is no biggie.

robbyg · Dec 21, 2020

You might want to do some further research before pulling the trigger on the Seneye. The BRS video is old and in it they mention turning on the “compensation” feature. Parker says the new software does not have that feature and was directed by Seneye to look up their online compensation tables. Since his reading are like 80% different than the Apogee it is worth digging further to find out what is up and why did they make the software changes. Just my 2 cents!

Deep · Dec 21, 2020

glb said:
Thanks for this! For my LPS/softie tank, the Seneye looks like the best one for me. The fact that it’s less accurate at the corners of the tank is no biggie.

From what I understabd the issue is not just at the corners but at any level.

Buffalou · Dec 22, 2020

I recently built DIY apogee par meter for about the cost of seneye and t works perfect with formula that converts readings on multimeter to PAR. I've used both seneye and apogee and apogee is IMO easier to use. I commend you on just going after PAR readings, you would not believe the amount of folks that have no idea what PAR is in the their tanks. Link below to DIY.

lelandmarine · Dec 22, 2020

It’s too bad there’s not more of an explanation from the Seneye group as to why this is happening

burningmime · Dec 22, 2020

Buffalou said:
I recently built DIY apogee par meter for about the cost of seneye and t works perfect with formula that converts readings on multimeter to PAR. I've used both seneye and apogee and apogee is IMO easier to use. I commend you on just going after PAR readings, you would not believe the amount of folks that have no idea what PAR is in the their tanks. Link below to DIY.

Thanks for this! This seems like the best option, both cheaper than the Seneye and more accurate.

glb · Dec 22, 2020

What about this Apogee?

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...

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robbyg · Dec 22, 2020

Buffalou said:
I recently built DIY apogee par meter for about the cost of seneye and t works perfect with formula that converts readings on multimeter to PAR. I've used both seneye and apogee and apogee is IMO easier to use. I commend you on just going after PAR readings, you would not believe the amount of folks that have no idea what PAR is in the their tanks. Link below to DIY.

I use that kind of setup but just one word of advice. The readings you get are only going to be as accurate as the voltmeter you use. Cheap $30 meters are pretty bad at reading voltages in the "mv" range. If you can justify the expense I suggest getting at least an entry level Fluke Meter. This will read more accurately than the Apogee meter and it has a whole lot of other uses around the house.

ingchr1 · Dec 22, 2020

Wonder what they changed that its so far off.

I think mine is at least in the ballpark. I have two T5 bulbs and two XHOs, get ~130 PAR on the sand with the fixture at 8" off the water.

Last time I used it to read PAR was about three months ago when I changed up my lighting.

User1 · Dec 22, 2020

Deep said:
you might want to watch this video if you planning on buying seneye for the par meter.

Looks like the readings are way off in comparison to Apogee meters (which are generally considered accurate).

Disagree. As @Fin already provided the BRS video compared it to others and, well, it performed very well.

Here is the deal. For 200 bucks and some change you get:

1. Par meter
2. Out of water alert notification - doesn't require slide(s)
3. Ammonia meter should you QT, isolate, or do anything similar with new animals that you track Ammonia

Honestly it pays for itself with items 1 and 2 alone. The rest is just gravy.

Deep · Dec 22, 2020

saf1 said:
Disagree. As @Fin already provided the BRS video compared it to others and, well, it performed very well.

Here is the deal. For 200 bucks and some change you get:

1. Par meter
2. Out of water alert notification - doesn't require slide(s)
3. Ammonia meter should you QT, isolate, or do anything similar with new animals that you track Ammonia

Honestly it pays for itself with items 1 and 2 alone. The rest is just gravy.

Someone on the thread had already explained why the BRS results are not valid anymore. There is a software compensation feature that is now not available. So looks like it doesnt work as well for PAR.

User1 · Dec 22, 2020

Deep said:
Someone on the thread had already explained why the BRS results are not valid anymore. There is a software compensation feature that is now not available. So looks like it doesnt work as well for PAR.

Yes, read it. I also own one. I believe they discuss this in their FAQ if you dive down. The main complaint is how you have to hold their device pretty steady and level for best readings. I'm not too much into social media so don't watch Parker's stuff. However, there is an answer from Seneye there from the quick glance I looked at it.

Up to you I guess.

ingchr1 · Jan 10, 2021

Deep said:
Someone on the thread had already explained why the BRS results are not valid anymore. There is a software compensation feature that is now not available. So looks like it doesnt work as well for PAR.

Wanted to see if anyone has anymore insight into this? Has anyone done a side-by-side between the different versions of the software? What is Seneye's position on the change?

I'm running an older version of the software. I'm guessing I should hold onto it.

robbyg · Jan 10, 2021

ingchr1 said:
Wanted to see if anyone has anymore insight into this? Has anyone done a side-by-side between the different versions of the software? What is Seneye's position on the change?

I'm running an older version of the software. I'm guessing I should hold onto it.

Yes I would hold onto it.
What would be super helpful is if you pick a random spot in the Tank and Post the PAR reading with compensation on and off. That would give us a good idea of how much compensation is happening.
Thanks.

ingchr1 · Jan 10, 2021

robbyg said:
Yes I would hold onto it.
What would be super helpful is if you pick a random spot in the Tank and Post the PAR reading with compensation on and off. That would give us a good idea of how much compensation is happening.
Thanks.

I got the same readings on both versions that I have. I have two computers I used, each with a different version.

My lighting is two Reef Brite XHO actinic, one Reef Brite 50/50 T5 and one ATI actinic T5. Fixture is 24" and 8" off the surface. Readings below were bottom 15" below water, center, front of display.

Would 148 PAR be far off for this setup? I wouldn't think close to double as seen in the other post.

The firmware on the Seneye is version 2.0.16.