Free PAR meter? Photone App.

[gobygrits]

So there is this free app called Photone. It's used mostly by indoor gardeners to test PAR levels. This morning I had the brilliant idea to put my phone in a plastic bag and dunk it in my tank to see how it works. I'm currently waiting for my lights to ramp up so I can try it..
When I first got the idea like an hour ago I messaged the company on instagram to share my idea. Like all of my great ideas, someone already thought of it.. They responded right away with a recent blog they wrote up about this idea. And they even have some calibration tips. Here is a link to their blog: https://growlightmeter.com/underwater-par-measurements-for-reef-aquariums/

 

[Azedenkae]

Oh cool, gonna check that out.

 

[reverc]

I’m following this. Let us know how it works

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Can't wait to try the android version

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

If I remember I can do some comparisons to my Seneye when I get home. If anyone is interested just PM me if I don't post them tonight.

 

[Jekyl]

Following

 

[alysak6075]

Following as well!

 

[ying yang]

Humpty bumpty

 

[mackdave]

Following

 

[BostonReefer300]

Following. I hope you bought name brand ziploc bags!

 

[wmb0003]

Looks Interesting! Following along also.

 

[T-J]

FYI, instead of typing "Following" or something else, just click the "WATCH" button on the top right at the beginning of a thread. From there you can choose how you want to be notified.

 

[madlos123]

Oh

 

[reverc]

I downloaded it and by the looks of it you have to buy an add on for it to be able to do full spectrum LEDs.

 

[zoaprince]

I don't have an iphone to try, but just wanted to say that nothing is free. They must be collecting your data. Data is $$$

 

[gobygrits]

So it seems to take pretty consistent readings. But I don't have an actual PAR meter to compare results. I was mostly sharing this to see what more experienced reefers think about it. Hopefully someone will try it out next to an actual PAR meter.

 

[reverc]

So it seems to take pretty consistent readings. But I don't have an actual PAR meter to compare results. I was mostly sharing this to see what more experienced reefers think about it. Hopefully someone will try it out next to an actual PAR meter.

From what I’m reading on it, it seems pretty close to an actual par meter. The app is calibrated with one and compared with an open air par meter but there is a conversion you have to do to get the underwater par readings and a special calibration. I’m going to set it up and rent an actual par meter

 

[Jimmeh lee]

I downloaded it and just played with the free options a little bit. Parked my phone on the screen cover directly above my Walt Disney, maybe 1-1.5” off the water? Under a 32” photon v2 set at 10/10/85/15/85/85, with a thin paper diffuser taped on. I wonder how close it is without being set to the full spectrum led setting. I’m actually really curious to get that setting and a ziplock bag…or two.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Oops. Forgot the bag.

 

[Breadman03]

Downloaded, but I ain't paying for premium! I'm a skinflint unless it's shiny gear and then I'm a sucker.