Kessil AP9X vs Par meter FIGHT!

[BigBabich]

I have a Kessil AP9X.
I have recently borrowed an Underwater Quantum Flux par meter from my local reefer Club (Boston Reefers).
When I use it under my AI's in one tank, it has a reading that is stable.
When I stick the par meter under my AP9X, it looks like I just pulled the handle on a slot machine in Vegas.
It spins around like a mad man and gives readings ~150 plus or minus. If I'm looking for par and it gives 290 to 430 and just keeps going up and down, do I consider the highest reading, the middle?
How the hell am I supposed to plan with this dang disco ball?

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I have a Kessil AP9X.
I have recently borrowed an Underwater Quantum Flux par meter from my local reefer Club (Boston Reefers).
When I use it under my AI's in one tank, it has a reading that is stable.
When I stick the par meter under my AP9X, it looks like I just pulled the handle on a slot machine in Vegas.
It spins around like a mad man and gives readings ~150 plus or minus. If I'm looking for par and it gives 290 to 430 and just keeps going up and down, do I consider the highest reading, the middle?
How the hell am I supposed to plan with this dang disco ball?

I assume this is with the flow of the tank on. I take an average of the numbers. So take the lowest and highest, add together, and divide by two. You can also turn the flow off, but this doesn't take into account the refraction of the water movement. Either way gets you an idea.

 

[T-J]

Which PAR meter are you using (make/model)?

 

[T-J]

I assume this is with the flow of the tank on. I take an average of the numbers. So take the lowest and highest, add together, and divide by two. You can also turn the flow off, but this doesn't take into account the refraction of the water movement. Either way gets you an idea.

This is the way.
I'd like to add that when I took my PAR readings, I also took measurements from the same spots with the flow off. That way I had a better idea of what the number should be around when doing the "flow on" PAR reading.