light/par meter

[corsi1330]

Has anyone used this meter before. Seems reasonablly priced and I really want to know my tanks readings. Any opinion or recomendation would be appreciated, Thanks

SM700 LUX Light Meter by Milwaukee Instruments - AquaCave

 

[Steven Pro]

It is not a PAR meter, it is a Lux meter. PAR is photosynthetically active radiation = the light available that can be used for photosynthesis.

Lux is a measurement of light that is perceived by the human eye.

 

[corsi1330]

Seemed to easy and cheap. LOL. Thanks for clearing that up. I will look up specifically PAR meters now and see what I find.

 

[El Camaron]

corsi, sign up to WAMAS, there is a par meter you can borrow from a local member. I just had my tank metered and was a mazed at how good T5's are.

 

[Steven Pro]

If you are looking for a PAR meter, look for an Apogee meter. I have one and have been very pleased with it.

 

[ReefGeezer]

I'm no expert, so take this advice for what it is worth. I believe this unit will tell you how many lumens are being generated in the 560 nm spectrum. So no PAR value could be measured. You could estimate PAR from the readings, but as far as I know, accuracy would be questionable at best. Unfortunately, most bulbs intended for reef use have very limited output in the 560 nm range. Most bulbs concentrate their output in the 420-470 nm and 700 nm range. A very good bulb with great PAR and PUR values could actually register less lumens than a lower quality bulb with the this unit.

 

[corsi1330]

Yeah joining WMAS may be the best solution. I was just researching par meters and looks like a Quantum meter with probe is almost $400. How's your new tank going?

corsi, sign up to WAMAS, there is a par meter you can borrow from a local member. I just had my tank metered and was a mazed at how good T5's are.

 

[Sikryd]

Brian - CMAS also has an apogee we loan out. I think wamas has 2 - one for MD, one for Va.

 

[corsi1330]

Thanks for the info ReefGeezer. Sounds like this meter would be a complete question mark for PAR. I am always wanting to improve my system and checking out my lighting seems like a good investment but at $400 I may have to live with the unknown for awhile! Thanks again.

I'm no expert, so take this advice for what it is worth. I believe this unit will tell you how many lumens are being generated in the 560 nm spectrum. So no PAR value could be measured. You could estimate PAR from the readings, but as far as I know, accuracy would be questionable at best. Unfortunately, most bulbs intended for reef use have very limited output in the 560 nm range. Most bulbs concentrate their output in the 420-470 nm and 700 nm range. A very good bulb with great PAR and PUR values could actually register less lumens than a lower quality bulb with the this unit.

 

[El Camaron]

corsi, i can tell you this right now, i think Nate from WAMAS still has it, contact him and Brian Ward today so you can get it from Nate since he is in Gaithers burg as oppsed to having to pick it ip in DC. I would sugest to hurry and pm them because there is a meeting tomorrow and he may be taking it to him then.

Thanks man, the tank upgrade is doing awesome. Definitely an improvement and you are always welcomed to stop by. ( i still owe you)