Lux meter help

[Fishyj]

I just picked up a used lux meter. I have been trying to figure out how to use it correctly. I have a new light coming in next week and I don't want to fry my corals.

 

[Crabs McJones]

@saltyfilmfolks may be able to help. Salty where you at buddy!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Hello!
Take the hold to off.
Keep it on x100.
Make sure the meter goes all the way it 0 with no light at all.


And a pretty good walk through here.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-lux-meter-how-do-i-use.368945/#post-4549549

 

[mcarroll]

Ditto that..

Also check this: Beginner’s Lux

 

[Fishyj]

Ok just a little confused. My meter scale is 50000. Would I take my reading times 2 then divide by 60? This would make my Kessila80 output at the center 33.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Ok just a little confused. My meter scale is 50000. Would I take my reading times 2 then divide by 60? This would make my Kessila80 output at the center 33.

If the meter reads 330 it’s 33,0 00
33,000.
Then devide by 60.

As you pass the sensor over the water you’ll see the peaks and dips.

 

[Fishyj]

So my meter read at 4 inches below in the center 997 which would be 99700 divided 60 = 1650?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

So my meter read at 4 inches below in the center 997 which would be 99700 divided 60 = 1650?

Yea. But that is crazy high.
What Light is it , what percent and can you get a reading at 12”?

@mcarroll , you know this meter better than I do.
Is a 50k limiter. He shouldn’t get 90k I would think.

 

[Fishyj]

The highest I can go is 9 inches. Set on 50000 it reads 090. If I take that reading an multiply by 100 and divide by 60 = 150. that would probably be right for a kessil a80 light.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The highest I can go is 9 inches. Set on 50000 it reads 090. If I take that reading an multiply by 100 and divide by 60 = 150. that would probably be right for a kessil a80 light.

I belive you are correct.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/par-testing-kessil-a80-vs-30-kingbo-bulb.329909/

 

[Fishyj]

Thank you for the help. I did get brave, put the meter in a zip lock baggie and put it 6 inches below the water surface which is 10 inches total from the light and got about 042. That's only 70 par approximately. I can't wait for my new sb light to arrive.

 

[mcarroll]

@mcarroll , you know this meter better than I do.
Is a 50k limiter. He shouldn’t get 90k I would think.

I can't fully explain the interface labelling "50000", but at least when mine is in the 'x100' mode, my meter seems to ERR out around 1700 on the readout....or around 170,000 lux.

(Just tested this real quick on a strong beam of sunlight that's coming in the house from sunset....the average reading was more like 150....or 15,000 lux. I've never really tested the limits on this thing systematically.)

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Thank you for the help. I did get brave, put the meter in a zip lock baggie and put it 6 inches below the water surface which is 10 inches total from the light and got about 042. That's only 70 par approximately. I can't wait for my new sb light to arrive.

You are probably going to start at 1%.
When the light gets in. Set it on the table and turn it on. (Wear sunglasses ) at 12” from the light @ 1%, I got -about 200 par.

Check out what one of our friends is doing over here.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-modified-black-box-thread.283942/page-10#post-4602136

I can't fully explain the interface labelling "50000", but at least when mine is in the 'x100' mode, my meter seems to ERR out around 1700 on the readout....or around 170,000 lux.

(Just tested this real quick on a strong beam of sunlight that's coming in the house from sunset....the average reading was more like 150....or 15,000 lux. I've never really tested the limits on this thing systematically.)

That’s weird.

 

[mcarroll]

Some 1010B's are listed as "to 100,000" or even "200,000" but are still labeled as model "1010B" just like mine....so I wonder if there's really any difference or if they're all really "200,000"?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Some 1010B's are listed as "to 100,000" or even "200,000" but are still labeled as model "1010B" just like mine....so I wonder if there's really any difference or if they're all really "200,000"?

Probaly depends on the day. Lol.

 

[VbReefer]

I actually just started a little experiment with my black boxes last night involving parchment paper diffusers. Thanks a lot @BRS
I used a lux meter app on my Android phone (note 4 with dual light sensors)

I don't know how accurate they are compared to a meter like this but all I needed was consistent and reliable baseline to see the results. As they are very hard to see by eye.

Worked great. But One sheet of parchment paper dropped the intensity around 30%

Too much loss for me. Have plenty of extra power for the whites but my blues are maxed out for 6 hours already.

I have just uploaded these images:

 

[Asbury030]

what is a good lux meter to get? I'm wanting to make sure my lighting is in good range

 

[mcarroll]

The LX-1010B or any of the similar variations seem to be a fine place to start.

≤$20 seems like a pretty reasonable price point.

There's room to go upscale too though.....Milwaukee, Seneye, etc (who else am I forgetting?)....and then of course PAR meters start a little above that price range.

 

[Asbury030]

Now with a lux meter is it normal to measure from the water line or is it best to measure in the tank under the water line ( in the water) ?

 

[mcarroll]

Now with a lux meter is it normal to measure from the water line or is it best to measure in the tank under the water line ( in the water) ?

I'd say let need determine how and what you measure.

I've set up and tweaked quite a few lights only by measuring at/above the waterline. It has been sufficient.

That said, it's not hard to put your meter in a ziplock bag (spring for name brand and high end) to get measurements underwater....it has been done.

Some of the other brands mentioned make waterproof meters, BTW....costs extra, but then it should.