Measuring par

[rfgonzo]

When measuring par do you measure with all pumps and powerheads off? or all pumps and powerheads running? Drastic difference in readings. Pumps on can be 50 to 150 less par or more depending on areas of tank.

 

[cvrle1]

First time using par meter, question?

So recently upgraded from a 4 bulb t5 to an aquatic life t5 hybrid with a radion xr15 over a 50g cube. Way more light at my finger tips so got a par meter to set it up for the best coral health. My question though is when using the par meter should I do it with the full pumps on, tank...

www.reef2reef.com

How do I measure par?

I hope this is in the correct forum since it’s light related. I just got a seneye and getting ready to fire up a new tank. My question is when measuring, should I have flow off so less surface agitation, or measure with everything running?

www.reef2reef.com

PAR measurements. Pumps on/off?

I just rented an Apogee PAR meter. I’m making an assumption that I take measurements with my MP40s running at my normal levels and not shut them off since the refraction from the surface motion affects light penetration? Or do I shut them off to get a “highest” light reading?

www.reef2reef.com

 

[happysalt]

I've always measured with pumps and powerheads running. I want to know the real number getting to each of my corals throughout the day as opposed to "what it could be".

My 2 cents...

 

[jda]

It depends a lot on the meter. My Apogee 510 gets pretty close regardless. A Seneye will have a different reading with still water vs running.

 

[rfgonzo]

I'm measuring it with my Apogee MQ-200

 

[Bpb]

I cut the flow because the shimmer causes the readings to jump around nonsensically. I’ll read between 150-400 and every number between spastically. So I have to cut the flow and hold it still until the number jumping is within 5-10 par