Par meter

Undertaker · Mar 1, 2019

I’m about to start getting into SPS Corals, and feel it’s time to start worrying about par. Can you guys help me on picking out a good par meter? #Reefsquad

dbl · Mar 1, 2019

The Apogee is a rather proven brand. I picked one up used and it works well - when I bother using it.

Flippers4pups · Mar 1, 2019

I’ve not used one, I’ve used a lux and did the conversion.

Let’s ask again from the #reefsquad.

Undertaker · Mar 1, 2019

dbl said:
The Apogee is a rather proven brand. I picked one up used and it works well - when I bother using it.

Thx!! That was one I was looking at.

redfishbluefish · Mar 1, 2019

Considering it's a tool you use for ten minutes to set you lights and most likely don't use until you change you lights, I too went the LUX meter route. Using the conversions numbers, you're able to get close enough to the right settings on your lights. PAR meters are multi-hundreds of dollars, while a LUX is 10 - 20 bucks. Search @saltyfilmfolks for how to use one and convert to PAR, or maybe he'll respond.

Jason mack · Mar 1, 2019

I like the seneye reef ....which is amongst other things a par meter...works great and all in all good value for money ...imo ..

Flippers4pups · Mar 1, 2019

redfishbluefish said:
Considering it's a tool you use for ten minutes to set you lights and most likely don't use until you change you lights, I too went the LUX meter route. Using the conversions numbers, you're able to get close enough to the right settings on your lights. PAR meters are multi-hundreds of dollars, while a LUX is 10 - 20 bucks. Search @saltyfilmfolks for how to use one and convert to PAR, or maybe he'll respond.

I agree^.

Local clubs have sometimes a PAR meter for their members to share. I’d recommend renting one from BRS, but they have a serious long wait line. You might get a chance to rent one with them in a year or so! Lol

Reefahholic · Mar 1, 2019

If I bought one...I’d go with Apogee, but it really depends what you want to spend.

Lostreefin · Mar 1, 2019

Renting one from BRS is the way to go. Be patient, they will send you an email when it becomes available. It was one of the best things I did for my reef.

Undertaker · Mar 1, 2019

redfishbluefish said:
Considering it's a tool you use for ten minutes to set you lights and most likely don't use until you change you lights, I too went the LUX meter route. Using the conversions numbers, you're able to get close enough to the right settings on your lights. PAR meters are multi-hundreds of dollars, while a LUX is 10 - 20 bucks. Search @saltyfilmfolks for how to use one and convert to PAR, or maybe he'll respond.

What is a good brand lux meter?

Lostreefin · Mar 1, 2019

Undertaker said:
What is a good brand lux meter?

Apogee 510 was the one I rented, simple, gives reading in par.

Lostreefin · Mar 1, 2019

Lostreefin said:
Apogee 510 was the one I rented, simple, gives reading in par.

Sorry, you were asking about a lux meter.

cracker · Mar 1, 2019

@Undertaker, I have the Apogee par meter. I like it.Though I'm not sure what the numbers really mean LOL
I assume the "Lux "meter gives one different info then a "Par" meter.
What is the difference? Thanks

redfishbluefish · Mar 1, 2019

Undertaker said:
What is a good brand lux meter?

I really can't comment on a good brand...it's new to me too....but THIS IS THE ONE I purchased and I'm happy.

Undertaker · Mar 1, 2019

redfishbluefish said:
I really can't comment on a good brand...it's new to me too....but THIS IS THE ONE I purchased and I'm happy.

So it’s water proof?

redfishbluefish · Mar 1, 2019

No! Not waterproof. Simply use it below your lights....in air. I want to say, having LED's, I think I was shooting for about 20 - 25K LUX at the water surface. I'm not the expert.... @saltyfilmfolks is the one who knows what he's doing.

Undertaker · Mar 1, 2019

redfishbluefish said:
No! Not waterproof. Simply use it below your lights....in air. I want to say, having LED's, I think I was shooting for about 20 - 25K LUX at the water surface. I'm not the expert.... @saltyfilmfolks is the one who knows what he's doing.

No offense but getting a measurement right under the light doesn’t do me any good inside my tank. When I’m trying to figure out the deference in deferent areas of my tank. I’m looking to switch to an sps dominate tank, and want to know the par in all areas of my tank. Someone suggested a lux meter because they are cheaper than a par meter, you just have to do some conversions.

redfishbluefish · Mar 1, 2019

They do have waterproof LUX meters....do a google search and you'll find them....I think in the $80 range. I simply had no need, and if I did, I could put into a ziploc bag.

saltyfilmfolks · Mar 1, 2019

Here’s a pretty good walk through of the lux meter.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-lux-meter-how-do-i-use.368945/#post-4549549

One thing to keep in mind, par is kinda relative to nutrients And alkalinity. So the exact same coral in an ULNS may need less light than one in a high nutrient tank.
So finding your own sweet spot is pretty important.

Knowing what your levels are in the tank can be handy if you need or want to move stuff in the tank.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-find-your-led-intensity-sweet-spot.308181/#post-3785697

Myself , when I only had the lux meter I made a basic estimate of the top of the tank and went with it. Never touched the led settings really for a couple years.
That works too.

saltyfilmfolks · Mar 1, 2019

redfishbluefish said:
They do have waterproof LUX meters....do a google search and you'll find them....I think in the $80 range. I simply had no need, and if I did, I could put into a ziploc bag.

Yup.
Look for 6000-12000 lux on the sand(100-200par). Then it is what it is at the top.