Par meters
- Thread starter Barb0713
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Barb0713
Active Member
Lol ok. I realize you get what you pay for But I’m just saying. Im 800 bucks in a 20 gallon already lol A cheap one will still tell me the difference in difference spots in the tank . I know you get what you pay for but , I’m way up in Northern Michigan. No where to borrow or rent anything up here . I probably 1 of 5 people that have coral in 100 miles. Im starting a nano reef and just wonder if anyone knows of a cheap option to buy one
Neuratox
Active Member
What kinds of coral are you looking to put in it? If you're looking to tell the difference between par values in incriments of 50 then I can't imagine that the inexpensive ones would be too far off (?). I'm in a similar boat... no one around me seems to have a reef tank and can't find any clubs to join. Closest LFS is a 45 min drive. I bit the bullet and got a good one from BRS. I've found that in this hobby you pay for things twice if you choose to go the cheaper route initially.
Pistondog
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How much PAR and what wavelength does the Orbit Marine LED produce?
The following PAR readings are for our Orbit LED lights for saltwater and marine reef aquariums. Orbit LED lights feature a high ration of blue spectrum light, providing the necessary wavelengths ...
currentusa.zendesk.com
ekandler
Active Member
If you’re a hobbyist with a 20 gallon why are you buying a PAR meter? I know plenty of people with $10k+ in equipment (me included) with multiple tanks and don’t own a PAR meter. Either buy a well known light with existing data on PAR or rent a PAR meter either locally or from BRS. You will use a PAR meter once, no need to buy it.
I wouldn't bother with the par meter at this time. As others are telling you about using a light that is known on the 20 gallon would be a good starting point considering your circumstances. I plan on starting nano and have a par meter and that is where ibstaryed the research on what is need for a 10 gallon tank.
Neuratox
Active Member
I recognize that some of the people above have vastly more experience than myself and respect what some of them are saying, but I personally saw a massive improvement in the health of my corals when I started using my Apogee PAR meter. No longer was I killing corals via bleaching or seeing a loss of color. It is definitely a great investment in my mind. The problem with using other people's settings is that their rock structure, and thus shadows and open areas, are going to be very different from yours. I've been blow away by how much of a difference a slight shadow can make.
With that said, the corals that you've proposed are pretty tolerant and as you gain experience you will learn when they're getting too much/not enough light. To me, PAR meters are most valuable when choosing an initial location. Don't break the bank with whatever decision you make, but if you're going to start buying high end corals, do yourself a favor and buy a good PAR meter before you lose multiple pricey corals.
Just my opinion.
Definitely consider starting a tank build thread if you're comfortable with it. Its fun and it works as a great journal for your progress too!
With that said, the corals that you've proposed are pretty tolerant and as you gain experience you will learn when they're getting too much/not enough light. To me, PAR meters are most valuable when choosing an initial location. Don't break the bank with whatever decision you make, but if you're going to start buying high end corals, do yourself a favor and buy a good PAR meter before you lose multiple pricey corals.
Just my opinion.
Definitely consider starting a tank build thread if you're comfortable with it. Its fun and it works as a great journal for your progress too!
mdb_talon
2500 Club Member
I have a seneye and find the par meter works great. Had an apogee previously before it stopped working. The seneye readings are very much in line with what the apogee was reading. I am not at all a believer you always "get what you pay for" mentality. On a side note there are times I can have coral listed for $40 for months without a buyer. Sometimes I bump the price way up(like triple) and it often spurs sales. Lots of people only want the pricey stuff. It was the same coral but the perception of it changed with the price. The $220 seneye works just as well for my purposes as the apogee at 3x the cost(though less convenient as u need to plug to a PC so there is some extra value there). It may be slightly less accurate....it won't matter to the coral whether the par is 400 or 420 though.
RaymondL
Well-Known Member
I ordered one at a good price last week and waiting for it. What firmware are you using? I was told to ensure to have the latest firmware to get the most accurate reading.
BRS 60 day rental for $100+ return shipping with a $538 deposit.
www.bulkreefsupply.com
MQ-510 Full Spectrum Underwater LED PAR Meter
Purchase a new Apogee MQ-510 PAR Meter and return it for a refund within 60 days, EVEN IF YOU HAVE USED IT! Measure your lights PAR with an Apogee MQ-510 PAR Meter. When you are done, return the meter back to us within 60 days from the purchase date for a refund, even if you have used it. If you...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
