seneye or apogee sq-420 meter

nycfishy · Mar 2, 2019

I'd like to get a par meter for my RSR 525XL that is lit by 2 radion gen4 XR-30 Pro's.

I was about to pull trigger on an apogee sq-420 which is the usb version, figure thats all I really need as it's not something that I'll pull out often. There are not many reviews so wanted to get some options from this group if its worthwhile purchase?
also any reason to consider a seneye for par metering?
thanks in advance.

RMS18 · Mar 2, 2019

I have a seneye and a apogee. The seneye was used on a old tank I no longer run. I didn't need a full controller like a Apex so the seneye was perfect. I compared both the apogee and seneye together and as long as the seneye is angled right the readings are very close. I had a 15-20 par variance. The seneye has a more narrow lense, but par isn't a science.

If you decide to go with a seneye I have one no longer in use. Like new condition. I have the webserver with WiFi version. PM me if interested.

jda · Mar 2, 2019

You can you handle the price difference to the 510 or 520? It is a better meter made for underwater use and with a better sensor with a very large margin for error when using it (cosine corrected sensor). The 420 is pretty good, though, if that is what you end up with.

For me, any of the seneyes are toys compared to this. ...good for a swag if you use them perfectly and incompetent if you do not. BRS has a video recommending the seneye, but they are a retailer and they were able to control the study in a lab where they can use them perfectly.

The 410 or 510 can be nice because you can just take it around, loan or rent it out and it can be used without any device of software. Totally not necessary, but something to think about.

nycfishy · Mar 2, 2019

jda said:
You can you handle the price difference to the 510 or 520? It is a better meter made for underwater use and with a better sensor with a very large margin for error when using it (cosine corrected sensor). The 420 is pretty good, though, if that is what you end up with.

For me, any of the seneyes are toys compared to this. ...good for a swag if you use them perfectly and incompetent if you do not. BRS has a video recommending the seneye, but they are a retailer and they were able to control the study in a lab where they can use them perfectly.

The 410 or 510 can be nice because you can just take it around, loan or rent it out and it can be used without any device of software. Totally not necessary, but something to think about.

I can swing the higher price apogee models but looking for best value instead the absolute best if that makes sense. I only see myself using the meter a few times a year so the premium for the MQ 510 or 210 does not seem like a good return. Would rather spend the money on fish or coral. Now if the sq520 was much better than the 420 I could be convinced to upgrade. But to be honest I don't understand enough about the differences between 420 and 520 to justify any price premium.

jda · Mar 2, 2019

Accuracy and ease of use is why they are more money.

nycfishy · Mar 2, 2019

jda said:
Accuracy and ease of use is why they are more money.

is 520 easier to use than the 420?
do you think it's 50% more accurate?
thanks

jda · Mar 2, 2019

I have never used the 420. Sorry that I don't have any direct experience. Apogee 500 series has the best sensor this side of a $1500 LiCor.

When you are buying tools, there is a time to go to Harbor Freight for the seldom used item and a time to get something at least as good as Craftsman or DeWalt for the precision and reliability or frequent use. Which of these two do you feel the PAR meter better encapsulates your feelings? I feel that lighting is, BY FAR, the most important factor in a reef, so I went with the more reliable tool.

oreo54 · Mar 2, 2019

Seneye is fine 500 series apogee sensor is better..

420 isn't much different than the Seneye except for cosine correction.

Seneye is a more directional reader.
all one needs to know really:

NOTE .. Apparently in practice this difference is "usually" nowhere near as noticeable as the above would imply..

nycfishy · Mar 2, 2019

thanks for all the input. Going to sleep on it but thinking I'm going to go with the sq-520. Spent a small fortune on lights and the rest of the tank and future corals....the extra accuracy might be worth the cost. UNless of course close enough really is good enough?

RajV · Mar 2, 2019

nycfishy said:
I can swing the higher price apogee models but looking for best value instead the absolute best if that makes sense. I only see myself using the meter a few times a year so the premium for the MQ 510 or 210 does not seem like a good return. Would rather spend the money on fish or coral. Now if the sq520 was much better than the 420 I could be convinced to upgrade. But to be honest I don't understand enough about the differences between 420 and 520 to justify any price premium.

Best value for money , seneye