Apogee MQ-510 PAR Meter

[redseaenroute]

Hi all... So I'm finally going to pull the trigger and buy a PAR meter. I have the 510 sitting in my cart right now. Figured I'd check here first before I hit send.

I'm a "buy once, cry once" type, and know the 510 is towards the top for hobby grade meters. But just looking for some input from folks here who have used the 510 along with other meters. Is the 510 worth the extra $? The auto correction factor seems to be the largest positive that drives higher cost justification.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mmorrison55]

I bought the same one. I can’t compare it to any others, but im happy that I have a par meter.

With as much figgiting as we tend to do in this hobby, especially with our lights and different settings, I like the peace of mind of being able to get a confirmation almost immediately after making a change or before placing an expensive coral in the wrong lighting.

It’s a luxury for sure, but if one you are ok with, then go for it.

My LFS leant me his par meter, and I was very grateful, but the idea of having to drive 30-45 minutes each way every time it want to check par was enough to sway me.

Also, I picked mine up from BRE as part of their program where they rent a par meter out for their fee, get it back, check it, then resell it at a discount.

So I got what looks to be a new meter for a hundred or so off list price.

 

[Troylee]

Telegram has tested various models against the 510… the dano plus came in great as did the older vrbo meter. I think his ig has all the data! I have the vrbo myself a newer one and I think it’s fine for what I need and well worth the $120 lol.

 

[exnisstech]

Not really any help but I'm happy with my 510 and glad I have a par meter but i have not used any other to compare it to. I'm a buy once cry once person as well. I spent 10s of thousands of dollars on tools as an auto tech, many that were only used once or twice a year. I look at a par meter as one of those tools. It collects dust until I need it but when I need it I'm glad I have it.

 

[redseaenroute]

I bought the same one. I can’t compare it to any others, but im happy that I have a par meter.

With as much figgiting as we tend to do in this hobby, especially with our lights and different settings, I like the peace of mind of being able to get a confirmation almost immediately after making a change or before placing an expensive coral in the wrong lighting.

It’s a luxury for sure, but if one you are ok with, then go for it.

My LFS leant me his par meter, and I was very grateful, but the idea of having to drive 30-45 minutes each way every time it want to check par was enough to sway me.

Also, I picked mine up from BRE as part of their program where they rent a par meter out for their fee, get it back, check it, then resell it at a discount.

So I got what looks to be a new meter for a hundred or so off list price.

I'm with you there... I'm sure I could find a loaner in my area if I looked hard enough. But I like having my own test equipment and tools on hand. That way I know for certain that everything is well maintained and calibrated if/when I need it.