Apogee SQ-520 Quantum Sensor thoughts

[inktomi]

Hi everyone!

I put together a video on the SQ-520 Quantum Sensor and why I think it's a great PAR sensor for our tanks. I specifically have the USB model, which I really prefer to the model that comes with the hand-held unit since I can just plug it into my computer and the actual device is so much smaller for storage.

The new models have a much better filter in them which is able to capture the red end of the spectrum that the older 120-series sensors were unable to measure. There is some interesting discussion in this forum about the potential benefits of deep-red and even some growth trials using deep-red LEDs... without the 500 series sensors we'd be unable to measure such light (>650nm) in our tanks.

Is the 500 series from Apogee the best sensors we can use to measure the light in our tanks these days? The next step up from Apogee is their spectroradiometer which runs around $2,700 -- too rich for my tastes even if it is "the best".

Is it worth getting a LUX meter to go along with my PAR sensor?

 

[GoVols]

Is the 500 series from Apogee the best sensors we can use to measure the light in our tanks these days? The next step up from Apogee is their spectroradiometer which runs around $2,700 -- too rich for my tastes even if it is "the best".

Is it worth getting a LUX meter to go along with my PAR sensor?

 

[jda]

I have a 510. Same sensor, right? If so, then it is OK, but still low on blue and overvalues some other spectrum. It is a very good hobby-grade tool, but you need to understand what it is and also what it is not. I wish that somebody would make a sensor from 350 to 850nm - this is more like the useful range for coral and not the visible from 430-440ish to 680ish.

LUX is even a smaller subset of the visible range and PAR. It that if value to you? If so, then you can get a good one for less that $20.

 

[oreo54]

Is it worth getting a LUX meter to go along with my PAR sensor?

Heavens no.....
As to "the best"
Li-Cor and a few others are "the best" but REALLY, REALLY splitting hairs..
Certainly Apogee 500 series is unchallenged for the best and most affordable..

As to spectrophotometers.. THIS is really exciting..
https://nanolambda.myshopify.com/products/application-development-kit-2-adk2

 

[Sterlingg]

Thanks for the knowledge guys! My Apongee 510 will arrive today!! Super excited

 

[inktomi]

I didn't realize that coral made use of the wider spectrum. That's interesting. I've been reading about the red end if the spectrum influencing growth but I hadn't heard if the UV end.

 

[inktomi]

As to spectrophotometers.. THIS is really exciting..
https://nanolambda.myshopify.com/products/application-development-kit-2-adk2

I might pick up one of these. This is a really cool project! Thanks for sharing!