considering this par meter

[Ballyhoo]

I don't wanna spend more money than this if I can avoid it. But I don't know what I'm getting into, like will this one be easy to use and reliable? I have a 42 gallon cube tank. in the future I might get a 75 gallon also.
also, it looks like the rental unit on bulk reef is out of stock. And I would like to own one in case I get a new tank in the future or just I'm sure I'm gonna use it more than once and rent it. I only have it for 60 days but probably gonna want one again after that.
any experiences with this model?

also, the type of aquarium I have is a red sea G2 200 Max. So it comes with its own LEDs.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mq-210x-original-underwater-quantum-par-meter-apogee.html

 

[FUNGI]

You have LED's?

 

[KrisReef]

Like the description says:
The meter is excellent for all light sources, except LEDs, where post-measurement correction factors need to be applied to achieve accurate readings.

If you don't mind doing the math, or just want approximate numbers it will likely be fine?

 

[dangles]

There are non-BRS alternatives to consider as well. @telegraham did a comparison between 3 different meters a while back. The Apogee MQ500, the VBR-Aqua, and the PARwise.

Here's the post he did about it:

He has a few other posts on his IG about the VBR-Aqua. There is a correction factor to use if you want a "1 to 1" comparison with the Apogee. I got the VBR meter because it's way cheaper, and does what I need it to do for as little as I use it. It gets me "close enough" :)

 

[Ballyhoo]

Like the description says:
The meter is excellent for all light sources, except LEDs, where post-measurement correction factors need to be applied to achieve accurate readings.

If you don't mind doing the math, or just want approximate numbers it will likely be fine?

yes, unfortunately I just read that. So I guess this is not gonna work for me. I thought everybody has LEDs.
any other alternatives in the price range?

 

[TheStrangler]

The Seneye works reasonably well if you're looking for ballpark figures. It'll do a great job if you want to know is this the right range for LPS/Softies/SPS. If you need to know the difference between 171 and 175 par I'm not sure that I'd rely on it. But if you want to use it to find a brighter or less bright spot for a coral that wants to move I've used a seneye with success.

 

[KrisReef]

yes, unfortunately I just read that. So I guess this is not gonna work for me. I thought everybody has LEDs.
any other alternatives in the price range?

I think that the LED rated meters show up for sale, sometimes at much lower costs than new. As long as it wasn't dipped they should be ok? Otherwise, someone else has just posted and perhaps they have another option?

 

[Ballyhoo]

I think that the LED rated meters show up for sale, sometimes at much lower costs than new. As long as it wasn't dipped they should be ok? Otherwise, someone else has just posted and perhaps they have another option?

that's interesting. Where do people post used aquarium equipment? I'll check it.

 

[braaap]

that's interesting. Where do people post used aquarium equipment? I'll check it.

I’ve got an sq-520 with wand for sale. $320 shipped. You need to plug it into a laptop but it’s the best sensor for LEDs. Message me if you are interested.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I got mine for fairly cheap on Ebay. it is a ePar 610 (wide spectrum) I have to do a conversion factor of 1.25 because it is not the underwater version. But it is easy to do and worth the money I saved.

 

[TelegrahamTested LLC]

I don't wanna spend more money than this if I can avoid it

This works very well. Depending on the sensor you receive, it may require a multiplier to align with Apogee 500-series sensors. If you buy it, DM me a pic and I’ll share if a multiplier is required.

 

[jayala12]

I got an apogee mq-510 from saltwateraquarium.com for 300 bucks. It was an open box and works and looks perfect. I was on the fence about the big purchase but now I feel it’s so worth it. I’ve already used it 5-6 times in the last 2 months. Every time I add a coral. It’s the peace of mind for me. No guessing.

 

[VintageReefer]

literally Friday told you meter for leds and 250$

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/i...er-which-really-matures.1064400/post-12712557

Tuesday your considering a meter you found for $380 and no leds

 

[Craig was here]

This works very well. Depending on the sensor you receive, it may require a multiplier to align with Apogee 500-series sensors. If you buy it, DM me a pic and I’ll share if a multiplier is required.

 

[TelegrahamTested LLC]

Newer sensor. Use the multiplier. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/v...um-r-g-b-par-seperately.1011898/post-12168527

 

[Ballyhoo]

i'm so confused

 

[BeanAnimal]

Because none of it makes sense. Save your money and use it on coral. PAR meters really offer no benefit to the average reef keeper and are pretty much useless without considering spectrum… even then what exactly does the number mean and what are you comparing it to if everyone else is using different spectrum, different meters, etc.

 

[VintageReefer]

i'm so confused

About?

 

[Ballyhoo]

About?

#12 thru #15

 

[BeanAnimal]

Your answer is #17 :cool: