tbrown
Nominated Cronie Intern - Might be failing?
Either is available.
Free PAR meter? Photone App.
- Thread starter gobygrits
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Rmckoy
7500 Club Member
I don’t like having to choose what light source and having to pay according to different lights .
just under my t5’s I took a screen shot
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Rmckoy
7500 Club Member
This reading was with my hand shadowing the light over the camera .
I just got 1500 but says diffuser required ..
tbrown
Nominated Cronie Intern - Might be failing?
Diffuser is a piece of white printer paper. Only required on Apple I think.
tbrown
Nominated Cronie Intern - Might be failing?
Here is the write-up for the app with the calibration instructions.
growlightmeter.com
Underwater PAR Measurements for Reef Aquariums
The entire reef ecosystem depends on light for photosynthesis, which is measured as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). But without correction, PAR meters calibrated in air provide only relative values underwater. This article explains how to take accurate PAR measurements underwater.
growlightmeter.com
Rmckoy
7500 Club Member
To test and get an estimate par from my t5’s do I need to purchase the fl unlock or will the other free choices give me similar results ?Here is the write-up for the app with the calibration instructions.
Underwater PAR Measurements for Reef Aquariums
The entire reef ecosystem depends on light for photosynthesis, which is measured as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). But without correction, PAR meters calibrated in air provide only relative values underwater. This article explains how to take accurate PAR measurements underwater.
ilikefish69
Kind of a Valuable Member
I believe the ability to test our light sources (LED, t5) is an additional cost of the free app. I messed with it a bit but didn’t want to cough up the $5. Save that for a GSP frag I’ll end up hating
tbrown
Nominated Cronie Intern - Might be failing?
I'm not sure with the iPhone app. The Android App is free.
Rmckoy
7500 Club Member
The app is free but the upgrades for different light sources are additional to unlock .
Jonreefer
Valuable Member
i like it. I used the paper on my iphone and i was getting the par numbers that were equal to what my Seneye gives me. I only bought the white/blue LED and it is faster and easier to use than the seneye. for 2bucks for the light setting it was worth it
DanielJameS
Active Member
I’ve used this now quite a bit (iPhone 13 pro) and have found a few things.
1.) This is easier to use by hand with a generic waterproof pouch (2-pack on Amazon $6.99.) Originally I thought I’d get all fancy with a body glove waterproof case (Walmart) that leaked and a selfie stick. Just use by hand with a generic waterproof pouch, way easier.
2.) Just pay the $4.99/mo and get ALL light and pro settings. The advanced readings can be helpful but having the ability to turn off “hold” mode is a big one. I use the white/blue LED setting. If you don’t want to continue using it, just cancel the $4.99 subscription.
3.) You definitely must use the right paper diffuser (or close) and calibrate to the waterproof pouch. HOWEVER, I’m not sold on the calibration method mentioned earlier in this thread because the issue I mentioned on the previous page. With the “underwater immersion calibration” outlined in this thread I was getting numbers that just don’t make sense (way too high.) I found doing the standard calibration with the pouch and then using underwater results in numbers closer to what I’d expect, albeit with some amount of deviation.
Using this app as mentioned above determined for me that my combo of Kessil a360x’s and AI blade was running WAY too high. I’ve since dialed my Kessils down to peak @ only 60% and my blade @60% and everything is looking better already.
I don’t think this app is wildly inaccurate or precisely accurate either but is a FAR better solution than judging your PAR by your eyes, my case in point above (I was way overshooting.)
For around $12 between the pouches and subscription, I find it to be a great low cost solution to get you in the ballpark with your lighting.
1.) This is easier to use by hand with a generic waterproof pouch (2-pack on Amazon $6.99.) Originally I thought I’d get all fancy with a body glove waterproof case (Walmart) that leaked and a selfie stick. Just use by hand with a generic waterproof pouch, way easier.
2.) Just pay the $4.99/mo and get ALL light and pro settings. The advanced readings can be helpful but having the ability to turn off “hold” mode is a big one. I use the white/blue LED setting. If you don’t want to continue using it, just cancel the $4.99 subscription.
3.) You definitely must use the right paper diffuser (or close) and calibrate to the waterproof pouch. HOWEVER, I’m not sold on the calibration method mentioned earlier in this thread because the issue I mentioned on the previous page. With the “underwater immersion calibration” outlined in this thread I was getting numbers that just don’t make sense (way too high.) I found doing the standard calibration with the pouch and then using underwater results in numbers closer to what I’d expect, albeit with some amount of deviation.
Using this app as mentioned above determined for me that my combo of Kessil a360x’s and AI blade was running WAY too high. I’ve since dialed my Kessils down to peak @ only 60% and my blade @60% and everything is looking better already.
I don’t think this app is wildly inaccurate or precisely accurate either but is a FAR better solution than judging your PAR by your eyes, my case in point above (I was way overshooting.)
For around $12 between the pouches and subscription, I find it to be a great low cost solution to get you in the ballpark with your lighting.
DanielJameS
Active Member
I’ll also add that judging the par output of the AI blade by eye, I would have never guessed it’s putting out what it is. Those things are pretty dern powerful for what they are and blanket cover extremely well. Debating on getting a second and dialing down the pair for even better coverage.
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filter
Community Member
Here are my results. I didnt need to change the calibration of my iphone with the bag as the change nothing really. I used my vacuum sealer. One side of the bag is clear the other is rigged for air escape.
These are my numbers for a xr15 g6 in a 50 gallon lagoon. Im only looking for the rough numbers. This is my schedules peak lighting times at different overall intensity not the maximum the light will do. Top of water is slightly submerged. I did do the 100% with flow off and the others are with flow on. I just wanted to see as I wont run it at that anyhow for lps and zoa tank.
These are my numbers for a xr15 g6 in a 50 gallon lagoon. Im only looking for the rough numbers. This is my schedules peak lighting times at different overall intensity not the maximum the light will do. Top of water is slightly submerged. I did do the 100% with flow off and the others are with flow on. I just wanted to see as I wont run it at that anyhow for lps and zoa tank.
| par readings light intensity | 50% | 75% | 100% |
| top of water | 310 | 350 | 450 |
| top of rocks | 150 | 230 | 287 |
| bottom of rocks | 115 | 170 | 212 |
| sand bed | 90 | 132 | 160 |
Reef Puncher
Active Member
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thats what i did and it worked great
chicago
Valuable Member
ok I am lost with all the pouches available.. does it matter if the back is clear or not.. I assume not but thought best to ask. If the front is the read for the app, does the pouch thickness matter.. or perhaps.. can you let me know which one worked best for you.. I have iphone 12 max .. thanks
Idech
2500 Club Member
That’s the one I bought, that someone else recommended and was using too.
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