Free PAR meter? Photone App.

[NeonRabbit221B]

So can someone explain the light diffuser part? Is it something you need to buy from them?

 

[Jimmeh lee]

So can someone explain the light diffuser part? Is it something you need to buy from them?

As per the instructions in-app, you literally just wrap a strip of paper(they suggest printer paper) around the phone/over the front camera.

 

[1mbrews8]

seems like it works well enough to give idea? I like it..

 

[yoyohead]

Here is an Android app.....
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homestudio.ppfdmeter&hl=en_US&gl=US

 

[lafarrow]

This may be part of the reason why BRS and Marine Depot stopped their par meter rental program. As someone without a lot of options for equipment swapping and the like this arrived just in time. Thanks for posting this. Tip of the freaking year arrived in May.

 

[Karen00]

So there is this free app called Photone. It's used mostly by indoor gardeners to test PAR levels. This morning I had the brilliant idea to put my phone in a plastic bag and dunk it in my tank to see how it works. I'm currently waiting for my lights to ramp up so I can try it..
When I first got the idea like an hour ago I messaged the company on instagram to share my idea. Like all of my great ideas, someone already thought of it.. They responded right away with a recent blog they wrote up about this idea. And they even have some calibration tips. Here is a link to their blog: https://growlightmeter.com/underwater-par-measurements-for-reef-aquariums/

I likey A LOT!! :-) Quick question though, is the app also on Android? I saw a member post a reply for an app called "PPFD Meter" by Home Studio Inc.? Is that the correct app?

 

[The_Shrimper]

I likey A LOT!! :) Quick question though, is the app also on Android? I saw a member post a reply for an app called "PPFD Meter" by Home Studio Inc.? Is that the correct app?

The app is only for the apple products right now, but it says on their website that an android version is coming soon

 

[zoaprince]

Waiting for a comparison to an actual PAR meter..let's not get too excited until then

 

[reeferKen]

I tired this and it worked for me. On another forum a guy rented the BRS PAR meter to test against this LUX meter. His readings came back +- 10lux on the 200,000 LUX meter mode. Divide the Lux reading by 30 and it was pretty much spot on with the BRS Apogee PAR number.

amazon Lux meter 18 bucks.

Leaton Digital Luxmeter/Digital Illuminance Light Meter lux meter with LCD Display(Range: 0.1~200,000 Lux Luxmeter, 0.01~20,000Fc)​

 

[chicago]

following..

 

[GuppyHJD]

I tired this and it worked for me. On another forum a guy rented the BRS PAR meter to test against this LUX meter. His readings came back +- 10lux on the 200,000 LUX meter mode. Divide the Lux reading by 30 and it was pretty much spot on with the BRS Apogee PAR number.

amazon Lux meter 18 bucks.

Leaton Digital Luxmeter/Digital Illuminance Light Meter lux meter with LCD Display(Range: 0.1~200,000 Lux Luxmeter, 0.01~20,000Fc)​

Amazon has lots of Lux meters...some have a sensor on a coiled cord. It makes me wonder if I put the sensor in a plastic bag.

 

[Devaji]

yeah let test out all the apps and amazon "cheap" meters and come up with a hobby grade solution that is +/- 10 that is good enough for me.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

**** sorry guys I have been dealing with high phosphates and STN... Will do some readings tomorrow

 

[Mickeyt1reef]

It’s not free it’s about 5 bucks per light type. Still very interested.

 

[ScottJ]

Following

 

[Gaspipe]

For people curious about the diffuser:

 

[camostore]

For people curious about the diffuser:

I have been using this app for a while in grow room worksgreat I think I will get a 30 dollar waterproof case to try this out

 

[Thatdude156]

I’m anxious to see the comparison between a par meter and this app. This goes really well with “there’s an app for that”.

 

[tjcmtnbiker]

This is interesting... So I stumbled across this app from apogee that does lighting conversion. So I bought a corded Amazon lihht meter for $20-30 and saran wrapped the sensor.... I'm curious if this app is better.

 

[duffstanton]

This is a comparison out of the water.