PAR monitor check

Reefer911 · Oct 12, 2023

Hello, I’m wondering if there’s a standard by which to compare the functioning of PAR meters. Is there a database that shows what PAR readings should be (I’d guess out of water to reduce that variable) at a certain distance and a certain intensity for any particular light?

Maybe this would be found on a manufacturer’s website.

I have a seneye meter, I don’t remember the model. Running my two XR15 Pros at 100% intensity, they seem a little anemic at 8..25” above the surface. I’m wondering if my meter is reading correctly.

Reefer911 · Oct 12, 2023

I don’t remember the name of the lighting schedule I’m running but it’s not AB+.
It has a component of full spectrum. I don’t have reeflink so I’ll have to wait until I get home to get that info

Lavey29 · Oct 12, 2023

I have the same lights also running 100% on AB plus setting. Are you asking about calibration for the par meter? The XR 15 lights are very weak par lights.

Reefer911 · Oct 12, 2023

Yeah basically, is there a calibration for the PAR meter

nereefpat · Oct 12, 2023

Are these G6 Radions? How far under the surface are you measuring PAR?

G6 has traded punch for more spread.

Reefer911 · Oct 12, 2023

Maybe 6-8” getting 210-220 at best

Yes they’re G6

Reefer911 · Oct 12, 2023

I’m going to add an a360x between the two XR15s since I have two Kessils on hand. Hopefully what will get me where I need to be. Plus, I don’t need wall to wall 250+ PAR at the top so moving them closer together will help too

Lavey29 · Oct 12, 2023

Reefer911 said:
Yeah basically, is there a calibration for the PAR meter

There are calibration methods for par meters you would have to Google your make and model but I can tell you for certain XR15 lights are weak.

Reefer911 · Oct 12, 2023

Does Ecotech make anything that concentrates that spread back in?

oreo54 · Oct 12, 2023

Reefer911 said:
Yeah basically, is there a calibration for the PAR meter

Mostly no.
How Apogee does it:

Apogee MQ series quantum meters are calibrated through side-by-side comparison to the mean of four transfer
standard quantum sensors under a reference lamp. The reference quantum sensors are recalibrated with a 200 W
quartz halogen lamp traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

There is one complicated method that Apogee has posted using latitude and longitude, time of day calendar day, and sky conditions.