Suggestions for “cheap” PAR meter

[BanjoBandito]

I need a PAR meter as I’m (finally) going to setup the new tank this weekend most likely. Does anyone have suggestions? I don’t want to pony up the 450 for an apogee to use it once, I guess the seneye is more reasonable but still hefty. I’m fairly local to Pittsburgh, so if any 3RMAS members wanna help me out would be much appreciated!

 

[spsick]

Apogee Usb PAR meter is half the price. You just have to have your laptop nearby works great.

 

[Siberwulf]

FYI, you can "rent" one from BRS. You buy it, and then they take returns back and only charge you a $60 restocking fee.

 

[OldRed1]

I believe BRS has rentals on PAR meters? Would this work for you? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...our-reef-tank-led-lighting-schedule-reef-faqs

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Local clubs may have one or "rent" one from BRS as @Siberwulf suggested would be your best bet.

 

[Koh23]

Why not try free (if u use android phone) app, to best knowledge so far, app is very accurate comapred to real par meter.....

So, even if readings are not 100%, 95% is still good enough.....

 

[BanjoBandito]

Why not try free (if u use android phone) app, to best knowledge so far, app is very accurate comapred to real par meter.....

So, even if readings are not 100%, 95% is still good enough.....

What’s the app? All I want to know is if the light I got can get 100 par in 24” of water or there abouts.

 

[Projects with Sam]

checkout this thread:

Free PAR meter? Photone App.

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...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[BanjoBandito]

FYI, you can "rent" one from BRS. You buy it, and then they take returns back and only charge you a $60 restocking fee.

Ya this is my “last resort”

 

[BanjoBandito]

Local clubs may have one or "rent" one from BRS as @Siberwulf suggested would be your best bet.

I will post in the 3RMAS forum here and see, thanks for the tip.

 

[Projects with Sam]

Ive downloaded the app and it looks promising. The developer even got in-touch with reefers to tailor the app for it.

Read the later posts for how to do it - the earlier ones are people trying to get it to work right.

 

[Koh23]

Well, app works, it reads par, good enough for seting up lights.....

Its free, so, even if its not perfect, you can get very close picture of your par levels, for something that is free theres no room for complaining

 

[BanjoBandito]

Well, app works, it reads par, good enough for seting up lights.....

Its free, so, even if its not perfect, you can get very close picture of your par levels, for something that is free theres no room for complaining

Just looking for a “general ballpark” for sure

 

[fish farmer]

You can also use a lux meter and do some math. I recently did it on my tank and it seemed to make sense with how my corals were growing/not growing.

New Lux Meter--how do I use...

I just got a lux meter and have no idea how to set it or read it or use it.... Can someone, using kindergarden language help me . Pic of it. Dr. Meter Model LX1010b Range 0-100,000 lux no idea what to set: 2000 or 20000 or 100000. No idea what the "H" mode is (off, on, H) How do you...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[BanjoBandito]

You can also use a lux meter and do some math. I recently did it on my tank and it seemed to make sense with how my corals were growing/not growing.

New Lux Meter--how do I use...

I just got a lux meter and have no idea how to set it or read it or use it.... Can someone, using kindergarden language help me . Pic of it. Dr. Meter Model LX1010b Range 0-100,000 lux no idea what to set: 2000 or 20000 or 100000. No idea what the "H" mode is (off, on, H) How do you...

www.reef2reef.com

Did you have to put it in the tank? I assume you bagged it if you did?

 

[fish farmer]

Did you have to put it in the tank? I assume you bagged it if you did?

Yes. I think the one I bought has a swivel head so I could turn the unit to read it, but keep the eye horizontal.

 

[fulltang]

I used the app and it seemed to work, although I didn't do a direct comparison to a par meter. I did vacuum seal my phone which made things really easy after the basic calibration to account for the bag material.

 

[Neoma369]

Why not try free (if u use android phone) app, to best knowledge so far, app is very accurate comapred to real par meter.....

So, even if readings are not 100%, 95% is still good enough.....

What is this app called?!!! need it!

 

[Projects with Sam]

checkout this thread:

Free PAR meter? Photone App.

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...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Dburr1014]

PARwise
BRS has them for $300