Thinking about a PAR meter

[tomtom2245]

So I've been throwing around the idea of getting a PAR meter and am undecided as to which one. Does anyone have any experience with the Apex PMK? Thoughts/likes/dislikes etc on this setup? I have an Apex which is why I was looking at this one and if you get the ASM module, who knows what future capabilities they have in store for that module. I've also looked at the Apogee SQ-120 Sensor that Rapid LED sells. The price point is lower and I have no qualms with using a multimeter to read it. I have heard however that the SQ-110 is a better suited sensor. The 120 is an Electric Calibration vs the 110 which is a Sun Calibration sensor.

 

[Highgrade]

I'm curious as well since I'm in the market. I know @Willz recently has been playing with the Neptune PMK. Maybe he could chime in on pros/cons with the Apex setup.

 

[AlexDm]

What's the point of a PAR Meter ? I don't understand looking at one as well ... I Understand lighting passing through the water but once it's setup only way to fix is adjusting or an ozone system

 

[tomtom2245]

What's the point of a PAR Meter ? I don't understand looking at one as well ... I Understand lighting passing through the water but once it's setup only way to fix is adjusting or an ozone system

The point is to ensure you have an adequate amount of lighting available for your corals. My fixture is a complete DIY setup from the drivers to the controller to the heatsink and individual LEDs. I built it from the ground up and just changed the optics on it to improve light penetration. So for me it's hard to compare with other people to get ideas about brightness settings, fixture height, etc. as there is no other fixture like mine. I want to make sure that any adjustments I make aren't going to burn my corals up.

 

[gus6464]

If you are going to drop the cash on a PMK you are way better off getting the new Apogee SQ-500 sensor, a multimeter, and a blueacro converter board.

http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/sq-500-full-spectrum-quantum-sensor/
https://blueacro.com/products/SQ500MM

 

[Willz]

I'm curious as well since I'm in the market. I know @Willz recently has been playing with the Neptune PMK. Maybe he could chime in on pros/cons with the Apex setup.

I like it, but if I had it to do over I would look for a gently used one. I don't see keeping it in the tank long term. I have bare bottom so hiding the cord is an issue. I also wonder if you would be able to tell a decrease in the PAR over time vs. it getting slightly dirty. It is a very nice product and allowed me to place coral much easier to match what they were used to already. Long term though I see taking it out and storing soon. I may reconnect it before I need to change my bulbs and then check after as well to see how much difference there is so I can raise the fixture if I need to. I don't use it, but the module also lets you add on an array of other meters and measurements. If someone was interested in really customizing their tank then they should look at Neptune's site for a list of all the peripherals that can be used with the PMK box.

 

[Tegridy Reef]

I have pmk if i would would do it again i would of got apogge because i have to have apex to use it so i cant help a friend and let him botrow mine or b able to use it on another tank down the hall way or take to fish store to measure what they had the acro under just some cases that makes me wish i woulf of got apogee

 

[reefwiser]

Your best to get the new Apogee 520 They design this new sensor to better deal with the under water and color spectrum of the lights we use in our aquariums.