Where can i get a PAR meter?

[Reef Breeders]

I'm working on some LED fixtures, and would like to see what they can do. Before I finish building them all, I want to test their output, power usage, etc. I want to get an apogee PAR meter, but they are really expensive, $400+. Is there any way to rent/borrow one? I will try asking lfs's, locals, and the like, but I am coming up dry. Is there any place that sells used ones? I should have the wattage covered, as those meters are easier to come by, Thanks

 

[swannyson7]

If you're a CTARS member then you can borrow the club meter, but I'm not sure how long of a waiting list there is. Also, keep in mind that Apogee meters measure the PAR of RB diodes below their true output. As the spectrum approaches 400nm, the detector response of the Apogee meter measures PAR at estimates of about 40% below true values. If you look on Apogee's website, you can see the relative quantum response in relation to lighting wavelength to make necessary adjustments. Might be worth a read...

 

[Reef Breeders]

I'm not a member, but I plan on joining soon, most meetings are a little far North to make, I tried to go to the ARKSC meetings, but they have thinned out quite a bit. That is definitely a good suggestion.

 

[swannyson7]

I've recieved a couple PMs in the past few minutes about the inaccuracy of the apogee meters when testing actinic lighting, so I figured I would clarify a bit in the thread. I apologize to the OP for sidetracking...
The inaccuracy is most evident when measuring LEDs with an output around the 400nm spectrum due to their narrow spectral range. With other lighting options such as T5, the inaccuracy isn't as prevelent. Bulbs such as the Blue+ have a much wider spectral range that is accurately measured by the quantum meter and therefore the deviation from accurate readings is much less significant. The inaccuracy will be slightly more significant in T5 bulbs such as True actinic bulbs in the 420nm range, but they still possess a spectral range wider than that of a RB diode.

This is only based on what I have read, so please don't interpret this as gospel, but perhaps some of the lighting gurus can chime in to verify my summation.

 

[bluwinghawk]

+ 2 watch list

 

[Reef Breeders]

I've recieved a couple PMs in the past few minutes about the inaccuracy of the apogee meters when testing actinic lighting, so I figured I would clarify a bit in the thread. I apologize to the OP for sidetracking...
The inaccuracy is most evident when measuring LEDs with an output around the 400nm spectrum due to their narrow spectral range. With other lighting options such as T5, the inaccuracy isn't as prevelent. Bulbs such as the Blue+ have a much wider spectral range that is accurately measured by the quantum meter and therefore the deviation from accurate readings is much less significant. The inaccuracy will be slightly more significant in T5 bulbs such as True actinic bulbs in the 420nm range, but they still possess a spectral range wider than that of a RB diode.

This is only based on what I have read, so please don't interpret this as gospel, but perhaps some of the lighting gurus can chime in to verify my summation.

I did a little read up on their site, and you are right. However, This fixture has a variety of LEDs, creating a very nice wide spectrum, so I am not overly concerned with inaccuracy.

 

[Reef Breeders]

No luck so far, anyone have a used one? I might as well just buy the mq-200 used and get it over with.

 

[mainereefer]

pm sent

 

[DEViSE]

There's a local store where I'm at that will loan them out for $20 a day. They do require a hefty deposit, but you get it right back. Might be able persuade one near you..

 

[Reef Breeders]

I just bought one :)

 

[revhtree]

Which one did you get?

 

[revhtree]

There's a local store where I'm at that will loan them out for $20 a day. They do require a hefty deposit, but you get it right back. Might be able persuade one near you..

Welcome to R2R! Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

 

[Reef Breeders]

Which one did you get?

The apogee mq-200