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Where is the best place and price for a good PAR Meter?
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http://www.apogee-inst.com/bqm_spec.htm
You want the electronic lamp calibrated version with separate sensor, I'd recommend Model QMSS-ELEC.Last edited by Orion76; 05-14-2005, 09:08 AM.400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController Pro -
Thnx. Timon, I believe these meters are highly considered for their price range. Are you using one? If so, how have you found it to be helpful, besides determining spectrum shifts[bulb exhaustion]? Bob"There might be something to this ZEOvit"Comment
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Haven't gotten one yet Bob, but I've had my eye on this for a while...
Who's up for a groupbuy?
400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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BTW the real value of this device is that it has a waterproof sensor so you can determine the amount of PAR a coral is receiving in a certain spot of your tank. Also a good help with acclimation I think.400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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I kind of agree with Bob on this one, it seems the meter would be useful for determining bulb life, but little else, due to the response curve of the Apogee sensor.
from the web site:
The spectral response of the Apogee Sensor used in Quantum Meters and the Quantum Sensor is shown at right. As the figure indicates, the sensor underestimates the 400 to 500 nm wavelengths (blue light), overestimates the 550-650 wavelengths (yellow and orange light), and has little sensitivity above 650 nm (red light). Fortunately, common light sources are mixtures of colors and the spectral errors offset each other. The sensor measures green light (500-550 nm) accurately, so it can be used to measure the radiation inside and at the bottom of plant canopies.
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There is only about a 2% error factor in meassuring PAR I believe so that is negligible.400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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yeah but I was thinking that as bulb's spectrum changes over time you would get a false reading, maybe high or maybe low depending on the direction of shift and peak output of the bulb. for examply, say you have a bulb with a peak at 450nm, that is something corals like and initially you would get a low side reading due to the sensor midpoint being 500-550nm.. then, if the bulb spectrum drifts up over time, this error is multiplied by the sensor and you might end up with a higher PAR value. not that I have any scientific knowledge to back this up, these are just my crazy thoughts.
but, as you stated 2% or so is probably neglegable.
hmmmm, don't know if I'd buy another $300 toy but I wouldn't mind trying one/renting one. It would be a useful tool when planning a new tank and initially setting up the lighting layout.
richComment
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Since I am upgrading my lighting system I ordered the QMSS-ELEC today to determine the intensity increase at specific points in my tank to help me avoid burning corals.
I'll give you guys a full review when I get it
400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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Rich, I missed your post above earlier. I think the only ones claiming that corals like/need light that peaks at 450nm are aquarium bulb manufacturers
400 gallon reef, Bubble King 300, I~Spin, 2 x 10,000K BLV 400W, 2 x 20,000K Radium 400W, 2 x 6,400K Osram 400W, Schuran Jetstream 1, AquaController ProComment
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