PAR meter

reefBoyDc · 12-01-2005, 12:48 AM

Anybody know where to get a PAR meter? Thx.

reefBoyDc · 12-01-2005, 12:49 AM

Oh it has to be waterproof

Geoff · 12-01-2005, 03:38 AM

here are a couple. i do not think they are waterproof. if these guys do not have one that is, then i really do not think they exist. i think people put these in plastic bags to try them in the aquarium.

G~

reefBoyDc · 12-01-2005, 11:50 AM

Thanks! The Hanna says "not for submersible applications", so I wonder why it's in an Aquatics store. I guess you're right about the plastic bag things. Kinda weird that nobody makes a submersible one. Do you think an underwater photography store might have something? Or is that a different kind of light meter? I sent them an email asking about the other one. Thx again.

reef_noob · 12-01-2005, 01:11 PM

What kind of lights are you trying to measure?

reefBoyDc · 12-01-2005, 01:15 PM

I'm trying to see if my 195W of PC lights in my shallow tank are as effective as MH in a deep tank.

Wiskey · 12-01-2005, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefBoyDc

I'm trying to see if my 195W of PC lights in my shallow tank are as effective as MH in a deep tank.

I have always wondered that myself, and how PC with really good reflectors, compairs to T5 with the really good reflectors.

Good luck, and be sure to report back your findings,
Whiskey

reefBoyDc · 12-01-2005, 08:52 PM

I found these: http://www.apogee-inst.com/bqm_spec.htm. Rather expensive though, for a not-so-important experiment. Still looking for a cheaper alternative if anyone has one. Thx.

reefBoyDc · 12-01-2005, 09:51 PM

Here's an interesting article on the topic: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/7/review/view

tdwyatt · 12-02-2005, 04:31 PM

I have the Apogee, a great little tool, definitely would recommend it over anything Hanna makes.

wharyat · 12-02-2005, 06:49 PM

Sweet, I think I need one.

reefBoyDc · 12-02-2005, 06:50 PM

The thing is, you need it for like 1 day, and then it sits in a drawer the rest of your life. $220... hmmmm....

wharyat · 12-02-2005, 06:53 PM

That's a good point.

For that price, I think I will hold off.

I'm sure I would be measruing every single light source for a week or so.

tdwyatt · 12-03-2005, 12:11 AM

I use mine to check every month on PAR for the bulbs, AI don't replace until I hit 90% of the value after the first 100 hrs of burn in. Heck, I've saved enough in MH bulb replacements to pay for the meter.