PAR Meter - Best Quality and Affordability

jharding08 · 04/02/2016, 12:47 PM

I am looking to get a PAR meter. I only need it really to get my lights dimmed up right on my display and frag tank and then check on the PAR quality once corals start to grow into each other and shade others.

I see alot on line, some cheaper than others, some more expensive. I remember when Apogee was the only one available. I am guessing that is the best quality.

Other ones I've seen:

-Seneye Reef Monitor - monitors Temp, PAR, PH and ammonia -$200
-Milwaukee LUX Light meter - $75
-Neptune PAR Monitoring Kit - $300
-Biotek Marine PAR Sensor, USB - $53
- APogee USB Smart Quantum PAR Sensor - $195

Any other good ones? Which is the most accurate for the best price?

theatrus · 04/02/2016, 01:53 PM

The LUX meter is not going to be a good bet especially at the blue end. I have no opinion on the Seneye, would love to have one to tear down (I'm suspecting it uses an RGB sensor).

All three other meters are actually an Apogee SQ-1xx sensor head. I couldn't find the Biotek model online for sale but it's also made by Apogee and looks to be the same as their USB models.

oseymour · 04/02/2016, 03:12 PM

I went with the Seneye and I'm glad I did.

Other than par, the Seneye monitors PUR, LUX and Kelvin. It also shows you the spectrum of the light. BRS tested it vs more expensive meters and it did well.

Here is the BRS video - https://youtu.be/V7XLgLiA0PM?t=1888

Vinny Kreyling · 04/02/2016, 04:44 PM

Apogee just updated for led's.

gus6464 · 04/02/2016, 09:17 PM

Apogee SQ-500.

Kentech5 · 04/02/2016, 09:18 PM

I like the idea of the Apex kit but the price is high and it would be hard to check different tanks.

FullBoreReefer · 04/02/2016, 11:07 PM

I just picked up a used apogee mq-200, no complaints as of yet.

jharding08 · 04/03/2016, 08:26 AM

I like the idea of knowing my Kelvin of the LEDs. Is seneye the only one that does that?

04/02/2016, 12:47 PM	#1
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	PAR Meter - Best Quality and Affordability I am looking to get a PAR meter. I only need it really to get my lights dimmed up right on my display and frag tank and then check on the PAR quality once corals start to grow into each other and shade others. I see alot on line, some cheaper than others, some more expensive. I remember when Apogee was the only one available. I am guessing that is the best quality. Other ones I've seen: -Seneye Reef Monitor - monitors Temp, PAR, PH and ammonia -$200 -Milwaukee LUX Light meter - $75 -Neptune PAR Monitoring Kit - $300 -Biotek Marine PAR Sensor, USB - $53 - APogee USB Smart Quantum PAR Sensor - $195 Any other good ones? Which is the most accurate for the best price? __________________ Stats: 180 g Mixed SPS/LPS reef tank, 30 gallon sump, live rock, GFO\Carbon, AquaMaxx AM250 in-sump skimmer, felt filter socks, cleaning crew

04/02/2016, 01:53 PM	#2
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	The LUX meter is not going to be a good bet especially at the blue end. I have no opinion on the Seneye, would love to have one to tear down (I'm suspecting it uses an RGB sensor). All three other meters are actually an Apogee SQ-1xx sensor head. I couldn't find the Biotek model online for sale but it's also made by Apogee and looks to be the same as their USB models. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

04/02/2016, 03:12 PM	#3
oseymour Euphyllia Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 1,424	I went with the Seneye and I'm glad I did. Other than par, the Seneye monitors PUR, LUX and Kelvin. It also shows you the spectrum of the light. BRS tested it vs more expensive meters and it did well. Here is the BRS video - https://youtu.be/V7XLgLiA0PM?t=1888 __________________ Just started Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 Gallon) Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2555495 Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 350

04/02/2016, 04:44 PM	#4
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Apogee just updated for led's. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

04/02/2016, 11:07 PM	#7
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	I just picked up a used apogee mq-200, no complaints as of yet. __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

04/02/2016, 09:17 PM	#5
gus6464 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,079	Apogee SQ-500.

04/02/2016, 09:18 PM	#6
Kentech5 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hudson Falls, NY Posts: 368	I like the idea of the Apex kit but the price is high and it would be hard to check different tanks.

04/03/2016, 08:26 AM	#8
jharding08 BlueWorldAquatics.com Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 657	I like the idea of knowing my Kelvin of the LEDs. Is seneye the only one that does that? __________________ Stats: 180 g Mixed SPS/LPS reef tank, 30 gallon sump, live rock, GFO\Carbon, AquaMaxx AM250 in-sump skimmer, felt filter socks, cleaning crew