- If you wanna have corals or anemones
in your saltwater tank, then you're gonna need
to either borrow, rent, or buy a PAR meter.
Apogee makes two different sensors,
the original black sensor and the full spectrum blue sensor.
According to Apogee due to supply issues,
the original black sensor had to undergo
a change in the middle of 2021, and the new sensor
is denoted with an X in the serial number and the title.
But unfortunately for us in the hobby,
the new original X sensor just isn't as good
at reading LED lights.
You can see it visually represented in these two graphs.
the new original X sensor definitely overreads
for a lot of the PAR wavelengths.
I actually own the original and the original X sensor,
so I quickly tested it out on my Waterbox frag system
and I found the two to be almost identical with the readings
While undoubtedly more costly, the full spectrum blue sensor
gives accurate underwater readings
across a wide range of wavelengths.
This is gonna be your most accurate option.
Then you have the Neptune systems PMK monitoring kit.
Apogee actually makes their PAR sensors,
and I would say based on the price,
the sensor is probably relatively equivalent
to the original black sensor from Apogee.
Two cool things to note about the Neptune PAR meter.
Firstly, it comes with a rock hideout
so you can keep it somewhat hidden
if you wanna leave it in place in your tank.
And secondly, it connects to your Neptune Apex
so you can easily log the PAR readings.
And lastly, you have the Seneye Reef Monitor,
but due to quite a few negative reviews
and some videos I watched regarding the accuracy
of the PAR meter, I'm not gonna include that one
in consideration for today.
If you're not lucky enough to have a friend
who will loan you her PAR meter at the drop of a hat
and you don't wanna spend several hundred dollars
for your own PAR meter, you can purchase a PAR meter
from BRS, keep it for up to 60 days
and return it used for only a $100 fee.
But if you're like me and would rather take
that $100 pseudo-rental fee and put that towards
the purchase of something I can own forever,
then here's how to go about choosing
the right PAR meter for yourself.
There are four things to consider
when choosing the right PAR meter.
Number one is price.
They range from the mid-200s up to almost $600.
Number two is sensor accuracy.
The full spectrum blue sensor is definitely
gonna be your most accurate choice,
but the original black sensor is probably
gonna be close enough for most of our needs.
Number three, connection type.
You can either get one that plugs
directly into your computer via a USB port,
or you can pick up one that comes
with its own handheld monitor.
And consideration number four, Neptune Apex connectivity.
If you already have a Neptune Apex,
then you might as well just go with their PAR meter.
Let's say that you know for sure
you wanna get the most accurate PAR meter.
Then you have three options,
all of which use the full spectrum blue PAR sensor.
The MQ-510 comes with a handheld monitor.
The PQ-510 is Bluetooth-enabled
and can connect to your Apple or Android device.
And the SQ-520 connects to your computer via a USB port.
But if you wanna save some money
by using the original black sensor,
then you have two options.
The MQ-210 comes with a handheld monitor
while the SQ-420 plugs into your computer via a USB port.
If you have a laptop or a computer near your aquarium,
then just go with the SQ-520 or the SQ-420.
Either of them are easy to use.
You just have to download the Apogee Connect software,
plug in your PAR meter and you're off.
But if you'd rather have that handheld monitor,
than go with the MQ-510 or the MQ-210.
I don't understand why, but the refraction of light
through water can mess up your PAR readings
unless you make some sort of calculation adjustment.
But if you use the MQ-210X or the MQ-510,
both of which come with a handheld monitor,
they will automatically adjust the readings
when the PAR meter's underwater.
But if you decide to go with the SQ-410,
the one without a monitor that plugs into your computer,
then be sure to select "use immersion settings"
in the Apogee Connect app.
For either sensor that uses the handheld monitor,
just be sure to select an electric source
rather than the sun as the source.
Well, which one would I buy?
That's actually quite easy because
there is only one that I bought
before working here at BRS, and that is the SQ-420.
It's the cheapest, it works well for me,
and it plugs into my MacBook Pro.
I know that it's probably not the most accurate,
but it has worked well enough for me
so I'd say it's accurate enough for my needs.
I did also buy the sensor wand and it works great.
It keeps my hands totally dry
and you can adjust the angle of the sensor.
But if I were to do it again, honestly
I would just buy a shoulder length glove,
do something DIY or maybe even just get
a piece of acrylic with some cable ties
to lock it into place.
Now it's time to learn how to properly use
your PAR meter to tune your lights
for maximum coral success.
Luckily, I don't have to do that because we already did.
And as always everyone, thanks for watching.
Happy reefing, be well.
We'll see you next time.