Apogee is a leading producer of PAR meters for use with aquarium lighting. If you are using LEDs as your preferred lighting option then the MQ-510, PQ-510, or SQ-520 will be the top choices.
What is the Best Apogee Underwater PAR Meter In 2024?
- Underwater PAR Measurements
- Datalogging Capabilites
- Refined Spectral Response
- Cosine Response
- Reliable Accuracy
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Underwater PAR Meter: Check your light PAR by using the Apogee MQ-510 PAR Meter. It is the MQ-510 quantum meter was specifically designed specifically for underwater PAR measurements. It already applies the sensor’s correction for immersion effect to the meter’s readings via the firmware.
The Apogee quantum meters are the industry standard and the tool of choice for scientists and professionals across the globe.
Accurately measuring PPFD across any light source. It is the MQ510 is a handheld measuring device, with a cable, which shows and stores the measurements.
For underwater biologists, this Apogee Meter is similar to the MQ-500, but it can also be utilized in the water.
The sensor comes as standard with an extension wand that can be used to connect the sensor, as well as an option for a case for protection (with foam liner).
Its MQ-510 quantum meter was made for underwater PAR measurements. It already applies the sensor’s correction for immersion effect to the meter’s readings by means of the firmware.
The meter offers excellent measurements in all light sources such as LEDs. The meter is made up of a quantum sensor that is waterproof and connected via a waterproof cable to the handheld meter.
The sensor that is waterproof incorporates blue-enhanced silicon photodiodes and custom optical filters that are mounted on an anodized, tough aluminum body that has an acrylic diffuser. The quantum sensor underwater is commonly utilized in saltwater aquariums where corals grow.
Notice the handheld meter isn’t waterproof, but the cable and sensor are waterproof.
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Personally, we like putting all our readings into a spreadsheet so that we can create charts of the output of light and then overlay the readings on an image. A picture showing your aquarium’s PAR levels is extremely useful to know when you’re putting new corals into your tank.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.69 inches x 4.33 3.13 inches 2.13 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.24 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.4 inches x 2.2 0.75 inches 0.75 inches |
| Brand Name | Apogee Instruments |
| Manufacturer | Apogee |
| Part Number | MQ-510 |
| Resolution | 1 to 4000 mmol |
| Calibration Uncertainty | +- 5 % |
| Field of View | 180deg |
| Measurement Repeatability | less than 0.5 less than 0.5 |
| Response Time | less than 1ms |
| Sensor Dimensions | 2.4 cm diameter, and 3.7 cm height |
| Spectral Range | 389 to 692nm +/- 5 Nm (wavelengths that have a response of more than 50% of the maximum) |
| USB Cable | 2 3 meters (6 ft) |
| Warranty | 4 years |
| What’s Included | 1x Apogee MQ-510 PAR Meter and Sensor |
- Underwater PAR Measurements
- Datalogging Capabilites
- Refined Spectral Response
- Cosine Response
- Reliable Accuracy
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Apogee MQ-510 Full Spectrum Underwater LED PAR Meter
What is the best apogee underwater par meter? Apogee’s MQ-510 PAR Meter is ideal to test LED’s underwater light intensity. Its adjustment factor for the effect of immersion is already applied to the firmware of the monitor, which gives you the corrected value for underwater. Our in-house expert team tested and declared it as the best par meter for reef tank.
- It was designed for use underwater.
- Full Spectrum
- All lighting types are compatible.
- Better spectrum response
- 2-meter shielded cable
MQ-510 Par Sensor: The MQ-510 Par Sensor was specifically developed to provide reliable and consistent readings underwater using LED lighting. With a wider range of spectra, as well as a bigger sensor, you can expect more precise readings for different lighting systems. Apogee is now equipped with the factor for immersion correction within the meter. This will automatically adjust for any underwater effects readings could be affected by.
Apogee has calibrated its MQ-510 sensor using electronic lighting which is stored within the software of the meters. This calibration using digital lighting is the ideal PAR meter for all kinds of lighting in aquariums. The sensor comes with a housing that is weatherproof and self-cleaning, ensuring years of use with little maintenance.
Don’t waste time looking and figuring out how much light is getting to your tanks. Apogee is a leader in radiation sensing equipment and has recently launched their MQ-510 USB Powered Quantum PAR Sensor, which now corrects the underwater parameters.
PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) is the most efficient method to gauge the amount of light in corals’ eyes to use and utilize for photosynthesis. LED light sources provide greater control to the user, the most effective thing is a PAR device that is cost-effective and easy to use.
With PAR readings, you can check light loss, the transparency of your water, and the intensity of the lighting program. Most LED lighting fixtures available today have more power than corals are able to handle and can quickly fade away from excessive light.
If you have a PAR meter to measure the intensity of light you’ll have numbers to base your calculations on, rather than simply guessing.
How is the MQ-510 Different from Other Apogee Quantum Sensors?
The MQ-510 does exactly the same underwater functions as the MQ-500 however, the MQ-510 simply increases its PAR measurement by 1.32 to take into account the effect of immersion.
The MQ-510 is an all-species quantum sensor (SQ/MQ-500 Series) with a spectrum from 389 to 692 nanometers +/- 5 nm as seen in the figure below. The improved spectrum response of the meter enhances the precision of LED measurements when compared to the original models.
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What is the Importance of the Significance of a PAR Meter?
If you don’t have use of a PAR meter, you aren’t able to correctly set the level of your light in relation to the canopy. Without the use of a PAR Meter, you are unable to effectively adjust the dimming of your lighting. Without the PAR Meter, you are unable to discern if the lights are getting old or require cleaning.
What is Underwater PAR?
PAR which is measured as photosynthetically active density (PPFD) is not just the most crucial measurement of light used in the field of terrestrial photobiology research crops and plants as well as for underwater plants, such as corals and reef plants.
Can a Smartphone Measure PAR?
There are numerous smartphone applications that claim to be able to determine PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), or the spectrum of light used to help grow plants).
What PAR is Suitable for Corals?
As an overall rule of thumb corals are required to have the following PAR levels Soft Corals (zoanthids palythoa, zoanthids, mushrooms, and leathers) 50-150 PAR. LPS Corals: 50-150 PAR. The Hard Corals (stony corals and small polyps) are 200-500 PAR.
Summary
What is the best apogee underwater par meter? Apogee MQ-510 Full Spectrum Underwater LED PAR Meter gives outstanding measurements in all lights that include LEDs. The meter is comprised of a quantum sensor that is waterproof and is connected by the waterproof cable to a handheld measuring device.
The sensor is waterproof and includes a blue-enhanced silicon photodiode, as well as customized optical filters, with the tough, anodized aluminum body and an acrylic diffuser. The quantum sensor for underwater use is commonly employed in saltwater aquariums, in which corals are grown.
The meter comes with two modes: log and sample and records daily totals in mol m-2 per day. Sample mode can record up to 99 manual measurements. Log mode turns the meter to turn off or on for every 30-second measurement.
- Underwater PAR Measurements
- Datalogging Capabilites
- Refined Spectral Response
- Cosine Response
- Reliable Accuracy
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Every 30 minutes, the instrument will calculate the measurements of sixty-three seconds and save the averaged value in memory. The meter is able to save as many as 99 measurements. when it is full, it will begin to replace the previous measurement by introducing new measurements.
An integrated daily sum is recorded using 48 measurements averaged (making the 24-hour period). The log and sample measurements can be viewed via the LCD display or downloaded the data to a computer; however, the daily total is only examined when downloading the information onto an electronic device.
The process of downloading data to a computer is done using the AC-100 cable (a regular USB cable won’t be able to work) as well as ApogeeAMS software.
