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#1
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![]() I want to test what the output is on my diy LED's are but don't know what meter I need, a lux or par meter. I can get a lux meter from J&L for a lot cheaper then the par meter from Apogee.
So if there are any experts out there that can explain the difference in layman's terms so I can understand better it would be helpful.
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Feed the bear goodies, make a new friend, don't feed the bear............... 8' - 165gal Reef DIY LED's Build 2012 Nano Contest Winner Febuary 2013 POTM Winner 300 gal + 60 gal Complete DIY Build |
#2
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![]() i use a par meter.after taxes they are $500.too bad your in alberta,i could have lent you mine.when measuring led output add 10-25% to the reading
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#3
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![]() No personal experience here, but from what I've seen on various threads about the subject of measuring LED photons, it's quite tricky. Apparently most of the metering equipment out there & in common use for our hobby is geared towards older technology, MH, flourescent etc. Certain spectra that the LEDs put out (blue, UV etc.) can skew results, especially when using a PAR meter.
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Mike 77g sumpless SW DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build ![]() |
#4
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![]() lux meter tells you nothing, PAR meter will tell you the numbers you want. you can get a PAR sensor you use with your multi meter for around 100 bucks from apogee if they are still selling them.
Steve
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![]() Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive. |
#5
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![]() Thanks for the input guys, I think I will have to just pull the trigger and order the Apogee par meter as it has the water proof sensor as well as a compensation guild to adjust reading for LED's.
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Feed the bear goodies, make a new friend, don't feed the bear............... 8' - 165gal Reef DIY LED's Build 2012 Nano Contest Winner Febuary 2013 POTM Winner 300 gal + 60 gal Complete DIY Build |
#6
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![]() As Stircrazy said, apogee sells just the sensor which you hook up to a multimeter. One that reads at least 0-500 mV
Here is the manual: http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/con..._300manual.pdf And a good read http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/2/equipment |
#7
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![]() Quote:
In the end though, it does still appear to be a tricky proposition to get useful data trying to measure the light output a LED fixture, particularly the UV, Blue & Red spectra. One of the best ways to tell if you have the appropriate spectrum & enough intensity with your LED fixture still appears to be personal experience & a few months of actually running a fixture above your tank. But that has it's own risks in that you can easily burn certain coral trying to eyeball light intensity instead of measuring it. Most LED lighting manufacturers have now done the research & are providing fixtures with intensity & spectra that work pretty well depending on what you're keeping in the tank. For us DIY folks, it's a bit of a gamble & takes some research to get the LED combination right. I reckon a PAR meter or sensor is probably not a bad investment. Might have to jump on the bandwagon after all & get one of these, depending on price & availability.
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Mike 77g sumpless SW DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build ![]() |
#8
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![]() Quote:
Steve
__________________
![]() Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive. |
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