Sufficient lighting is vital for growing healthy coral and other photosynthetic organisms in an aquarium. The two critical components of adequate lighting are intensity and spectrum. Light (or photons) in the wavelengths of 400 to 700 nanometers (nm) is the energy source for photosynthesis and is called Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) or Quantum, and is usually expressed in Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF). Measuring the PAR output of lighting is superior to measuring LUX or footcandles, which are weighted measurements that approximate the human eye response, and thus overweight wavelengths between 550 and 600 nm and underweight wavelengths below 500 nm and above 650 nm.
The Quantum Meter manufactured by Apogee Instruments (model MQ-200) measures PAR in PPF units (μmol m-2 s-1) and features both sunlight and electric lighting modes. This meter has become very popular with advanced aquarists because it is ideally suited for use underwater. The separate sensor head is potted solid and is completely sealed with no hollow cavities for water to penetrate and cause measurement errors. The blue diffuser improves the spectral response to more accurately measure all wavelengths of light and has minimal error due to the immersion effect. The meter also features advanced logging capabilities such as automatically monitoring light levels on a half hour basis for up to 99 measurements and storing the daily total for over three months.
If data logging capabilities are not important to you, you can also make PAR readings using one of our stand-alone Quantum sensor heads by hooking it up to a high-quality voltmeter. The SQ-100 series sensors are considered to be self-powered and have been calibrated to 5.0 µmol m-2 s-1 per mV. Use a voltmeter with a mV setting to attain the best resolution. Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the red wire of the SQ and the negative lead of the voltmeter to the black wire of the SQ. Once you are reading the mV output from the sensor, simply multiply this reading by 5.0. This will give you the μmol m-2 s-11 output from the sensor.
Apogee Quantum sensors have become indispensable tools for those wanting to ensure adequate PAR outputs while saving thousands of dollars over higher-priced spectroradiometers that provide far more accuracy than is needed for this application. Measuring PAR output can help you adjust your lighting configuration, rearrange your tank, alert you to lighting malfunctions, and let you know when it is time to replace your bulbs. Some bulbs decline in PAR output long before they burn out.
PAR Intensity Requirements for Coral
When growing a reef in a artificial environment, the PAR requirements of various types of coral will vary greatly due to the different depths and water conditions in which they existed naturally. Each tank setup requires a unique type, intensity, and duration of lighting. Many good resources exist in print and online that can help determine the PAR requirements you'll need to provide for optimum specimen health. You can also get great information by asking a professional aquarist or by becoming involved in a local reef club.
Apogee MQ-200 Par Meter Loaner Policy
Our loaner period is 7 days from the day it is delivered to your door to the day the return tracking number becomes active, so you get a full week to measure PAR readings and adjust your lighting. If you need to keep the meter and wand for more than a week then no problem; the same weekly loaner fee of $55.99 applies to each week you need to keep the meter. When you're ready to send the PAR meter and wand back, just let us know by email ([email protected]) or by phone (803) 788-4445 and we will have a return shipping label sent to your email address. Simply repackage the meter & wand then drop it off at any UPS location. *Deposits are fully refundable, provided the meter is in transit within the initial 7-day loaner period. The meter and wand must be in good working condition. Each additional reantal week will incur an additional $55.99 charge, which will be deducted from the initial deposit. Deposits can be refunded back to your original method of payment or back to your Reward Points account; the choice is yours. Our loaner program is only available within the lower 48 US States.
Terms & Conditions
Loaner shall indemnify and hold harmless Aquarium Specialty, Inc. from any and all claims, demands, causes of actions, liability, loss, damage and/or injury of any kind arising out of any acts, omissions, negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of the renter. This agreement shall be governed exclusively by the laws of South Carolina.