Apogee Instruments MQ-510 Full-Spectrum Quantum PAR Meter, for Underwater/Reef Tank Precision Light Measurement - All Light Sources Including LEDs

I bought a cheaper VBR version of a PAR meter on here and didn’t know that it didn’t measure the blue lighting in my tank. I spent several hundred dollars on corals thinking I had a PAR reading. I went to my LFS and asked them and they asked where did you get your par meter and I said Amazon and it’s a VBR meter. Sure as dog doo doo they said it isn’t measuring the blue lighting. Purchased this PAR meter and everything in my tank is booming. Sometimes trying to save a buck isn’t the best option in some cases.

Does what supposed to do

I spent over $560 on this par meter only to get a package that was already opened and used. No instructions or no paper work to show the product.Or how to use it. The par meter was dirty and the battery didn't work. I had to replace the battery with the one that was in it because it was crusty like it was dropped in saltwater.

Reefers do a lot of testing to ensure that their tanks are functioning properly, and that their precious corals are getting all the nutrients that they need. It surprises me, however, how few people check their lighting intensity, which is just as critical of a parameter.This meter is great for that- It's exactly what it's intended for. It allows me to check the PAR for any location in the tank at any time, so I can match up corals to the proper area of the tank for optimal lighting, OR tune my lighting to provide optimal PAR levels for various corals in your tank. While you can often rent one from a local fish store, it's SO much more convenient to have one on hand so you can test anytime you want.Another thing that the meter is great for is testing new lights to see if they live up to the manufacturers claims. I have tested DOZENS of reef lights over the years, and it's amazing how much some manufacturers like to overstate the abilities of their product. On the flip side, I have run across a lot of relatively inexpensive lights that put out just as much if not more than "name brand" lights costing 4-5x more.The meter is nicely, and solidly, built- and extremely easy to use. It is also VERY compact.The kit is great, because it comes with collapsible handle that allows you to test at various depths in your tank. My ONLY complaint is that this handle is too large to fit in the carrying case with the meter, but that's a minor complaint.I see in a lot of prior reviews that people were complaining that they had received used units. I suspect that a lot of people were using them, then returning them, and they somehow made it back in to normal Amazon stock. They have addressed this problem- The box has a HUGE sticker on it reminding the Amazon worker that opened product is NOT to be sold as new.A PAR meter has made it possible for me to reach new levels of success in my tanks! I now know that each coral is getting the proper light for optimal growth and health.

Expensive for what you can get close enough using iPhone and Photone

Honestly this tool is fantastic. I did have an issue figuring out battery installation and that the included battery is not a spare but the one you need to use.After that it was two minutes of simple assembly and I to the tank it went. Now I only have a planted tank and realize 52 is low but the sample was taken at 5pm so lights were already dimming. Hopefully this will help control algae. I can now add a second light for more intensity but reduce the amount of time they are on. Prior to this it was a hit and miss or weeks of trial and usually error.I do like that you simple press the sample button and it records it, that way you can sample the surface of the water, mid and sand bed or corners, you can even place it near your prized coral and get a reading. Highly recommend.

It is important to measure your light spectrum and adjust your lights for your coral. This is awesome product and it is really quality.

I’m not trying to spend $600 to be sent a used item! These are great par meters. I know because I paid my LFS to come out and take readings before I purchased. That said, I’m not happy with receiving a used item with everything opened and salt creep on the mounting screws and wand!