Apogee Quantum Light Meter MQ-200 For Sale -

Barely Used Apogee Quantum Light Par Meter MQ-200

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 thePARoutput of lighting is superior to measuring LUX or footcandles, whichare 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 (modelMQ-200) measures PAR in PPF units (μmol m-2s-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 theimmersion 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 alsomake PAR readings using one of our stand-alone Quantum sensor headsby hooking it up to a high-quality voltmeter. TheSQ-100series 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 attainthe bestresolution. 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-2s-11 output from the sensor.

ApogeeQuantum sensorshave 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.

When growinga reefin a artificial environment, the PAR requirements of various types of coral will vary greatly due to the different depths andwater conditionsin whichthey existed naturally. Each tank setup requires a unique type, intensity, and durationof lighting. Many good resources exist in print and online that can help determine the PAR requirements you'll need toprovidefor optimum specimen health.You can alsoget great information by asking a professional aquarist orby becominginvolved ina local reef club.