I recently purchased the sq420x and had some concerns with PAR readings being over and above what was a reasonable value and found correction values on the APOGEE site based on different bulb types. https://www.apogeeinstruments.com/how-to-correct-for-spectral-errors-of-popular-light-sources/ I found a .8 correction factor to bring down readings to what my Aquatic Life Edge LED light fixture tested at 12" in open air. Apparently the staff at BRS is unaware of these correction factors because they seem to indicate that a 40 PAR discrepancy was okay. The app does have an entry point for this correction value. But otherwise the unit seem to work fine and able to acquire a low cost extension wand.

Works as described

I received my PAR meter today and within 5 minutes, I had the app downloaded and plugged it in. SUPER quick, and I was immediately satisfied with my lighting giving 150-170 PAR for my torch coral. I'm currently in acclimation mode so in a few weeks the light will be at it's proper setting and I can rest easy knowing my corals have the proper lighting. While I know this meter doesn't add the PAR from the red spectrum, I know it's consistant from measurement to measurement so adding 10-15 PAR for that discrepancy is really not a big deal in the long run.

100% "I’d like to personally thank Apogee and whoever invented this USB par sensor for making this and myself for buying it. This is an AMAZING piece of tech and a MUST have when knowing where to place your coral or to measure how much intensity your lights are giving out. I work at a fish store as well as service fish tanks and I am thrilled to educate my customers and clients about this product. It sheds new light on coral keeping because let’s admit it, that’s why we’re in this hobby right? For the price, it’s definitely worth it...So what are you waiting for? Go get you one, it soo handy." I could not have worded this better myself! If you own a laptop or you can manage to get it hooked up to your computer, there is no reason to purchase other sensors over this one. If the wand is too expensive then you can make one out of some 1/2" PCV, personally, I purchased it as I was not a fan of the PVC option that I made for the Apex par monitor and the slim form factor is a plus. !000% recommend

I’d like to personally thank Apogee and whoever invented this USB par sensor for making this and myself for buying it. This is an AMAZING piece of tech and a MUST have when knowing where to place your coral or to measure how much intensity your lights are giving out. I work at a fish store as well as service fish tanks and I am thrilled to educate my customers and clients about this product. It sheds new light on coral keeping because let’s admit it, that’s why we’re in this hobby right? For the price, it’s definitely worth it and spending the extra $60 on the wand (it’s not included) is a bit frustrating but once you start reading the numbers you forget why you were even upset about it. So what are you waiting for? Go get you one, it soo handy.

Why rent when you can own! At this price point you can't go wrong. With a quick download of the software you can be measuring par in a matter or minutes. Highly recommend for setting up lights over your reef!

For the price should of gotten a long time ago. Admit it you've had more coral die off than what this meter cost. Just get it you won't be disapointed!!!!!

There isn't much to say about this, it simply works and is easy to use. Great product!

To begin with the service team here is second to none. I made a mistake on shipping. Within seconds they had resolved the problem and sent a refund so I could reorder correctly. Shipping was lightening fast and the sensor works great. Iv sent more than my share of corals to heaven trying to guess...too bright, too dim, bright enough till they just gave up and died. Do yourself a favor, dont hesitate, this is well worth the money!!!

This device works great. Easy setup and use. I’m glad I have it.

Checking PAR couldn't get much easier. Downloaded their software, plugged in USB and was measuring within minutes. Cost is half of a standalone meter costs.

Its nice that you can download the software ahead of time and then it was practically plug and play when it arrived. Enjoyed being able to see my values for various SPS.

This is the solution I have been looking for! The PAR meters from Apogee give great results that make this hobby a lot easier. The 15' cable with USB on the end is perfect for use with the aquarium. Bring a laptop near by and get live results in the easy to use program that is literally plug and play.