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

  • Based on 36 reviews
Condition: New
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Availability: Only 7 left in stock, order soon!
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Arrives Saturday, Jan 4
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Style: MQ-510


Features

  • FOR SCIENTISTS & SERIOUS GROWERS - Designed by world-renowned crop physiologist, Bruce Bugbee, PhD, the MQ-510 full-spectrum underwater quantum meter is the premium tool of choice among leading scientists and serious growers for accurately measuring the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) accurately underwater.
  • MEASURING PAR IS CRITICAL - An accurate PAR meter is critical for measuring the intensity of light used in the precision growing of plants and other photosynthetic organisms in greenhouses, growth chambers, farms, gardens, aquariums, and additional agricultural systems. Our underwater quantum meters are specifically designed to measure the intensity of light underwater for biological, chemical, and physical processes in natural waters and aquariums.
  • UNDERWATER ACCURACY - Underwater PAR measurements can read low when a quantum sensor is calibrated for air. The MQ-510 applies an immersion effect correction factor to get instant, accurate measurements underwater. Precisely measures and combines the intensity of all photons between 400 and 700 nm to give a single PAR reading in mol m-2 s-1 within 5 % uncertainty. Unlike hobby-grade PAR meters, our meter has a stable, accurate calibration with an accuracy drift rate of less than 2% per year.
  • QUALITY QUANTUM METER - Unlike cheaper LUX or footcandle sensors which are sometimes marketed as grow light meters, but are meant for measuring light for human vision, our meters feature a laboratory-grade PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density), or quantum, optical detector precisely calibrated to measure the light intensity in mol m-2 s-1 of the specific color wavelengths emitted by LEDs, HPS, MH, sunlight, and other light sources utilized by plants for photosynthesis.
  • RUGGED & EASY TO USE - Quantum sensor head is machined aluminum and potted solid with epoxy for years of use in harsh environments, including underwater. The handheld meter is attached by a cable and displays real-time readings, records samples, and logs average intensity and daily light integral (DLI) measurements. Unlike the sensor head, the handheld meter is not waterproof.

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.69 x 6.42 x 2.44 inches; 6.4 ounces


Batteries ‏ : ‎ 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)


Date First Available ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2022


Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Apogee Instruments


Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA


Best Sellers Rank: #143,860 in Industrial & Scientific (See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific) #53 in Lab Photometers & Light Meters


#53 in Lab Photometers & Light Meters:


Customer Reviews: 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 36 ratings


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Saturday, Jan 4

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Absolutely nescesary for your marine reef tank.
Style: MQ-510
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024 by Michael F.

  • My corals are getting more light after I use it.
Style: MQ-510 Bundle
It is important to measure your light spectrum and adjust your lights for your coral. This is awesome product and it is really quality.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024 by Charlie

  • MQ510 and MQ500 are 46% different under the same aquarium light.
Style: MQ-510 Bundle
The media could not be loaded. Under the same light, MQ-500 showed 435, and MQ-510 showed 638. 46% big difference. Which is right?
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024 by TOMOKAZU SUGITA

  • An important parameter to be testing for!
Style: MQ-510 Bundle
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024 by theSLAchannel

  • Amazing!
Style: MQ-510 Bundle
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024 by Jaime M Jaime M

  • Expensive
Style: MQ-510 Bundle
Expensive for what you can get close enough using iPhone and Photone
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2022 by Zero Drift

  • ¡Es excelente!
Style: MQ-510
Fácil de usar. Es muy útil para aquellos aficionados de acuario plantado que quieren llegar al siguiente nivel en el entendimiento de la iluminación para plantas. A diferencia de otras reseñas, mi instrumentos llegó completamente nuevo y en excelente estado.
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022 by Jesús Ontiveros

  • Open, Used and Dirty
Style: MQ-510
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2022 by RArv

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