Chipping in for a PAR meter
 

Anyone in metro Vancouver interested in chipping in to share an Apogee PAR meter? The price is a little bit steep for one person, but shared between several people it would be quite reasonable. TomR and I were discussing this today and concluded that if the PAR meter could save you from tossing out your bulbs prematurely, it could quickly pay for itself.

I know there was recently a big group buy, but that has past unfortunately. I think we'd only need a small handful of people to make this worth our while. Here's the PAR meter:
http://www.apogee-inst.com/quantummeter_options.htm

And here it is in action:
http://www.melevsreef.com/par_readings.html

Anyone interested?

I will go in on this.

which model you looking at?

I am in. I believe that we toss out perfectly good bulbs. I believe that some bulbs from the same Mfg can out perform each other. My thoughts are to take readings at different levels witin my tank approx a month after installation (burn in) and then after 12 months and then monthly until a decision is made to change out.

Tom R

I believe it would be the QMSS-E ($US249).

I'm in. I also think this should be something that can be supported in part by our local Reef Network. I'll make the appropriate inquiries with the organizers.

I can probably chip in as well, although I'll have to take it out of my Boxing Day fund.

Response has been good. We may already have enough people to make this purchase viable. Here's a good review of the Apogee by Dana Riddle:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/7/review

It appears to compare quite well to an $1,100 unit!

I'll go in .......even though I don't have a tank. Would be handy to have around when I did get one.

Also we could rent it out for $5 a session to check out non-owner tanks to further reduce costs. Just a thought.

Cheers,
Vic

Anybody else? I'm looking in your direction Mr. McKenzie ;)