The MQ-510 quantum meter is designed for underwater PAR measurements and already applies the sensor's immersion effect correction factor to the meter readings through firmware. The meter provides excellent measurements under all light sources, including LEDs. The meter consists of a waterproof quantum sensor attached via waterproof cable to a handheld meter. The waterproof sensor incorporates a blue-enhanced silicon photodiode and custom optical filters with a rugged, anodized aluminum body with acrylic diffuser. The underwater quantum sensor is typically used in salt water aquariums where corals are grown.
 

Note: The handheld meter is not waterproof, only the sensor and cable are waterproof.

The meter has a sample and log mode, and will record an integrated daily total in mol m-2 d-1. Sample mode will record up to 99 manual measurements. Log mode will power the meter on/off to make a measurement every 30 seconds. Every 30 minutes the meter will average the sixty 30 second measurements and record the averaged value to memory. The meter can store up to 99 averages, once full it will start to overwrite the oldest measurement with new ones. An integrated daily total will be recorded from the 48 averaged measurements (making a 24 hr period). Sample and log measurements can be reviewed on the LCD display or by downloading the data to a computer, however, the integrated daily total can only be viewed by downloading the data to a computer. Downloading data to a computer requires the AC-100 communication cable (a standard USB cable will not work) and ApogeeAMS software.

How is the MQ-510 different from previous Apogee quantum sensors?

The MQ-510 performs exactly the same underwater as the MQ-500, but the MQ-510 simply multiplies the PAR reading by 1.32 to account for the immersion effect. The MQ-510 is a full-spectrum quantum sensor (SQ/MQ-500 Series) with a spectral range of 389 to 692 nm ± 5 nm, which can be seen in the graph below. This improved spectral response of this meter increases the accuracy of LED measurements compared to our original models.