UVB Meters

[Tim Carlisle]

My Solarmeter 6.2 is on the frits and needs to be replaced. I primarily using it to determine bulb efficiency. I was looking into the 6.5r model as well to measure D3 synthesis. Are there any models out there that can reliably accomplish both? I read that Solarmeter recommends purchasing both models.

 

[Tom]

My Solarmeter 6.2 is on the frits and needs to be replaced. I primarily using it to determine bulb efficiency. I was looking into the 6.5r model as well to measure D3 synthesis. Are there any models out there that can reliably accomplish both? I read that Solarmeter recommends purchasing both models.

You only need the 6.5. 6.5r is the same thing with a different sticker on it.

 

[jaizei]

As long as you're only using reputable bulbs, a 6.5 is usually enough. It's not as granular when tracking the UV output/decay over time, but it works.

If you're doing any experimenting/testing of new or unknown brands, then a 6.5 and 6.2 together can hint at the safety of the bulb but a 6.5 and spectrometer are a better combo.

 

[Tim Carlisle]

As long as you're only using reputable bulbs, a 6.5 is usually enough. It's not as granular when tracking the UV output/decay over time, but it works.

If you're doing any experimenting/testing of new or unknown brands, then a 6.5 and 6.2 together can hint at the safety of the bulb but a 6.5 and spectrometer are a better combo.

I generally stick with the Arcadia 12.5's. So the 6.5r model will let me know when the bulbs are reaching end of life like the 6.2 does?

 

[Tim Carlisle]

You only need the 6.5. 6.5r is the same thing with a different sticker on it.

Why does solarmeter recommend the "r" then? Since they are the same price, I can't imagine it's strictly for marketing purposes. I'm hopped up on cold medicine at the moment, so my brain isn't working too well. lol

 

[jaizei]

Yes, you'd just be going off of the UVI instead of μW/cm2

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Yes, you'd just be going off of the UVI instead of μW/cm2

Sweet. So I assume no one sells a meter that will do "all the above" then? I might want to get facy later on. lol

 

[Tom]

Why does solarmeter recommend the "r" then? Since they are the same price, I can't imagine it's strictly for marketing purposes. I'm hopped up on cold medicine at the moment, so my brain isn't working too well. lol

ZooMed started selling them, so some "re-branding" was needed. As far as I know, it is solely for marketing.

@Markw84 please correct me if I am wrong. Or @jaizei .