Growing without a PAR meter

[echdk3]

I’m still in the process of procuring all items needed to set up my tent and am looking for ways to cut back financially so that I can afford to indulge in superior lighting. I could save several hundred dollars by holding off on a PAR meter for now and just use the manufacturer’s recommended range for hanging height. Does anybody have an opinion about this? Is a PAR meter a must or can I be successful without one? Thank you guys in advance!

[MeEasy]

Use your phone there are apps that make your phone a meter or they have little 3 in 1 meters that measures soil ph light and soil moisture for like 15 bucks. Imo having a par meter is at the bottom of my list of necessary equipment to grow MJ

[buds73]

Do any of those apps actually work? I got one of those 3 in one things but light meter don't seem to work very well. I've put it next to a household bulb and under my lights the needle doesn't move much. Only use it to test soil ph.

[ChadWestport]

Like has been suggested, phone apps are a good idea. I prefer ones that can do lux, but you can also buy a handheld unit for roughly $30. I'd love to have a nice PAR meter too, but spending $300 to use it for about 5 minutes just doesn't fit the budget. I wish there was a grow rental shop

[golfnrl]

For me a PAR meter is a 'nice to have' and not a necessity if you grow with LED's, as I do. But I am in grow #4 and haven't ever used a meter. I'm just now learning about them. If I ever get a chance to use one I might change my mind. As you watch your plants you can see how the light intensity and heat affect them and adjust accordingly.

[echdk3]

Thanks everybody, great advice here!

[Walty]

If you are growing with white LED light, a Lux meter might give you good info. I use a lux meter (20 bucks on Amazon) with my Timber LED grow lights and i find it very useful.

[Tersky]

I have a lux meter that i really only use to check bulbs to see if i need to replace. Definitely not a must. I would save your money especially if this is your first grow. Learn how to grow without it and you will be better off IMO. If you are looking at PAR you must have a LEC or LED. My LEC shows a far weaker lux reading than it actually puts out so i dont think that a lux meter will work for LEC or LED due to UV spectrum that it puts out.

[buds73]

I downloaded a photometer app last night, not sure how accurate it is but I used it to move my plants around slightly so that the center of each plant has the same reading. Using it on leds though so like tersky said may not be ideal but can still give you an indication of where's best under the light for plant placement.

[MeEasy]

Yep that's what I was saying the actual number isn't that important unless you are comparing it with another light, making YouTube videos, or making sure that your bulb still has enough life left. Perfection is not necessary you are growing weeds once you get the basics down then start expanding and experimenting

[OldManGrower]

It's a nice gadget, but that's what it is, a gadget. This is absolutely not a must have. I have one of those cheap 3 way probes with a meter. It works ok, good enough to accomplish my goals. I try to keep things simple, organic and natural. I and am not "gear centric" and do not intend to get really deep into the technical aspects of this hobby.

[Gluteous]

I'll never own a PAR meter, just not necessary, but I did get the LUX meter Nebula wrote about on the sight. Works great for knowing if the lights are well positioned. Another tool in the toolbox.

https://www.growweedeasy.com/lux-meter

[echdk3]

Good to hear, thanks everyone for this great advice! I’ll definitely hold off for now.