Why FMAS don't we have a Par Meter to rent to its members?

[Alex33324]

AS some of us well know, an Apogee par meter goes for aprox $200 to $250. The price is not a problem if it will be something you use on a daily basis or at least often. But most of us, unless you are doing an extensive research on Photosynthetic Absorption Radiation and its effects on Marine aquaria, will use it probably no more than 3 or 4 times. In fact I will probably use it once or twice. I think it's pretty useful to know par values when buying a new fixture, or changing bulbs or reflectors etc.

I wonder why don't our club buy a new apogee, and rent it for a max of 24 hrs at a nominal rate. this will not only give the opportunity to everybody know what are their current par values and possibly increasing or decreasing it buy adding or even replacing light fixtures, but also after a short period of time it will be paid off making any future earning a contribution to FMAS club.

It's a win win situation. Maybe I am missing some legal aspect that makes this a no go, but otherwise might be a good idea.

If only members will be able to rent it, I bet the number of members will increase just by that.

Any input?

 

[Siptang]

Because not everyone will treat it with care and respect. Also who gets to keep it in mean while? There are too many variables that counts against it. It's a great idea but I don't really see it working out.

 

[Fishman7]

old school rules.... you break it you bought it ! thats why rental companies require deposits for equipment its checked when returned then your deposit is refunded

 

[nick12881]

I would be all for it. I know other clubs have setups like this too

 

[nivram]

We don't mainly due some of the points Richard brought up. We also have multiple members that will test your par for you if asked.

 

[rps3]

I agree, renting is one thing but if that sensor gets dropped and then passed on to the next person then someone has to take responsibility for it. I have one but don't care to rent it out because of a few of those reasons Richard spoke of, that and they never return it, I have to be the bounty hunter for my own stuff.

 

[knukles55]

Well if theres a issue like that Richard pointed out cant someone be assigned to the meter and that person goes to the reefers house to measure the par for them. Its just a sugesttion I dont know how gas would factor in to this.

 

[AquamanE]

cant someone be assigned to the meter and that person goes to the reefers house to measure the par for them. Its just a sugesttion I dont know how gas would factor in to this.

Knuckles- Its not just "gas" thats a concern, or even the initial investment on the gadget.. FMAS already has an issue with finding volunteers.

So now we give a PAR meter to someone and tell them to go to peoples homes and measure their light. So every time a member wants their lights measured we call the meter guy and have the expectation that he has the time to drive 50 miles to measure a members tank. This is unrealistic.

Im not opposed, as a BOD member, to do this but the measures and processes that need to be placed for this to be reasonable are difficult to come by.

 

[tgrove]

we have one up here at PBMAS that is "rented" out. its a great bonus of being a member

 

[samaytt]

Some stores rent them out. I rented it out from vip reef down south and they didn't charge me anything since I always buy from them.

 

[nivram]

I agree, renting is one thing but if that sensor gets dropped and then passed on to the next person then someone has to take responsibility for it. I have one but don't care to rent it out because of a few of those reasons Richard spoke of, that and they never return it, I have to be the bounty hunter for my own stuff.

Exactly. And most people don't understand that it's only a 15 min process to measure your tank.

I personally no 3 people that have par meters. Even more have the seneye. I also know they've helped other members with measuring their par.

If someone wants to draw up a process in writing and forward to me. Via email, I will be happy to add it to one of our bod agendas.

If I were to back something like this, I'd want to see a full deposit left as a PayPal gift that would cover the replacement. At $200 or more, I don't see many people willing to do this. Not even getting in to the volunteer issue Eddie brought up.

Ill reach out to pbmas regarding their setup.

 

[OceanLandlord]

PBMAS does the par meter checkout the following way:
1. Must be a current paid member
2. Have a certain number of posts
3. Pay a deposit in the form of cash or check we hold onto until it's returned in working order
4. User must schedule a pickup with an officer ( in our case one former officer has graciously been maintaining the meter and list Thanks MattB)
5. User has 72 hours to use and return meter


Problems we have are basically the meter can go a couple months without use then someone jumps on the thread and suddenly the line is 8-10 people deep.
The actual use of the meter is a very short and simple process, trying to make schedules to pickup and return the meter is where 99% of the time is lost. Sometimes the meter will be stuck between people in line for a week or two so getting through a list of 10 could take two to three months. Some people get in line and are not ready for it when their time comes this creates problems with skipping and coming back I etc...

Our club is smaller and only in one county. I'm not sure if it would work as we'll for you guys as it does for us. I know it would be more work for your officers and more impatient members who get frustrated while waiting in line.

 

[nivram]

Thanks OceanLandlord for posting.

 

[AquamanE]

PBMAS does the par meter checkout the following way:
1. Must be a current paid member
2. Have a certain number of posts
3. Pay a deposit in the form of cash or check we hold onto until it's returned in working order
4. User must schedule a pickup with an officer ( in our case one former officer has graciously been maintaining the meter and list Thanks MattB)
5. User has 72 hours to use and return meter


Problems we have are basically the meter can go a couple months without use then someone jumps on the thread and suddenly the line is 8-10 people deep.
The actual use of the meter is a very short and simple process, trying to make schedules to pickup and return the meter is where 99% of the time is lost. Sometimes the meter will be stuck between people in line for a week or two so getting through a list of 10 could take two to three months. Some people get in line and are not ready for it when their time comes this creates problems with skipping and coming back I etc...

Our club is smaller and only in one county. I'm not sure if it would work as we'll for you guys as it does for us. I know it would be more work for your officers and more impatient members who get frustrated while waiting in line.

OceanLord---Good info and thanks for sharing your experiences. I hope our members see this.

Although FMAS has one of the biggest clubs in the country, and currently a very dedicated BOD, the volunteer base is probably the weakest link we have.

Lots of demmand, but little return makes it difficult to perform all the projects the BOD wants to accomplish.:deadhorse:

 

[Adam13]

Eddie,

Where can I find out about volunteer opportunites, and what projects are on the list?

 

[jimbo78]

I'm not sure I even know why you need one. I have never seen corals with a particular rating. With fish there are thank size ratings but I've never seen part ratings for corals. What's the point. If a certain coral isn't doing well at its place move it up, if that doesn't work move it down. Pretty simple and free.

 

[jimbo78]

FMAS already has an issue with finding volunteers. y.[/QUOTE]




That's also because of the area FMAS covers. The vast majority of active members live in Broward. I for one would be a lot more active if there was more meetings /events in Dade. Personally I have some of the best lfs within a mile on bird Rd. Yet there is no real club/hobby footprint near here.

 

[Alex33324]

I'm not sure I even know why you need one. I have never seen corals with a particular rating. With fish there are thank size ratings but I've never seen part ratings for corals. What's the point. If a certain coral isn't doing well at its place move it up, if that doesn't work move it down. Pretty simple and free.

If we apply the same principle you will never need to get a doctor's check up unless you feel sick, nor you will need to check your tires air pressure unless the tire looks flat.

You can have most LPS under 250W MH. However same corals might also thrive under 150W or T5. Why keeping the tank warmer, chiller running longer and spending more money on electricity for no reason. After all Corals look good and might adapt to both scenarios.

I see your point, and you are right on coral placement and adaptation, but that does mean that the approach of measuring par values to fine tune your tank is going over the board or useless.

 

[AquamanE]

FMAS already has an issue with finding volunteers. y.

That's also because of the area FMAS covers. The vast majority of active members live in Broward. I for one would be a lot more active if there was more meetings /events in Dade. Personally I have some of the best lfs within a mile on bird Rd. Yet there is no real club/hobby footprint near here.[/QUOTE]

your correct in your assessment of the broad area fmas covers, however the meetinsg we have had in dade have been very erratic with regards to attendance. sometimes we get over 50, sometimes its less than 20.

the bod however does take the miami crowd into consideration but venues are not always easy to find. the arraignment we have with both the s plantation high school, and the miami museum have been our best options to date. we have even considered finding a venue in the middle but again they are not easy to find, ($). :fun4:

 

[AquamanE]

Eddie,

Where can I find out about volunteer opportunites, and what projects are on the list?

adam- reach out to nivram or bobby65 here on RC (marvin-president, bobby- vp)

many opportunities to help set up events, help organize meetings, help with projects etc.... its all volunteer help to help our reefing community.