are Apex flow meters really that finicky?

[reefmaster70]

Ok, I have a Neptune Apex system and decided to finally put on a 1 inch flow sensor/meter on each of my return pumps. One is a slow flow through my UV sterilizer, and then the other is upstream of my Cor20 return pump running about 650gph back to my display tank. They have both been running maybe 3 or 4 weeks, and are now reading 0 gph. I assume they have gotten clogged or something. I guess I didn't think these things would be that finicky, and just wondering what kind of experience you all have with them?

Thanks

 

[Raptor72]

I have to clean my 1/2" one about twice a year from the muck that builds up but other than that it runs well

 

[Tangdora]

Personally I only used the flow meter to get preliminary numbers or dial in a ball valve to my reactors if i accident adjusted. They are known to fowl up. For example on my uv. I hooked it up to my uv and recorded each speed that the dc pump that powers it runs at. This way now if I need to switch between algae or parasite control I know which speed to change to without having to rely on the meter reading to tell me. Afterward I remove them clean them out and put back in the test pipe till the next time I need to adjust.

 

[reefmaster70]

Personally I only used the flow meter to get preliminary numbers or dial in a ball valve to my reactors if i accident adjusted. They are known to fowl up. For example on my uv. I hooked it up to my uv and recorded each speed that the dc pump that powers it runs at. This way now if I need to switch between algae or parasite control I know which speed to change to without having to rely on the meter reading to tell me. Afterward I remove them clean them out and put back in the test pipe till the next time I need to adjust.

that's a great idea. I think I will take the time to shut the pump down tomorrow, clean the impellers inside each flow meter to get them running, and then write down each speed setting, like you said. That when WHEN they stop again, I'll still know my flow ratings at various pump settings.

 

[Tangdora]

that's a great idea. I think I will take the time to shut the pump down tomorrow, clean the impellers inside each flow meter to get them running, and then write down each speed setting, like you said. That when WHEN they stop again, I'll still know my flow ratings at various pump settings.

I tend to clean my pumps every 6 months and the drop in flow is negligible maybe like 100 gph off the 1600 that’s flow. If your were using the meters to also detect if the pump stopped. You can also achieve using the voltage sensing on the energy bar if you have a 832.

 

[fish_collector]

My buddy uses several of them on his returns and as far as I know he hardly ever has to clean them, yearly maybe but definitely not more often than that.

 

[tsharpe291]

I run a apex and hydros both and ive had less problems with apex flow meter.
definitely something that needs cleaning at least twice a year, IMO

 

[beardedman11]

Personally I only used the flow meter to get preliminary numbers or dial in a ball valve to my reactors if i accident adjusted. They are known to fowl up. For example on my uv. I hooked it up to my uv and recorded each speed that the dc pump that powers it runs at. This way now if I need to switch between algae or parasite control I know which speed to change to without having to rely on the meter reading to tell me. Afterward I remove them clean them out and put back in the test pipe till the next time I need to adjust.

Man that's a brilliant idea. Kinda of like a one and done now you know how much water is going thru the pipes.

 

[reefmaster70]

that's a great idea. I think I will take the time to shut the pump down tomorrow, clean the impellers inside each flow meter to get them running, and then write down each speed setting, like you said. That when WHEN they stop again, I'll still know my flow ratings at various pump settings.

I tend to clean my pumps every 6 months and the drop in flow is negligible maybe like 100 gph off the 1600 that’s flow. If your were using the meters to also detect if the pump stopped. You can also achieve using the voltage sensing on the energy bar if you have a 832.

How do you set that up? I do have them on an 832

 

[Tangdora]

You just put an alert in you notification and alarm option if you want it to make noise to. Go to chart page find the option to plot your pumps wattage. If for example it’s running consistently between. 105 and 110 watts. In your notification and alarm outlet your would just write something like this


If Output (pump name) Watts < 100 Then ON
If Output (pump name) Watts > 115 Then ON

 

[shadyraro]

Does it matter where you install flow meters? From my understanding, installing it just after return pump or just before entering the display has the same overall head pressure regardless of turns etc.

 

[reefmaster70]

Does it matter where you install flow meters? From my understanding, installing it just after return pump or just before entering the display has the same overall head pressure regardless of turns etc.

I have two 1 inch flow meters, and they are each about 1 foot after each return pump...so they get plenty of pressure from the pumps.

 

[shadyraro]

I have two 1 inch flow meters, and they are each about 1 foot after each return pump...so they get plenty of pressure from the pumps.

Ok, but what I meant was would a flow meter installed after the return (say it's reading 400gph) also read 400gph on a flow meter installed just before entering the display?

 

[mmorrison55]

Ok, but what I meant was would a flow meter installed after the return (say it's reading 400gph) also read 400gph on a flow meter installed just before entering the display?

Not likely unless it was a straight pipe from meter to meter. Each elbow, 45 or 90, will reduce the flow a good deal.