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.