Dripping Neptune Flow Sensor. Potential cheaper alternative?

[LVReef]

I purchased 3 Neptune flow meters for my new tank and they all leaked. I was able to seal the 1" returns with Oatey Great White Pipe Joint Compound. The 1/2" module keep dripping at a very slow rate despite redoing the joint compound twice.

Do I have a bad union (It's one of those BSPP to slip)? Why can't Neptune, a US company, use the NPT version?

It seems like the module they use is a $2.50 hall flow sensor that can come in an NPT version. The 3 pin connector is replaced by a TRRS 3.5mm jack. Has anyone gone the route of getting one of these and replacing the connector to work with the Neptune FMM?

Really frustrating to buy something with 10x markup and it keeps leaking. None of my unions for anything else have ever leaked.

 

[blaxsun]

I've heard the flow meters can be problematic (leaks, clogging up, etc.)

 

[davidwillis]

I know this is over a year old, but I am curious if there are any alternatives to the neptune systems flow sensor. I would like to add some flow sensors to my apex, but the reviews on these are so bad, and I am not willing to pay nearly $100 for one that will only last a couple of weeks.

 

[ca1ore]

Hmmmn ….. not been my experience. At one point I had 10 of them across my tanks and none of them leaked. They can get mechanically clogged which necessitates removing, disassembling and cleaning out any debris (which is inconvenient). 1” sensors seem more susceptible to clogging than either the 2” or 1/2”. I now have a smaller setup so only running 5 sensors, most of which are 5 + years old.