Is a flow sensor needed?

[SethOF]

What exactly is the function of the Neptune flow sensor in a typical aquarium?

 

[JoshH]

flow sensor could help you tune a valve from your manifold into reactors for the appropriate flow rates through certain media. also a flow sensor placed after your return pump could notify you when your pump requires maintenance when the flow is reduced beyond a limit you set.

 

[jason2459]

It's fun.

really main reason I got mine.

But I remember when I used to run GAC or GFO the media would start building up film and the pump's flow rate would drop quite a bit. The flow monitor would alert the flow was reduced and if it was a controllable pump it could be increased through the interface or if it was restricted via a ball valve which is common you could increase the flow manually to keep using the media properly.

If you use a UV filter you can make sure you're sending through the right amount of flow.

Lots of interesting options I'm sure people will think of.

 

[don_chuwish]

It's fun.

Lots of interesting options I'm sure people will think of.

Those are the two key points!

 

[jason2459]

Those are the two key points!

It really is. It's a hobby, have fun with it.

Like I'm thoroughly enjoying my skimmer and the flow meter really topped it off for me and filled in the last piece of the puzzle for data collection.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/mtc-mvx-skimmer-review.252436/page-8

@gcarroll posted an article, can't find it now, that deals with matching flow rates between skimmer and return pump.

I was pumping around 1400gph through my sump. Since reading the article and knowing my skimmer's flow rate and also my return's with a 2" flow meter I've decided to try out running my return at about double my skimmer's rate and makes it about 3x system volume rate.

Iv5e also become addicted to this knowledge and I've always been curious about reactor flow and flow reduction over time. I just put that 3rd flow meter inline with GFO which I haven't ran in a long time but curiosity kills the cat.

And with 2016 Apex its SOOO flipping easy to setup alerts with the input.

 

[jason2459]

There's a couple things to make sure of. The arrow on the back of the sensor is pointing the direction of flow.

And go into the module configuration and configure the ports for what they are. Apex classic will have to be done from the local dashboard. With 2016 Apex can be done from Fusion. Its set to automatic detect but for my 2" flow sensor came up as 1" and somehow my 1/2" sensor I installed tonight came up as a conductivity probe. Crazy. @Terence what's up with that lol

1/2" sensor initially detected as a conductivity probe

Module config

Setting it right

 

[SethOF]

It's fun.

really main reason I got mine.

But I remember when I used to run GAC or GFO the media would start building up film and the pump's flow rate would drop quite a bit. The flow monitor would alert the flow was reduced and if it was a controllable pump it could be increased through the interface or if it was restricted via a ball valve which is common you could increase the flow manually to keep using the media properly.

If you use a UV filter you can make sure you're sending through the right amount of flow.

Lots of interesting options I'm sure people will think of.

Thank you.

 

[don_chuwish]

"Need" is of course quite subjective. ;-)