What's better than Neptune for flowmeter?

[D.WhiteShark]

I recently bought a UV sterilizer and I want to make sure I'm getting a good number for flow. Here is the issue I have. Before I got the UV I've been running two Sicce Syncra Silent 4.0 returns. Both are plumbed independently (one runs the right side returns and the other runs the left side returns). Each return has a separate 1" Neptune Flow sensor. Currently, both sensors are reading within ~100gph @1350-1400. The issue is that the Silent 4.0 pumps are only rated for 950gph with no head pressure......but wait, there's more! Because I wanted more flow through my UV (~1500) I upgraded to the Sicce Syncra ADV 5.5 rated for 1450. After hooking one up I was only getting 1000gph according to the flow sensor. At the advise of Sicce Tech Dept I hooked up the second pump with similar results.

So a pump rated 950 is moving 1400 and a pump rated 1450 is moving 1000! ? Same system, same head pressure measured on two separate flowmeters. The only thing I changed was the pump. I put the Silent 4.0 back online and Im back to ~1375. If we assume that the flowmeters are EQUALLY off by ~+400gph, wouldn't it also be safe to expect a pump with a higher flow rating to be off by the same +400?

Is there a 1" flow meter on the market with more reliability and accuracy that is safe to run on a reef tank so I can compare results and get a better Idea of what my flow really is?

 

[DCR]

You might want to check the configuration of the flowmeter within the apex to make sure the right size is programmed, although I have no idea why it would read lower with a more powerful pump. Apex uses paddle wheel meters which measure the rotational speed of the paddle. Debris can cause it spin more slowly or not at all.

GHL uses vortex shedding technology which is less prone to these types of issues, but you would need a Profilux controller.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

You might want to check the configuration of the flowmeter within the apex to make sure the right size is programmed, although I have no idea why it would read lower with a more powerful pump. Apex uses paddle wheel meters which measure the rotational speed of the paddle. Debris can cause it spin more slowly or not at all.

GHL uses vortex shedding technology which is less prone to these types of issues, but you would need a Profilux controller.

I'll check my fusion to see if anything jumps out at me. to be honest I kinda thought the FMM would auto detect the sensors that I have. It also strikes me that they'd both be almost exactly the same amount of wrong.

 

[DCR]

Although I have never used one, I am pretty sure it does not auto detect the size. The fact that it reads higher than the pump rating makes me suspect it is not configured properly.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Although I have never used one, I am pretty sure it does not auto detect the size. The fact that it reads higher than the pump rating makes me suspect it is not configured properly.

No Idea how I'd even change the configuration. Nothing I see slows for that.

 

[ca1ore]

Yup, check configuration of the FFM. I don’t personally use detect, preferring to set it manually. Auto detect will know there’s a flow sensor, but not the specific size. You have to select that. Check the sensor is oriented with the arrow in the direction of flow. Make sure the sensor plug is fully seated into the FFM.

 

[ca1ore]

No Idea how I'd even change the configuration. Nothing I see slows for that.

Go into fusion, select the modules button, then the FFM module. You’ll see selections for gallons versus liters and each of the four ports.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Go into fusion, select the modules button, then the FFM module. You’ll see selections for gallons versus liters and each of the four ports.

So I have an apex classic. Looks like the FMM needs an update which means I need to dig it out of the control cabinet and plug it into my Desktop to update it... I rememnber a while back I had to update something. it's a major PITA but until I have done it I'm guessing I won't be able to trust these numbers

 

[ca1ore]

Ah, ok. I never used FFM with a classic. Of no help, sorry.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Ah, ok. I never used FFM with a classic. Of no help, sorry.

On a side note, I would have never thought to look at LPH vs GPH! I just went into my classic dashboard and sure enough it WAS set for lph. Of course now that I changed it, my 950gph pumps are only pushing ~320gph. I liked my numbers better before....time to upgrade my return pumps!

 

[ca1ore]

On a side note, I would have never thought to look at LPH vs GPH! I just went into my classic dashboard and sure enough it WAS set for lph. Of course now that I changed it, my 950gph pumps are only pushing ~320gph. I liked my numbers better before....time to upgrade my return pumps!

I am not all that surprised. It’s actually shocking how poorly many of theses pumps perform. You really have to go with something like iwaki for pressure performance .... but then you get the pleasure of noise and energy consumption.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

I am not all that surprised. It’s actually shocking how poorly many of theses pumps perform. You really have to go with something like iwaki for pressure performance .... but then you get the pleasure of noise and energy consumption.

Yea, I don’t really have room for an external pump. I went with a 2500gph and If I get 1400 out of it I’ll be happy

 

[kenchilada]

Stopwatch and a cup.