Flow Meter for "non-apex" reefers

[Roughneck]

Anyone find a good flow meter for those that don't have an APEX system?

I want to get an UV sterilizer that require approximately 1000gph flow (for algae control) and want to plumb it to my return line (see attached sketch I "borrowed" from google image).

I understand the bucket/timer is the better solution, but since it's a relatively high flow and will be hard plumbed with gate valve tweaking, I assume that solution would be very difficult to achieve.

Thanks for the help!

 

[SPR1968]

I dont know of any long term reliable ‘hobby grade’ flow meters, they all tend to fail

I have 3 Apex ones and 2 failed in a very short time after installation

I just use an estimation now (or jug and timer) for any such equipment. Reasonably accurate and doesn’t fail

Hopefully someone else can provide some ideas

 

[Roughneck]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I was also reading that exact thing for the FMK thus why I'm not convinced I want to go all out with the APEX just to know the flow. One day I'll convert and get the APEX for the Trident but that's a future-me problem.

This issue with the jug/timer is at 1000gph it's less than 20sec for a 5gal so you have no room for errors.

 

[KStatefan]

Royal Exclusive has a mechanical flow meter. I do not know sizes or measurement range.

 

[Rororeefer]

I used a Orbit Hose End Water Flow Meter (15.00 Amazon) when installing my sterilizer. I just plumbed it in after the sterilizer and ran a hose out the door. I ran my pump and adjusted my gate valve going to the sterilizer until I got the flow I needed, marked the valve and used that mark as my flow point afterwards. I made several marks at different flow rates so I could adjust accordingly. This was only temporary, I wouldn't leave the Orbit meter in place as I'm sure the salt would destroy it. I don't know what stage of plumbing you are in so If you already plumbed it in place as the diagram you showed, It's probably too late to do this. I also did not plumb mine as you did./ I came off the return line as you but then ran a separate line exiting the sterilizer back into the display tank. If I ever need to check my sterilizer flow again to make any new changes in adjustments i can run the test again without having to mess with my main return line. Please see my crappy sketch. My sterilizer is in blue on the right.

 

[Roughneck]

Wow that's great info thanks! I actually didn't start the build yet, still in the planning process and first time UV so I wanted to get it done day one.

Do you think the Orbit Hose Meter can measure up to 1000gph? The PentAir 40watts UV require an insane amount of flow if you want to do algae control. I love your idea of pre-measuring different flows as I'll also want to know the flow for parasite control (around 200gph) should the need arise.

 

[Roughneck]

Since I'm getting a 750 G2 and it will have dual return outlets, I was thinking maybe just getting a 1000-1200gph pump going into the UV full power (will consider the head lost) to it's dedicated return outlet while my main pump would go through the second return outlet.

Would there be an issue if the return outlets have different flows? I assume no since the wavemakers (MP40 x2) will mostly be on random patterns.

Thoughts?

 

[Rororeefer]

I'll check the specs on the meter but your idea for a separate pump sounds like the way to go. I'm using a smaller uv so my flow is less. I think the meter only has three digits so It probably won't show over 999, however it is made for monitoring sprinkler systems and I know some of those go well over 1000 gph. If you do some research I bet you can find one that does. Out of the box thinking can save money sometimes. One of these at a higher flow rate probably wont cost 15 dollars but I bet it won't be $400 either. Still, I think a separate pump is still the better idea for your sixe sterilizer.

 

[naterealbig]

I use these by Dwyer instruments.

https://www.dwyer-inst.com/Product/Flow/Flowmeters/VariableArea/SeriesLFM

 

[DCR]

You will not get 1000 gph through a small diameter hose connection like that with a normal pump. You are also going to need a lot more than a 1000-1200 gph pump to deliver 1000 gph through a typical UV sterilizer. That is a large flow rate. You will certainly need to use the 2" connections and avoid the 3/4" barbs. Piping needs to be at least 1-1/4" or even 1-1/2". Not sure how large your tank is that you really need that much flow.

 

[KStatefan]

I use these by Dwyer instruments.

https://www.dwyer-inst.com/Product/Flow/Flowmeters/VariableArea/SeriesLFM

Have you had any issues with the stainless float corroding?

 

[Roughneck]

I'm planning a Red Sea 750 G2 (160gal display / 40gal sump). The UV I'm looking at is the PentAir 40watts, it have 1.5" inlet/outlet so I'm assuming it can handle that flow no problem.

But on other threads I was reading some people are having a hard time getting more than 550gph thru their 750xxl stock plumbing. The G2 have dual outlets so it might be more but at 550gph even if I install the UV directly in the main return line I won't get the required 1000gph for algae control.

 

[naterealbig]

Have you had any issues with the stainless float corroding?

No, they've been good.

 

[KWolfe81]

Anyone find a good flow meter for those that don't have an APEX system?

I want to get an UV sterilizer that require approximately 1000gph flow (for algae control) and want to plumb it to my return line (see attached sketch I "borrowed" from google image).

I understand the bucket/timer is the better solution, but since it's a relatively high flow and will be hard plumbed with gate valve tweaking, I assume that solution would be very difficult to achieve.

Thanks for the help!

I just finished writing up my experience with an ultrasonic flow meter bought from AliExpress. TLDR; thing's awesome. Check it out: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ultrasonic-flow-meter-the-tuf-2000b.924733/

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I'm planning a Red Sea 750 G2 (160gal display / 40gal sump). The UV I'm looking at is the PentAir 40watts, it have 1.5" inlet/outlet so I'm assuming it can handle that flow no problem.

But on other threads I was reading some people are having a hard time getting more than 550gph thru their 750xxl stock plumbing. The G2 have dual outlets so it might be more but at 550gph even if I install the UV directly in the main return line I won't get the required 1000gph for algae control.

I'm not sure why you need such a large uv... According to this guide, 40 watts is much more than you should need for parasites or algae

UV Sterilization Selection Guide

Select the right UV Sterilization system for your aquarium based on aquarium size & waterflow rate with the LiveAquaria® “UV Sterilization Selection Guide"

www.liveaquaria.com

*I have only started looking into UV for my tank, so my assumptions may be way off... Posted the above as an honest question, not a criticism

 

[Roughneck]

I just finished writing up my experience with an ultrasonic flow meter bought from AliExpress. TLDR; thing's awesome. Check it out: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ultrasonic-flow-meter-the-tuf-2000b.924733/

That looks promising thanks I'll definitely look into it.

 

[Roughneck]

I'm not sure why you need such a large uv... According to this guide, 40 watts is much more than you should need for parasites or algae

UV Sterilization Selection Guide

Select the right UV Sterilization system for your aquarium based on aquarium size & waterflow rate with the LiveAquaria® “UV Sterilization Selection Guide"

www.liveaquaria.com

*I have only started looking into UV for my tank, so my assumptions may be way off... Posted the above as an honest question, not a criticism

I guess it depends on the brand you want. I'm prepping for a 200 gallons systems (Red Sea 750), and the Pentair 40w is rated for a 260 gallons while the next step down is a 25w and is only rated for a 130 gallons tank (see their table below).

In the UV world you always want to be below their recommendations, if you're above their max size then you'll most likely only burn money (pun intended lol).

 

[Chrisv.]

I guess it depends on the brand you want. I'm prepping for a 200 gallons systems (Red Sea 750), and the Pentair 40w is rated for a 260 gallons while the next step down is a 25w and is only rated for a 130 gallons tank (see their table below).

In the UV world you always want to be below their recommendations, if you're above their max size then you'll most likely only burn money (pun intended lol).

As you point out, the 1000 gph is MAX flow, not required flow. It's not like staying in contact with UV slightly longer will kill the algae and bacteria less. There may be a slight hit in efficiency going with slower flow, but I guess my point is it think you're way over thinking this. You need more than 157 gph and less than 1000 gph and I don't think you need to measure that.

 

[Roughneck]

As you point out, the 1000 gph is MAX flow, not required flow. It's not like staying in contact with UV slightly longer will kill the algae and bacteria less. There may be a slight hit in efficiency going with slower flow, but I guess my point is it think you're way over thinking this. You need more than 157 gph and less than 1000 gph and I don't think you need to measure that.

There's a very strong possibility I'm over thinking it (sounds like most of us in this hobby lol). 943gph is the suggested flow in the algae control application. The "max" is 1574gph.

 

[Chrisv.]

There's a very strong possibility I'm over thinking it (sounds like most of us in this hobby lol). 943gph is the suggested flow in the algae control application. The "max" is 1574gph.

Yes, but that's to get the most bang for your buck. It's not like the algae the flows through more slowly will somehow live.