UV Flow Meter

[atlfishes]

I was going to tee my UV off the return and then plumb it back into the return (think of a square).
http://www.emperoraquatics-aquarium.com/uvinstall.php">http://www.emperoraquatics-aquarium.com/uvinstall.php</a> (diagram #3)

The flow demand can vary by large amounts depending on the application, algae vs. ick. To measure the water flow I was going to us an inline or saddle back flow meter. Has anyone plumbed their UV this way and if so what flowmeter has worked well for you? I see Dwyer makes some that should work.

 

[rbredding]

I think that most of those are far too small in scale to measure the flow through a UV...
(but I guess it depends on the UV/strength/effectiveness)


I dont use flow meters anywhere in my system.. I adjust everything by "feel"...

but then again, I can watch the outflow on most of my pieces of equipment..

 

[scuba steve]

They don't show a blocking valve on that diagram, don't forget to install one on the bypass line otherwise there'll be no way to push water through the UV.

 

[atlfishes]

Since I've done some research I though I'd give an update. I haven't found a whole lot of people using flow meters, the bucket trick seems to be the most common. There are in-line meters with no metal parts (saltwater safe) and you can find flow ranges that meet a UV's operation, 2.5-25 gpm, 5-50gpm, gallons per minute. US manufactures are Dwyer and Blue-White industries etc. These units are very expensive in the U.S. I've found a manufacturer in China that is about 20% of the cost and specs aren't any different than US, their customer service has been very helpful. Downside is shipping is going to cost more than the unit. I'll update if the unit is a POS.
http://flowmeter.en.alibaba.com/">http://flowmeter.en.alibaba.com/</a>
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend> [IMG]http://atlantareefclub.org/boards/data/uploads/attachments/638312=30346-Z-560 series polysulphone-3.jpg>

class="gc-images" title="Z-560 series polysulphone-3.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

 

[dawgface]

How much all together if you don't me asking?

 

[budsreef]

I have a TOM Aquarium Products Flowmeter that I bought for this purpose but never used it. It measures from 50gph to 250gph. They also make a 250gph to 500gph.

 

[atlfishes]

DawgFace;638337 wrote: How much all together if you don't me asking?

For the z-5650, 2.5-25 gpm, PVDF float, 2" male connection = $69
Shipping courier 7day = $87

If you go with SS316 float and reduce the pipe size you go down in price. Thought temporarily using a unit with a SS316 float, adjust flow and then replace it with two unions / PVC.

Edit:

Budsreef;638358 wrote: I have a TOM Aquarium Products Flowmeter that I bought for this purpose but never used it. It measures from 50gph to 250gph. They also make a 250gph to 500gph.

I looked at those but the flow ranges were too narrow. I need something in the range of 200 - 1800 gph. This could easily be a waste of money for me as well.