Apex flow meter fluctuations

[jmgre1991]

Hey.
I added a flow meter on the return section of my setup, but I see it constantly fluctuates (every day), which is very strange.
I am wondering if it is perhaps the way I have plumbed it or if there is something wrong with my meter or hardware?
I dont think its the meter as the overflow pipe constantly needs me to adjust it.
it is running on the return line after the UV steriliser.
The return pump itself is an Ecotech marine vectra S2 running at 80%.

 

[jmgre1991]

Forgive my terrible plumbing, this was the best I could do at the time.

 

[Finn450]

I read a similar post on this...it was determined that the power to the outlet changes from time to time...thus your flow will change...and your overflow will need adjustment. I experience this every once in a while...have tried different pumps(DC and AC).

 

[Rappa]

I have the same issues with my 2" flow meter on my return line. It varies from 800 to 700 and anywhere in between. Lately, there has been days where it reads 0 for an entire day. I've taken it apart and cleaned inside multiple times and each time it seems pretty clean. I am about to put a ticket in on it. It's about 15 months old. I have moved it to different FFM's and the issue follows the meter. Been doing this for the last 6 months or so.

EDIT: This is an old pic taken during install.

 

[Rappa]

I read a similar post on this...it was determined that the power to the outlet changes from time to time...thus your flow will change...and your overflow will need adjustment. I experience this every once in a while...have tried different pumps(DC and AC).

I run a large AC pump. It's a 30'ft run and an 11'ft lift to the tank from the basement. My flow in the tank never changes. I never have to adjust my overflow, and always have the same trickle in my secondary drain to the sump. I do notice that the pump voltage fluctuates according to Neptune, but it doesn't seem to effect the pump flow for me. When my flow meter changes flow readings, it usually stays that way for a day or days. I don't truly know my flow because it always appears stable visually and acoustically, but shows 700GPM-800GPM depending on the day. Then lately it shows 0GPM some days?

 

[jmgre1991]

Looking at the energy usage vs flow it does not appear to be the case. Also for DC pumps is that a known issue?
I need to check with another pump (I must purchase one regardless for redundancy), but I suspect it is the pump.
It’s in the tank for a few months so maybe it needs a clean?
Other things I will check are:
- flow meter
- bypassing UV sterilizer

 

[Doctorgori]

those neptune flow meters are notoriously unreliable and have a bad performance reputation…
I actually gave/sold all of mine away

 

[jmgre1991]

Just to add more confusion, it seems there is a correlation between flow rate and PH.

 

[Doctorgori]

I was told by a Neptune tech the sensors are sensitive to magnetic fields erh uh sumthin like that… I didn’t retain the details since they didn’t have a fix anyway

 

[Rappa]

I was told by a Neptune tech the sensors are sensitive to magnetic fields erh uh sumthin like that… I didn’t retain the details since they didn’t have a fix anyway

Do you use any other brand of flow meter now? Is there another brand that works with Apex? I have the 2" Flow meter that has the internal impellars.

 

[jmgre1991]

Just the Neptune one, I had a spare, so I swapped it out and the same thing. I have heard stories about the controller for the Ecotech vectra pumps sometimes doing strange things. I am almost certain it is the pump, as I have to always adjust the drain flow.
Any good recomendations for return pumps, I need to get a second for redundancy anyway?