flow sensors on UV worth it?

[Devaji]

setting up a new build almost got it all plumbed. but pausing for the UV plumbing.
I got the hydros X4/Xp8 and they have a flow sensore for it. debating if i should add it now or later or not at all.

so for you with flow sensors on your UV do you find it help full?
the UV is on it own pump.

 

[blaxsun]

I don't have flow sensors on my UV. I just measured how much of a container was filled in x number of seconds at y pump speed to get approximate z flow rate(s).

If you're going to add them, doing it now is always easier so you can figure out any wiring, etc.

 

[Devaji]

I don't have flow sensors on my UV. I just measured how much of a container was filled in x number of seconds at y pump speed to get approximate z flow rate(s).

If you're going to add them, doing it now is always easier so you can figure out any wiring, etc.

that is what I have done to measure flow rate as well.
it would be nice to have if they are accurate but not needed.
on the other hand like you said if I am going to add one now is the best time.

 

[blaxsun]

Everyone I know that ran flow sensors hates them as they fail, clog up and are a PITA to remove and clean.

 

[helmsreef]

If there were any dependable flow sensors I would say why not, but they all tend to fail rather quickly.

 

[Devaji]

Everyone I know that ran flow sensors hates them as they fail, clog up and are a PITA to remove and clean.

If there were any dependable flow sensors I would say why not, but they all tend to fail rather quickly.

thanks guys I think i'll just skip it for now.

on that note anyone know the best flow rate for the aqua ultraviolet 25W Uv for Bacterial infection controller?
BRS website says this" Suggested flow rate for saltwater aquarium sterilization - 400 GPH
so i should be around 400GPH as sterilization will kill bac. but not parasites correct?

 

[blaxsun]

thanks guys I think i'll just skip it for now.

on that note anyone know the best flow rate for the aqua ultraviolet 25W Uv for Bacterial infection controller?
BRS website says this" Suggested flow rate for saltwater aquarium sterilization - 400 GPH
so i should be around 400GPH as sterilization will kill bac. but not parasites correct?

If you visit the AquaUV website and click on the 25-watt model it lists the flow rate for algae vs. parasites. I run my 57-watt (24/7) at a slow-than-recommended flow rate for parasites which gives me about 50% more UV exposure).

 

[JM302]

I've been running several flow sensors on my tank for the past 18 months. I haven't had a single failure. I run (3) 1" and (2) 1/2". I like the ability to dial in my DC pump. As far as difficult to replace / clean /etc - they're on unions so it's really not that tough.

I'd also like to add I haven't cleaned those sensors since I installed them. I suppose I just might be lucky (for once).

 

[Devaji]

If you visit the AquaUV website and click on the 25-watt model it lists the flow rate for algae vs. parasites. I run my 57-watt (24/7) at a slow-than-recommended flow rate for parasites which gives me about 50% more UV exposure).

this is what they are saying:

Recommended Flow Rate for UV Dosages	at 30,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 1,200 (Max Flow Rate) at 45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 800 at 60,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 600 at 75,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 480 at 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 400 (Min Flow Rate)
Information for Reef Tanks	A UV rated in the 30,000 or 45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) is ideal for the reef environment. UV’s used at higher kill rates will destroy the planktonic food supply for the reef.
Information for Marine Fish	(No reef or live rock) A UV rated in the 75,000 or 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) will be the most effective at controlling fish disease. All UV dosages are calculated at the end of lamp life (14 months).

if I am under standing this correct they suggest a faster folw rate that BRS @800-1200 GPH where brs suggests the lowest flow rate of 400.

 

[beesnreefs]

this is what they are saying:

Recommended Flow Rate for UV Dosages	at 30,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 1,200 (Max Flow Rate) at 45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 800 at 60,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 600 at 75,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 480 at 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) GPH: 400 (Min Flow Rate)
Information for Reef Tanks	A UV rated in the 30,000 or 45,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) is ideal for the reef environment. UV’s used at higher kill rates will destroy the planktonic food supply for the reef.
Information for Marine Fish	(No reef or live rock) A UV rated in the 75,000 or 90,000 µw/cm2 (EOL) will be the most effective at controlling fish disease. All UV dosages are calculated at the end of lamp life (14 months).

if I am under standing this correct they suggest a faster folw rate that BRS @800-1200 GPH where brs suggests the lowest flow rate of 400.

I'm no expert but my understanding is you want to hit the 90,000 micro-W/cm2 for parasite management. So, according to this chart, you'd want a 400 gph flow rate.

 

[Devaji]

I'm no expert but my understanding is you want to hit the 90,000 micro-W/cm2 for parasite management. So, according to this chart, you'd want a 400 gph flow rate.

I am more looking to keep bacterial infections down that parasites. it will be on a seahorse tank and they are some what prone to bac. infections.

 

[Steve2020]

Everyone I know that ran flow sensors hates them as they fail, clog up and are a PITA to remove and clean.

Everyone you know must be using the Neptune or similar flow sensors. They use a paddlewheel type sensor that has moving parts and are not accurate at all when the paddlewheel gets the slightest amount of crud on them. On the other hand the GHL flow sensors are extremely accurate and have no moving parts. They are a Vortex flow sensor and with the exception of magnetic flow sensors they are some of the best types of sensors used in multiple industries that require accurate flow measurements. Also they are very easy to remove when properly plumbed with unions. I have a total of 3, one each on the 2 returns and one one the discharge side of the UV plumbing. In over 2yrs have never had an issue and flow is very constant. What is also nice about them is they let you know when your pumps need cleaning.
Below is a photo of my UV flow sensor and ball valve.

 

[blaxsun]

Everyone you know must be using the Neptune or similar flow sensors.

You would be correct for the most part. GHL isn't really established here in Canada.

 

[Devaji]

Everyone you know must be using the Neptune or similar flow sensors. They use a paddlewheel type sensor that has moving parts and are not accurate at all when the paddlewheel gets the slightest amount of crud on them. On the other hand the GHL flow sensors are extremely accurate and have no moving parts. They are a Vortex flow sensor and with the exception of magnetic flow sensors they are some of the best types of sensors used in multiple industries that require accurate flow measurements. Also they are very easy to remove when properly plumbed with unions. I have a total of 3, one each on the 2 returns and one one the discharge side of the UV plumbing. In over 2yrs have never had an issue and flow is very constant. What is also nice about them is they let you know when your pumps need cleaning.
Below is a photo of my UV flow sensor and ball valve.View attachment 3073651

nice flow sensor. yes the Hydros flow sensors are indeed paddle wheel type. I think i'll skip them for now.
was looking into GHL a few years ago passed on it for some reason.