I have two 1" and one 1/2" flowmeters that are still working just fine after a year. Hopefully, they keep on...
Lots of bad reviews though. Of course you will have some restriction going through the meter. I did have bad luck with the FMM's that they were attached to, but I tracked that down to the optional power supply (from Neptune) that I plugged into it (burnt up two FMM's). Neptune customer service, though not the fastest to get ahold of, helped me out and fixed the issue.
Review byCasey
Posted on
Works great
Performance
100%
Gave me confidence in my calculations on my flow based on head height, plumbing, and pump choice. Great to know my numbers matched with actual data and not just assumed my calculations were correct.
Review byTim
Posted on
Great add on
Performance
100%
Great as a add on - may not be a must
Not perfect accurate but works great as as a Monitor to make sure things are working and running smooth
I own 4 of the 1/2 4 of the 1 inch and 2 of the 2”
Review byCoach sid
Posted on
Works great
Performance
100%
I have two of these. One measuring return pump GPH, a second one measuring GPH flow rate on my chiller loop.
Flow Reduction vs. Utility:
I haven't take the time to quantify how much this reduces flow, but I'm sure it does some. For me being able to turn off power to (and save from destruction) my $1200 chiller if flow is off/stopped is a worthwhile trade off. The GPH of my return pump is more of a vanity metric... I'm not sure I'd change anything based on the data but I really, really like how many times an hour I send my water volumn through my sump, filters, skimmer, etc.
Reliability:
There were a bit fiddly to set up... something about the 'auto detect' setting on the apex controller switching between a flood sensor and a flow meter. Once set they stayed solid...until... I was fiddling with things and my chiller flow meter flat lined at about 15 months. I might try fiddling with it again to see if I can get it working again, but am writing this review because I just ordered a replacement & backup and saw the low review score.
Cost:
The OEM part is $20 from China, but you'd have to wire it into the right connector... and find the BSP to US/NPS PVC union, and what if it's NOT exactly right? Neptune gear isn't cheap but as of yet, at least with flow sensors, it's the only/best game in town. I prefer to not fiddle around and I want to support BRS / Neptune Systems and buy from them.
Alternatives:
I like the idea of the ultrasonic flow meters... but after about an hour of research the entry price is around $600, I'm not even sure it'd work for this specific application... and there is not pre-built integration with the apex. There are other turbine/spinning wheel/mechanical flow meters out there, but a lot of them are brass (not reef safe!) or at best stainless steel (which will still corrode over time with saltwater) so no dice there.
If you want to measure flow and integrate easily with your apex, this is the best solution. If anyone has better solutions I'd love to hear them!
Review byJustin
Posted on
1” Flow sensor works fine for me
Performance
80%
I’ve running this 1” flow sensor with about 6ft of head pressure and I’m getting the correct amount of flow according to my Apex. Compared to Ecotechs flow chart I’m getting exactly to what my sensor is reading. As far as longevity....I don’t know as I’ve been only running this sensor for 2 months. I see a lot of complaints about restricting flow, but people might be forgetting about calculating the correct head pressure (ie. how many 90’s, 45’s you have in your plumbing). I’m giving it 4 stars because nothing is perfect. I would recommend this to anyone.
Review byNorman
Posted on
Avoid This Item
Performance
40%
The flow sensor uses proprietary fittings. If you ever need to adjust your plumbing, you can only get the fittings from Apex.
Review byLance
Posted on
+5ft of head
Performance
40%
I have been running my DC EFLux 6011 for a month without these. I Got these to test the rating of my FijiCube overflow because it was not nearly what I expected and claimed 2400gph (largest size they make). That said the second I turned my pumps on from the same setting the flow was reduced by 30% and the water level in the tank was a clear indicator at 3/8". My pumps are not made for head pressure. But I was shocked. At full pressure (1.5 output reduced to 1” and 4x90 elbows the max flow was 800gph on either pump). We’re it should be around 1800gph Since it’s max at 2ft head is 2000gph. Feeling the pressure at measured 800gph I would say it is correct. About what a mag 9.5 would feel like at 1” output.
I am Removing them from my setup, not recommended unless you have a high head pressure pump. Essentially these are reverse pumps so it’s not illogical, but surprising
Review byaNEFFx
Posted on
Subject to precipitate clogging
Performance
40%
Make sure you take the impeller off the shaft to clean it. It's not the shaft that turns in the socket, its the impeller on the shaft.
I only recommend because there is no other comparable product.
Review byDave
Posted on
Limited Lifespan
Performance
40%
Mine worked for about a year the began reading zero flow no matter what I did to correct it. The pipe it was measuring had lots of flow so the impeller did not seem to be stuck. My guess the electronics crapped out. I'm buying another one due to pipe feeding sanitized water into my tank which requires a known flow rate... and frankly don't know where else to get a similar device from someone else.
Review byJames
Posted on
Unreliable, poorly engineered
Performance
40%
Unfortunately, these sensors are poorly engineered. The readings are easily distorted by nearby electrical signals. They also stop working within months. Even when replaced under warranty, the replacements break just as quick. I've gone through 4 in one year.
And if course Neptune systems' makes you jump through a hundred hoops before they take action. One email a day. Any repair or replacement situation takes weeks of bologna... to put it nicely.