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Usually used with a return pump, this flow sensor can be placed in line with the flow on any pipe, connected to the FMM, and communicate to your Apex the flow rate of water through that pipe. The flow sensor itself uses BSPP threads so for North American customers we have included two specially designed PVC unions with slip fittings to adapt it to standard 1″ PVC plumbing. The FS-100 will work with flow rates from 150-1500 gph. The sensor has a wire length of 5 meters.
The Neptune Systems 1" Flow Sensor (FS-100) is designed for monitoring high flow rates common in aquarium main return lines and large closed loops. What makes the FS-100 particularly convenient for installation is its inclusion of unions.
Purpose and Common Applications:
The FS-100 is engineered for significant water movement, with a typical operating range of 200-1500 gallons per hour (GPH), or approximately 757-5678 liters per hour (LPH). Its primary applications include:
Main Return Lines: This is arguably its most critical use. By placing an FS-100 on your main return pump's output, you can:
Monitor Pump Health: Detect if your return pump's flow is diminishing over time (due to wear, clogs, or issues with impellers), indicating a need for cleaning or replacement.
Confirm Flow: Get immediate alerts if your return pump stops completely (e.g., power outage, air lock, or pump failure), preventing potential overflow from the sump or loss of circulation to the display tank.
Optimize Plumbing: Use the flow data to understand the actual flow rate going into your display tank, helping you to evaluate the efficiency of your plumbing design (number of elbows, pipe size, etc.) and ensure adequate turnover.
Closed Loops: For systems with dedicated closed-loop pumps that provide high flow circulation within the display tank, the FS-100 is ideal for monitoring their performance.
Large External Filtration Systems: Any large external filters (e.g., large media reactors or sumps) that rely on significant flow rates can benefit from FS-100 monitoring.
Key Features:
1" Sensor Body: The core sensor unit is designed for 1" plumbing.
Integrated Unions (Major Advantage): This is a defining feature of the FS-100 (and other larger Neptune flow sensors). The sensor comes with union fittings on both ends. This is incredibly beneficial for:
Easy Installation: You can glue the union ends into your 1" PVC plumbing. Then, the sensor body simply screws into place with the union nuts.
Simple Maintenance/Removal: If you ever need to clean, calibrate, or replace the flow sensor, you can simply unscrew the union nuts and remove the sensor body without having to cut and re-glue your plumbing. This is a huge time and effort saver compared to fixed connections.
Flexible Orientation: Unions also offer some flexibility in positioning the sensor during initial installation.
Connects to FMM: Just like the smaller flow sensors, the FS-100 must be plugged into one of the four sensor ports on a Neptune Systems FMM (Fluid Monitoring Module). The FMM then sends the flow data to your Apex controller.
Real-time Data and Datalogging: Provides instant flow rate readings on your Apex Fusion dashboard, with continuous logging and graphing of data for historical analysis and trend identification.
Automation and Alerts: The Apex system can be programmed to:
Send email or SMS alerts if the flow drops below or exceeds a set threshold (e.g., "Return pump offline!").
Trigger other automated actions, such as activating backup pumps, turning off heaters, or initiating a feeding mode if flow conditions change.
Durable Construction: Built with robust, aquarium-safe materials for long-term reliability in demanding saltwater environments. It typically uses a turbine or paddle-wheel mechanism to measure flow.
Installation and Setup:
Placement: Choose a straight run of your 1" plumbing line for the most accurate readings. Avoid placing it immediately after elbows or pumps, as this can create turbulence and affect accuracy. Ensure the flow direction matches the arrow on the sensor body.
Disassemble Unions: Unscrew the union nuts from the FS-100 sensor body. You will be left with the sensor body and two separate union ends.
Glue Union Ends: Apply PVC cement to the 1" slip (socket) fittings of the union ends and glue them securely onto the cut ends of your 1" PVC plumbing. Allow sufficient cure time for the cement.
Install Sensor Body: Once the PVC cement is fully cured, place the FS-100 sensor body between the two union ends and tighten the union nuts firmly by hand. You can use a strap wrench if needed, but avoid overtightening.
Connect to FMM:Plug the cable from the FS-100 into any available sensor port on your FMM.
Configure in Apex Fusion: Access your Apex Fusion dashboard. The Apex should auto-detect the flow sensor. Navigate to the FMM's configuration page to name the sensor, specify the unit (GPH or LPH), and set up any desired alerts or control rules.
The Neptune Systems 1" Flow Sensor (FS-100) with unions is an indispensable tool for monitoring high-flow areas of your aquarium, especially the critical main return, providing peace of mind and enabling robust automation and protection for your valuable aquatic system.
