Measuring Water Flow

[jzdziarski]

Is there any good way to measure water flow? I was hoping there'd be some plug-in device by now but can't find one. I was thinking of measuring the time to fill up a gallon, but that would in all likelihood change the gravitational effects by moving hoses around. I've got two RIO 1700's and a 10-Watt Sterilizer hooked up to one. The 1700 claims 625 GPH at 0 feet and under 100 at 6 feet. I'm at about 3.5 feet or so, but would like to get a somewhat accurate reading to insure the effectiveness of the sterilizer.

[Doug1]

I think you probably hit on the easiest and cheapest way to measure flow. The trick is to get the gallon container at the same ht as your return(assuming thats what you want to measure) and then getting someone to measure the time. From here its time to fill divided into an hr yields GPH

[billc]

Bingo Doug.. I don't know how many times I have set with a 5 gallon bucket and a stop watch checking well flows when I lived in the mountians.. The larger volume you can test the more accurate the tests will be, but in the tank you will run out of water..
If you want to get a good reading, do it at your next water change.. get all of your returns to a 5 gal bucket at the same hieght as the tank.. then with a stop watch see how long it takes to fill the 5 gal.. simple math and you have your water flow.

[jzdziarski]

Yeah that's what I did actually; set up a 10 gallon bucket on the floor and move the powerhead from the bottom of the sump to the bucket; is 200-250GPH good water flow for a 10-Watt UV? It says on the box up to 500 will suffice, but I want to actually benefit from it =). Fighting velvet right now.

[mojoreef]

Gee Doug and I though you were serious when you told me to use my tongue and to count gulps


MIke

[Doug1]

OK Mike, Thats the last time I reveal OFR secrets at one of your little gatherings