Is There Any Way To Check Flowrate Of Filter?

[STEWARDSONS]

I am a bit concerned that my external filter is not running to its full flow rate.

Is there any way of testing the flow?

I was thinking of putting the return into a 10ltr drum and timing how long it takes to fill then seeing how many it would do in an hour giving me the litres it would turn around in an hour.

Can anyone else think of a better idea?

 

[The Taffy Apple]

That's exactly what i did prior to setting it up... i had it out the back with the return flow going into a 20L bucket and timed how long it would take to 'cycle' 120L. Turns out my Fluval 205 can cycle my 120L of water just under 4 times in 60 mins, which i believe is about right.

Terry.

 

[StandbySetting]

All external filters don't run at their stated flow rate, there are many variables that affect what they can put out, most manufacturers state flow rates without media in the filter, this affects flow rate, as does detritus and mulm that builds up on the media, the length of the pipes and the height in which the filter has to pump also affect flow rate.

The only realistic way you could measure flow rate would be to rig your filter intake into a bath filled with water, then turn the filter on and have it pump the water into a large container, as soon as water begins to exit the outlet you could start a timer, turn the filter off after 60 seconds, measure the volume of water and multiply it by 60 and you have a very approximate flow rate in LPH.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I was thinking of putting the return into a 10ltr drum and timing how long it takes to fill then seeing how many it would do in an hour giving me the litres it would turn around in an hour.

Can anyone else think of a better idea?

I think your idea is pretty good.

 

[STEWARDSONS]

All external filters don't run at their stated flow rate, there are many variables that affect what they can put out, most manufacturers state flow rates without media in the filter, this affects flow rate, as does detritus and mulm that builds up on the media, the length of the pipes and the height in which the filter has to pump also affect flow rate.

The only realistic way you could measure flow rate would be to rig your filter intake into a bath filled with water, then turn the filter on and have it pump the water into a large container, as soon as water begins to exit the outlet you could start a timer, turn the filter off after 60 seconds, measure the volume of water and multiply it by 60 and you have a very approximate flow rate in LPH.

so if i raise my filter up bu say resting it on a box will this increase the pressure?

 

[StandbySetting]

If you shorten the hoses as well then yes.