Ball valve from return pump to tank -- does everyone have one?

[FishPersonFL]

Hi
I'm about to plumb my tank (for first time ever ugh). And I notice my current tanks have a ball valve from return pump to tank. I know it's there in case i need to stop water from flowing back into the sump manually. But does anyone else actually have this? It's a little add'l pia b/c it's the valve plus two unions to put it in, but is it worth it? only so much water can flow back into the sump since water level in tank can only drop below the level of the return submerged under tank water surface.
If highly recommened, then can someoen link me to one that is all in one unit: The ball valve and a union on each end? Makes it a little easier to install it.
TIA

 

[Biglew11]

Your sump should handle all the water that will flow back into it at all times.
The ball valve is unnecessary, but I have one on mine and my manifold just to help fine tune the flow between the two.

 

[KStatefan]

I have a gate valve on one of my pumps and nothing on the other.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have one on both return and out lines in case of needed emergency shutdown.

 

[Derrick0580]

The only ball valve on the return I use is on the line for my UV. As far as adjusting flow rates to the tank I prefer dc pumps. As long as your overflow can handle the amount of water your pump is returning back to the tank there is no need for any valves on the return.

 

[mfinn]

When I use ac pumps I usually had a valve on the outflow of my return pumps. Helped regulate flow back to the display tank.
Now that I use mainly dc controllable pumps, I don't see the need.

 

[Johnz]

I had one on my previous tank. Never used it to control the flow like I thought I would, but one day I turned it to shut off flow cause I was to lazy to just unplug the return pump. When I turned it back on it started leaking. I'll never put one on a return again. Just seems unnecessary. Another expense and thing to break.

 

[n1ng]

I have one installed in my return. My return is slightly lower than my drain, so the return line is the last to drain out. I use it when I service my return pump. I'm too impatient to wait for all the water to drain from the return.

 

[Nemosis]

I use one to create head pressure to run my manifold instead of using a separate pump that could create more heat. It isn’t a necessity in most setups but we’re all different and our plumbing situations will vary.

 

[benmed]

If you wanna be cool, ball valves are the rule

 

[BZOFIQ]

If you wanna be cool, ball valves are the rule

BRS would say, if it rhymes, it's true - anecdotally.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I have one, it’s after the “T” to a 1/2” Ball valve, this is for future flow diversion to another device, IE GFO, Media Cannisters, UV, ETC. Yesterday I used it as I wasn’t sure if my temporary sump would overflow. Pulled everything, cleaned the silt out of the sump, cleaned the pumps, and installed the DIY Spill tray.