Gate valves and adjustable pumps

[Theulli]

So the aquarium manufacturer for my new tank states you *need* a gate valve on the return line. My understanding is that the gate valve is for tuning the rate of return....is this necessary if you have a return pump that is GPH adjustable? Seems like they would both accomplish the same thing.

Thanks!

 

[CK00020]

Yes you need both, otherwise your drain will be real loud

 

[Theulli]

Yes you need both, otherwise your drain will be real loud

Interesting, and this is not a quibble I am just trying to understand. How does reducing the flow via a gate valve affect the drain noise in a way reducing the flow by adjusting the pump doesn’t?

 

[ZoWhat]

So the aquarium manufacturer for my new tank states you *need* a gate valve on the return line. My understanding is that the gate valve is for tuning the rate of return....is this necessary if you have a return pump that is GPH adjustable? Seems like they would both accomplish the same thing.

Thanks!

I mean.... why listen to Mfgr recommendations anyway?

 

[CK00020]

Depending on what type of drain you are running, it gives you a full suction with a trickle going down the secondary. When I first set mine up the valve was wide open, you get lots of air mixed with water which is noisy. My wife said is that thing always going to be that loud

 

[Theulli]

I mean.... why listen to Mfgr recommendations anyway?

I mean why use our brains or try to understand how things work?

 

[Theulli]

Depending on what type of drain you are running, it gives you a full suction with a trickle going down the secondary. When I first set mine up the valve was wide open, you get lots of air mixed with water which is noisy. My wife said is that thing always going to be that loud

Aha! This is what I was missing. I had thought they wanted the gate valve on the return line. This makes much more sense. Thank you!

 

[CK00020]

They do tell you to put one on the return, but why when you have an adjustable pump
Sorry thought you meant drain