Controllable Return Pumps... how?

[Orcus Varuna]

I agree with most of that, but my question was about the varying flow in regard to the standard overflow.

Your not wrong that you can't change the rate at which gravity drains water through a pipe of a given diameter. My point was just showing the utility of a D.C. Pump on a standard gravity drain system. Having the ability to alter flow through say a manifold to provide extra flow to a reactor without changing your pump is awesome.


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[Potatohead]

Gee whiz who cares if someone turns off their return pump to feed, doesn't affect you in any way.

I agree with OP though, I have never really considered DC (especially for return pump) because of the same reason of overflow levels, and three failure points instead of one.

 

[d2mini]

I run two dc pumps currently. Very familiar with them and understand the perceived advantages.
Vectra L1 for my return, and a Waveline for my skimmer.

I was just curious about that one little feature, and my thoughts were confirmed back in post #2.

 

[FullBoreReefer]

I don't change my flow intermittently, but while cleaning my display I'll crank the flow up as high as possible to run more water through my filter socks that I use during cleaning. Other than that mine sits at 50%.

 

[gcarroll]

I don't change my flow intermittently, but while cleaning my display I'll crank the flow up as high as possible to run more water through my filter socks that I use during cleaning. Other than that mine sits at 50%.

IMO, this might be the best reasoning I have hear for a controllable pump.

 

[jda]

You are not missing anything. Marketing to the uninformed to get a higher price... These "features" as as useful to me as controlling your lights from the couch on your android or seeing a thunderstorm.

Still none of these reason is any different than having a ball valve or a return loop.

 

[FullBoreReefer]

You are not missing anything. Marketing to the uninformed to get a higher price...

Problem with this statement is in my case. My controllable pump was cheaper than the mag 18 I used to run. The soft start on my new pump creates less air and surging upon reatart. Also running at 50% allows me to crank the flow during cleaning and save myself time. Adjustability allows me to choose flow rates through my sump that I prefer over a set amount or using a valve.