D.C. Pump with ball value?

[henryle]

I've been looking at upgrading my return pump to the Reef Octopus VarioS pumps and have been doing research on them. My birthday just passed and since my girlfriend knew I was looking at this pump, she got it for me! So far so good. When she gave it to me though, I realized it was the VarioS 8! (2700 gph). I didn't want to disappoint her so I tried hooking it up, knowing it might be too powerful for my HOB overflow.

I got it plumbed up without a ball value right now and even on the lowest setting it is too much for the overflow to handle. I told her I wasn't done plumbing so that's why it's not working yet(excuse).

I have 2 options as of right now, still trying to not tell her she got me the wrong gift:
1) hard plumb my overflow to get more water flow. Currently it's a flex tube and I know there's a decent size kink
2) put a ball valve on the return but I'm not sure if this is okay with a DC pump, just trying to be safe since it's an expensive pump.

I do want to keep it because once we get a house, I wouldn't have to upgrade another return pump.

Some of you might say to just return it for a smaller pump but this is one of the first times she's actually surprised me and was very happy about it. Just want to try to make it work first.

Thanks for reading and any advice would be appreciated!


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[slief]

The ball valve won't hurt the pump as long as it's on the output side. It would be the equivalent of more head pressure. That said, a gate valve would be better than a ball valve as it would allow for finer tuning. I would still suggest trying to improve the drain situation so it's capable of more flow even if you still need the valve. Better safe then sorry.

 

[henryle]

The ball valve won't hurt the pump as long as it's on the output side. It would be the equivalent of more head pressure. That said, a gate valve would be better than a ball valve as it would allow for finer tuning. I would still suggest trying to improve the drain situation so it's capable of more flow even if you still need the valve. Better safe then sorry.

Thanks so much! Good idea on the gate valve also. I did plan on redoing the inlet side but not til next month due to work but I might just spend a late night and try to knock it all out


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[ca1ore]

Would have thought from the pump name that the flow rate would be variable?

 

[henryle]

Would have thought from the pump name that the flow rate would be variable?

It is but it's a variable speed of 1-5. Even on 1, it's push a ton more water than my mag 9. And it's completely silent. I think if I had the cable to hook it up to my apex, I could set the speed lower


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[Lsufan]

Sounds like it's time to upgrade overflow boxes. A ball valve or gate valve will work but I agree with slief, I would go ahead & improve your drain plumbing because u really don't want any "kinks" in your drain line.