Return pump question. Please help

[ReefKnot]

OK I know this has been driven into the ground, but I just want to be clear.

On my return pump, is it alright to put a valve on the out pipe of the return line?

 

[sjm817]

Yes....within reason. You shouldn't be drastically valving back a too big pump, but dialing it down a bit is no problem.

 

[rocking]

here is a much easyer way put a tee in line the put ur valve on the tee

 

[ReefKnot]

here is a much easyer way put a tee in line the put ur valve on the tee

Yeah I've got that on right now, and its creating a bit to much flow in my sump.... trying to find a middle ground.

 

[sjm817]

You can valve a pump back as much as you want, but its not efficient. As you decrease flow, power drops....some...but not proportionally. If you have a pump that is way too big, you are wasting electricity, making heat that may not be needed. Diverting flow back to the sump is even worse as it doesn't cut back on the power at all.

Best bet is to use the right size pump or close to it and use a valve if needed for fine tuning.