Throttling DC Pump Very Low

[gatohoser]

I'm considering buying a Neptune COR-20 for my small ~30g cube tank with the intentions that I will be upgrading my tank size drastically here as I construct my equipment room behind the display area. For that reason, I am hoping to buy as much equipment that will serve both tanks well as possible including an oversized, reliable, controllable, DC pump for the return.

My question is: can you throttle a DC pump regularly down to the percent that will drive that without damaging it/overheating it? I imagine it will be under 50%.

My current tank will probably only need about 500 gph through the dual 1/2" returns with my 1.25" bulkheaded, small overflow box.

 

[lpsouth1978]

Most DC pumps that I have seen can go down to 30% power using the included controller. Running it at any power level, without the use of a ball/gate valve to reduce the flow, will do no harm to the pump at all. I actually prefer using a larger DC pump than is needed and running it at a lower power to save on wear and tear to the pump.

 

[mcgyvr]

^^ yep.. Dial it down as far as it can go.. then throttle back with a valve on the output if needed...
DO NOT throttle input as that can cause cavitation/pump damage.. But the output can be choked all you want with a valve..

 

[gatohoser]

Thanks you two. Will do!


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[Vinny Kreyling]

I can throttle my RD3 down to 14 Watts -- then it's off.
@ 20 Watts I don't get any flow to the tank but do to the skimmer in the sump.