Installing Ball Valve

EllieSuz · 01/02/2010, 08:46 PM

I'm going to try to hook up my new return pump without involving anyone that knows what they are doing. I have a new Mag 9 and I've been told that if you want to install a ball valve to dial down the flow, it must be done on the return outlet. Is this true? If so, can I also put one of them between the pump and the sump, so I can still close off the sump when I want to clean the pump? Thanks.

golfish · 01/02/2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EllieSuz

I'm going to try to hook up my new return pump without involving anyone that knows what they are doing. I have a new Mag 9 and I've been told that if you want to install a ball valve to dial down the flow, it must be done on the return outlet. Is this true? If so, can I also put one of them between the pump and the sump, so I can still close off the sump when I want to clean the pump? Thanks.

yes, best bet is to use ball valves with unions, got to have the unions....you never want to restric the flow going to the pump, only the flow leaving the pump.

T Man · 01/02/2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EllieSuz

I've been told that if you want to install a ball valve to dial down the flow, it must be done on the return outlet. Is this true?.

Yes this is true, the valve goes on the outlet/return side of the pump. I would suggest a union style ball valve for easy removal of the pump itself.

Quote:

If so, can I also put one of them between the pump and the sump, so I can still close off the sump when I want to clean the pump? Thanks.

IMO, This can also be done with a true union, no real need for a valve.

Av8bluewater · 01/02/2010, 09:07 PM

They sell double union ball valves at Lowes. Here's the best plumbing thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=1663066&pp=25
http://www.petstore.com/ps_viewitem....content=FT3915

It's nice have them before and after. If you don't have one before then you gotta drain the sump to take the pump off for a quick cleaning.

Av8bluewater · 01/02/2010, 09:11 PM

Also If I had it to do over I would get gray fittings. I've had a couple cracks in the white.

jmking33 · 01/08/2010, 12:14 AM

+1 on unions and ball valves. just never restrict the water going TO your pump.

01/02/2010, 08:46 PM	#1
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	Installing Ball Valve I'm going to try to hook up my new return pump without involving anyone that knows what they are doing. I have a new Mag 9 and I've been told that if you want to install a ball valve to dial down the flow, it must be done on the return outlet. Is this true? If so, can I also put one of them between the pump and the sump, so I can still close off the sump when I want to clean the pump? Thanks.

01/08/2010, 12:14 AM	#6
jmking33 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: orlando,FL Posts: 1,652	+1 on unions and ball valves. just never restrict the water going TO your pump. __________________ It is what it is! Current Tank Info: 160 gallon rimless w/ a fishroom located behind it

01/02/2010, 09:07 PM	#4
Av8bluewater Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 763	They sell double union ball valves at Lowes. Here's the best plumbing thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=1663066&pp=25 http://www.petstore.com/ps_viewitem....content=FT3915 It's nice have them before and after. If you don't have one before then you gotta drain the sump to take the pump off for a quick cleaning.

01/02/2010, 09:11 PM	#5
Av8bluewater Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 763	Also If I had it to do over I would get gray fittings. I've had a couple cracks in the white.