Skimmer gate valve mod: does it have to be a gate valve??

Kaos · 05/31/2007, 04:15 PM

I'm going to do a gate valve mod on my ER skimmer but I think I am going to use a ball valve. Ball valves are cheaper and available local. Is there any reason not to use one? They restrict flow just like a gate valve. I know they are not as precise but we're not dripping effluent from a cal. reactor.

LMK your take on this.

Fuegofish777 · 05/31/2007, 04:19 PM

I've wondered the same thing as appropriately sized gate valves can get pretty pricey. I really dont think a ball valve will give you the kind of control your looking for though. I have seen a few people using ball valves though, so apparently they're not THAT bad.

RWillieK · 05/31/2007, 04:30 PM

Ball valves are much much harder to fine tune compared to a gate valve.

I thought the same thing, but went ahead and spent the $11 for a 1.25" gate valve at Ace Hardware......its much easier to use than a ball valve.

Robbie

2farNorth · 06/01/2007, 10:29 PM

This may sound dumb, but there must be different kinds of 'gate' valves...

The only ones I keep thinking about are the ones you have the large 'T' handle that you slide in and out,,, like a gate on a dam.....I can't see how that would be accurate..... I thought gate valves were designed for use as a shut off/on only??

Are people calling 'globe' valves 'gate' valves??

aninjaatemyshoe · 06/01/2007, 11:23 PM

The ones reffered to here are like these:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=FT3855

I have one that works the way you are saying. It wouldn't really be all that accurate, you're right. Gate valves are designed to just shut flow on/off. However, these particular ones have the benefit of being more easily adjustable and tunable than ball valves. In situations where you are dealing with high pressure it is generally not recommended that you leave a gate valve in a partially closed position as that can cause damage to it. However, this kinda pressure is definately not what you see in applying it to regulating the output from a protein skimmer.

GuySmilie · 06/01/2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2farNorth
This may sound dumb, but there must be different kinds of 'gate' valves...

The only ones I keep thinking about are the ones you have the large 'T' handle that you slide in and out,,, like a gate on a dam.....I can't see how that would be accurate..... I thought gate valves were designed for use as a shut off/on only??

Are people calling 'globe' valves 'gate' valves??

The T-handle valves are typically referred to as knife valves. They are prominent on RV waste tank fittings. No threads - opening is determined by how steady of a hand you have.

Another alternative to the more costly threaded stem 'gate' valve is a globe valve. They utilize a rubber seal that covers the water orifice inside the valve. It's connected to a threaded shaft that allows you to precisely control the rubber seals movement up and down. Even though they do not offer as precise of a flow control as a conventional gate valve, they are far easier to control than a stiff and balky ball valve.

2farNorth · 06/02/2007, 09:07 AM

Gotter!!

05/31/2007, 04:15 PM	#1
Kaos "Lurker" Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,131	Skimmer gate valve mod: does it have to be a gate valve?? I'm going to do a gate valve mod on my ER skimmer but I think I am going to use a ball valve. Ball valves are cheaper and available local. Is there any reason not to use one? They restrict flow just like a gate valve. I know they are not as precise but we're not dripping effluent from a cal. reactor. LMK your take on this. __________________ Ordinary people are the ones scared to be themselves.

05/31/2007, 04:30 PM	#3
RWillieK Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 594	Ball valves are much much harder to fine tune compared to a gate valve. I thought the same thing, but went ahead and spent the $11 for a 1.25" gate valve at Ace Hardware......its much easier to use than a ball valve. Robbie __________________ Five out of Four People have Trouble with Fractions. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon display, 40 gallon sump, 20 Gallon Fuge, AquaController Jr w/ Serial upgrade, Velocity T2 Return, Modified ASM G2 Skimmer, 2 x 150w 14K MH, Coralife Ca Reactor, DIY Kalk Reactor

06/01/2007, 11:23 PM	#5
aninjaatemyshoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,333	The ones reffered to here are like these: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=FT3855 I have one that works the way you are saying. It wouldn't really be all that accurate, you're right. Gate valves are designed to just shut flow on/off. However, these particular ones have the benefit of being more easily adjustable and tunable than ball valves. In situations where you are dealing with high pressure it is generally not recommended that you leave a gate valve in a partially closed position as that can cause damage to it. However, this kinda pressure is definately not what you see in applying it to regulating the output from a protein skimmer. __________________ You are not brought upon this world to "get it"

05/31/2007, 04:19 PM	#2
Fuegofish777 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: S. California Posts: 1,191	I've wondered the same thing as appropriately sized gate valves can get pretty pricey. I really dont think a ball valve will give you the kind of control your looking for though. I have seen a few people using ball valves though, so apparently they're not THAT bad.

06/01/2007, 10:29 PM	#4
2farNorth Moved On Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upper Peninsula, Michigan Posts: 929	This may sound dumb, but there must be different kinds of 'gate' valves... The only ones I keep thinking about are the ones you have the large 'T' handle that you slide in and out,,, like a gate on a dam.....I can't see how that would be accurate..... I thought gate valves were designed for use as a shut off/on only?? Are people calling 'globe' valves 'gate' valves??

06/02/2007, 09:07 AM	#7
2farNorth Moved On Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upper Peninsula, Michigan Posts: 929	Gotter!!