What makes a return pump controllable?

[Sky's Reef]

I'm curious as to what makes a pump controllable? I have a fluval sp6 and apex. Can I reduce the flow?

I know this can be answered with a simple yes or no but curiosity has got the best of me so please do explain.

Thanks

 

[lowbudget]

yes you can make your sp6 controllable. its just more complex. get a electronic valve control it with your apex. it can be done.

 

[Sky's Reef]

yes you can make your sp6 controllable. its just more complex. get a electronic valve control it with your apex. it can be done.

Thanks I'll look into that. Would this route be better than having a valve on the output tubing? I've been told that throwing a gate on the output does not have a negative effect on the pump. What do you think?

 

[lowbudget]

same thing one will be manual way the other way is with the apex. the manual way works fine. so i dont see why not.

 

[bobstir]

electronic valve would still go on output tubing. The only difference is that an electronic valve is well, controllable electronically

As for the negative effect on the pump, I do not think it should because all you're doing as far as the pump is concerned is adding more back pressure. It would be the same effect as if you were to pump the water higher (e.g. head pressure).

 

[Sky's Reef]

Thank you gentlemen. Much appreciated.

 

[Confuse]

If you reduce the flow too much, by what ever means, you can cause the pump to rattle and hum due to the back pressure. But that's if you're reducing the flow dramatically.