Restricting flow...

Berzerker · #1 09-14-2010, 12:27 PM

So I bought an adjustable 135gh fountain pump and it works very well. Too well.

It is adjustable but on the lowest setting there is still too much flow. What would be the best way to restrict more flow?

It is running through a 1/2" tube which has been plugged at the end with silicone. I then cut a slot in the side of the tube near the end, to get a wider stream of water. I was kind of thinking about cutting a small hole in the tube under my FB and putting some sort hose clamp that i could adjust as necessary. Any input would be helpful.

Grimm · #2 09-14-2010, 12:32 PM

You could add some sort of t-joist. Run the one end under the false bottom to give more circulation, and the other up towards your output area. It should reduce the flow enough since the water will try to take the path of least resistance and the majority of the water should pass through the lower outlet tube. Doing it this way is also better for the motor since it wont have extra resistance placed on it by a restriction device.

beckdg · #3 09-14-2010, 01:21 PM

or an in line ball valve

Berzerker · #4 09-14-2010, 01:23 PM

You guys are full of ideas.

beckdg · #5 09-14-2010, 01:26 PM

brown eyes run in my family. i might be full of other things too...

thanks for the vote of confidence.

Grimm · #6 09-14-2010, 01:34 PM

Beck, wouldnt the ball valve place extra resistance to the motor, or is that not really something to be worried about?

beckdg · #7 09-14-2010, 01:50 PM

in most cases i'd say it's neither here nor there. if the pump is of poor quality or the impeller not balanced/stabilized sufficiently it could degrade the motor over time... but such pumps would fail early anyways.

the impeller should be floating with each end of the shaft in it's little holder. essentially that should hold it from bouncing back and forth creating damage otherwise it should be completely surrounded by water at all times. as long as you're not restricting the input the air shouldn't separate from the water inside the chamber... which can cause damage more often than otherwise.

is any of this making sense?

Berzerker · #8 09-14-2010, 02:24 PM

It is all making sense to me. And yes, the impeller is floating in the little housing for it. It seems like a fairly high quality pump, Sunterra or something like that.