ASM modification

[forenpa1]

Hi all

I found the link to the gate valve modification for the ASM skimmer but have a couple of questions:

1. What is the difference between a gate valve and a regular old ball valve ?

2. What does the piece do- it look like its open at the top- does excess water rout out that way rater that flow throught the tube back into the sump ?

[110galreef]

A ball valve is that a ball that turns to close....
While a gate valve has a slide or gate that moves across the opening to open or close it. For this you will want the gate. The ball will create more turbulance I'd say while the gate just make the opening smaller so less water to flow through it.

I'd get the gate even though a few bucks more.

i am about to get these parts as well as I just ordered a G3!

[forenpa1]

thanks,

have to head out later today and get the parts- not sure if I'm gonna do the other upgrades yet- kinda chicken to drill my new skimmer.....

[scleractinian]

A ball valve goes from completely open to completely closed in 90 degrees of handle-turn. A gate valve, depending on gearing, might takes multiple turns to go from fully opened to fully closed, giving much more precise control.