Mag 12 question

[KNUTE]

The whole pressure, non pressure pump rating is just starting to make since to me but just a little. If a pump is not pressure rated like a MAG 12, does that mean that you can't or shouldn't throttle it down with a gate valve? If you were to throttle it down does that decrease the life of the pump etc. Should not be a problem as my manifold runs 3 dual spray heads into the tank on my 65, but just wondering. Also is it really stupid to have valves to each spray head to fine tune the current for different Corals etc. I fiqure if you restrict one or the other the pressure would increase in the other ones but would like some way to taylor the current, guess I could just point them in areas where I want increased flow. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is one of those things that all of the books in the world don't help with.TIA. Leaving Maui tomorrow, bummer.P.S. According to my son the Regal that had a fuzzy white patch on her pec is all better in the Q tank. Should I wait to put her back in the tank or just go a head and put her in?

[smpolyp]

Most tanks will not need a pressure rated pump. Add up your head pressure and apply it to the pumps in question that you may use. I do not like to valve down any pump at all. More back pressure means more heat and less life on the pump. I use a flared end on the returns to help fine tune it.All you have to do is make a 2"-3" piece of pvc the same size as your return, heat it up (heat gun,lighter,hot water) when it gets soft pinch the pipe(with a pot holder) to the flared size you think will alow the right flow through. If it isn't enough or to much it's easy and cheap to make up a new one.

[KNUTE]

Thanks for the tips. I had allready bought the flared ends for the return with the snakelok fittings. I have 3 that each have 2 flared spray heads for a total of 6. I fiqure on pointing some behind the rock work. I vaquely remember you posting about making your own ends a while back but forgot about it. I walked into the LFS and started picking out plastic pieces and was more than a little shocked at how much it came to. Felt almost as stupid as when I tell people that I spent $400.00 on rocks. I should have enough flow as I have 2, 1 1/2'' outflows thru the back of the tank. Thanks again for clearing it up.