For tuning the flow of water, gate valves are preferred because in both Herbie and bean animal, You can fine tune them Silent and consistently. My frag tank sits by feet behind my work computer. It has an eclipse small overflow running a Herbie. It is completely silent. I was able to tune it over the course of many hours, turning the wheel. Maybe a 32nd of a turn. Let it run and settle out for 20 minutes and make another small adjustment.Seems most reefers prefer gate valves than ball valves,read that often on here.
I always got taught that a ball valve is better for plumbing ( not talking about salt water reef tanks)
Ball valves just more reliable than gate valves and fail less,which is my experience on water/air and central heating systems.
But either or either ,if use a gate valve, never open all the way as want leave a little wiggle room if ceases shut so can move both directions to try loosen ^_^
Just thinking maybe reefers prefer gate valves as won't be in service aslong as valves on plumbing and heating systems so less time to fail idk.
But am truly curious why most prefer gate valves rather than ball valves.
Maybe because ball valves offer a better seal and generally last longer and can be turned on/ off quicker than a gate valve and not in service as long usually on a reef tank and if dialing in the flow on overflow on reef tank its then left alone ? So no need to turn on/ off quickly or provide a 100% seal,or maybe pressures less on reef tanks so not as many problems with gate valves idk ha ha as only had one reef tank and no valves on my durso overflow going to my sump so cant really comment on which is better ^_^
I haven't touched this plumbing in 3 months, and it has not deviated. That level of control is near impossible with a brand new ball valve. Impossible after it's run it's while.