Recommendation for check valve and ball valve/flow control

[kamehameha]

I am using nylon tubing for my return pump. It is 3/4" ID nylon. I went to Lowes today and got an expensive yet clearly cheapo ball valve and while it says its 3/4" it is way smaller than the tubing. I attempted some zip ties and a hose clamp, but there are still gaps.

Can anyone recommend anything that would work for me. I just want to be able to slow down my return pump, and the check valve is just a safety measure.

 

[blaxsun]

I've always been taught not to use check valves on my return outlets.