rheostat, eheim 1262

[kaskiles]

Hi,

Does anyone know if a 120v rheostat is usable on the hobby submersible pumps we use for returns? Anyone used one this way? I was thinking of a rheostat kind of like the one on this mixer:
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog_name=usplastic&category_name=39&product_id=5874

Thanks.

[AZDesertRat]

No you cannot. If you are trying to reduce flow do it with a valve on the discharge side of the pump. It reduces flow and also the wattage being consumed since the pump is pumping less water thus doing less work. It in no way hurts the pump. Rheostats and speed controllers are for what is called universal motors not like those used in aquarium pumps.