Definately better with a gate valve Tony. My 1 1/2 in. valve is perfect to use.
However, I must say the becketts are the most finicky skimmers I have used. They remind me of another venturi skimmer I had years ago.
Look at them the wrong way and the foam drops.
Sometimes mine drops and never returns to the same level. I have to adjust the valve again.
They may skim well, but Debs post about sums up my feelings.
