CO2 regulator issues

[nezw0001]

So I’ve been having non spot issues with getting my CO2 regulator dialed in for my calcium reactor. The regulator is a fancy dual gauge, dual needle valve custom made by a fellow on another forum

I get it bubbling how I want and a couple hrs it is stopped, the solenoid is still on. I adjust it and couple hrs later same thing. Then the next time I adjust it to about a bubble a second and come back a couple hrs later and it is bubbling like crazy and has drained the CA reactor.

The CA reactor is a lifereef model fed by a stenner. I have cleaned the reactor, replaced the cylinders, etc and nothing seems to help

If I can’t figure this out guess I’ll switch to two part but thought for a big tank the reactor would be the way to go.

Any ideas?

 

[jporter17]

Check the check valve. I had a bad one and had some swings in bubble count like you mention. JP

 

[jda]

What is the low pressure side set to? Sometimes you have to get it up a bit to overcome the check valve and back pressure from the reactor in order to be steady.

Is the solenoid just plugged into the wall? This is the way to go.

 

[nezw0001]

jporter17 - where is the check valve? i don't think i have one?

Jda - low pressure side reads 12 on the inside scale and about 90 on the outside scale. I've kind of messed with this setting but not too much, not sure where it should be set at. I just removed it from the EB8 and plugged it into the wall.

 

[jda]

Try it at 18 or 20.

 

[nezw0001]

kk, will adjust now

 

[jda]

Once you figure this all out, order a check valve. There is nothing worse than saltwater getting into your nice regulator and rusting it all up.

 

[jporter17]

jporter17 - where is the check valve? i don't think i have one?

Jda - low pressure side reads 12 on the inside scale and about 90 on the outside scale. I've kind of messed with this setting but not too much, not sure where it should be set at. I just removed it from the EB8 and plugged it into the wall.

You need to have a check valve in between the regulator and bubble counter on the calcium reactor. Otherwise you will have saltwater possibly enter the solenoid and regulator and it could cause damage. The check valve only allows flow in one direction and should keep the CO2 moving only through the reactor and not allow reverse flow. JP

 

[jda]

I find that an absolute number on the low pressure side does not mean much from system to system. What does matter is that you turn it up so that it can handle the pressure of your particular system to get gas into the reactor. Usually when the things works for a while and then quits, there is higher pressure in the low side and then it peters off as co2 is released and the pressure drops. If you have it too high, then needle valve will be too sensitive. You have to find the right balance. I have one at 16 and the other at 22 - they could be the same for all that I know, but they work.

On the high pressure side, this should be around 800 or so at room temperature. It is the same in all co2 tanks, but the gauges are not that precise which is why there is variance. As long as you are around 800, then you have liquid co2 in the tank. There can be literally one drop or it can be full and it will read 800 as even one drop of liquid co2 is trying to expand back into gas. This is not like a fuel gauge on your car that tells you how full the tank is. It will stay around 800 until there is nothing in the tank but gas - which means that you needed a cylinder refill yesterday. :) If you want to know how full the tank is, pick it up and feel the weight.

 

[nezw0001]

Thanks, it is working perfect now. I have it at 18. I could tell when it was too high because, just like jda says, it is too sensitive. Took a little adjusting but it is perfect now. THANKS