What co2 regulators is everyone using?

[silaug]

Alan is awesome! He was very responsive via PMs on the other forum and answered the myriad of questions I had throughout my build process.

 

[silaug]

Thank everyone’s I will post pic on my regulator progress

 

[normski619]

I'm currently building a DIY custom Matheson regulator from Alanle's "How to build..." RC thread as well. Alanle has been very quick to answer any questions I've had. I'm just waiting on the Burkert solenoid and stainless steel cga-320 fitting to come in. My build will end up being cheaper than the Carbondoser and will be composed of a high end dual stage regulator with industrial and lab grade precision stainless steel parts. Getting this built is definitely a satisfying DIY project for sure. I'll post pictures when I finish it.

Also (shameless plug) if anyone is interested in building their own, I have a spare BNIB Airgas nickel plated brass dual stage regulator ready to be DIY'd. :D

This might be a silly question, but whats the solenoid for and what is it plugged into?

 

[Water Dog]

The solenoid, in the open position, allows CO2 to flow. In the closed position, it cuts off that flow. My solenoid is plugged into an EB832 controlled by my Apex. With a pH probe in my CaRx, I can set the CO2 flow in my reactor between a pH of 6.5-6.7. If the pH in my reactor hits, 6.5, the solenoid will be off, thereby cutting of the flow of CO2. If the pH in my CaRx creeps up beyond 6.7, my solenoid will turn on, allowing the CO2 to flow into the reactor.

 

[normski619]

Ahh...that makes sense. You have your apex control the valve =) Why would you need a needle valve if you have the solenoid being controlled by your Apex?

 

[Water Dog]

The metering valve will fine tune the flow of CO2 / bubble count based on your needs.

 

[normski619]

The metering valve will fine tune the flow of CO2 / bubble count based on your needs.

Thanks for the info Water Dog!

 

[jda]

I have three running right now. M3 that I have had for a decade... reliable, but a needle valve can be finicky when I have to change it. Tunze that I have had for a long time (not sure how long) that also has been reliable. I have a Aquarium Plants Carbondoser on a Victor dual stage regulator - this is super expensive and supposed to be the most reliable... while it probably is, it is not worth the cost when the other ones have worked out OK for a long time.

My main advice is to get a GOOD check valve... as long as you keep the needle valves and regulators dry, they can last a long time and stay working like new. If you lose power and water gets down in there, then get a new one ordered since it will start to get inconsistent really quickly.