Pressurized Co2 System

[gumby]

Gday all. I have a real simple question that needs an answer.

If I want to go with a pressurized co2 system, is all I need a tank with co2, a regulator (will any regulator work?), bubble counter, co2 lines, and a diffuser?

Short, and long answers are more than welcome!
Thanks!

 

[aaronnorth]

This is the order:

CO2 cannister - Regualator (twin Gauge) - solenoid (optional) - needle Valve - Bubble counter - diffuser

CO2 tubing to connect everything

I would reccomend using a Fiire Extinghuisher (FE), it will last longer and it is cheaper (£80 for a 2kg FE & equipment!) FE Guide:

http/www.fishforums.net/content/forum/21...ressurised-CO2/



I can give you all the links for everything if you are interested.

 

[gumby]

Thanks for the quick response.

I found a cheap tank on craigslist that comes with a regulator. Assuming that it works, is there a link to a proper needle valve?

 

[aaronc]

I am looking at going the pressurised CO2 route - the FE systems scare me lol

 

[aaronnorth]

FE systems are nothing to worry about, leave the pn in, dont press the handle, dont knock it over - simple, you just have to be carefull.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Needle-valve-Fine-ad...p3286.m20.l1116

 

[gumby]

Thanks Aaron.

http/www.kegworks.com/product.php?produc...=427&page=1

Would this regulator be good? Or do I still have to get a needle valve for it?

 

[aaronnorth]

That will be ok,

Needle valves are there to change the output of CO2, if you have for example 5BPS, and your drop checker is yellow, the you use the needle valve to turn it down to 4BPS and keep going until green. You may find that the pressure may keep dropping but a little bit of tweaking with it will get it running smoothly.

 

[gumby]

I got cha.

Now how would you attached the needle valve to the regulator? With some tubing?

 

[aaronnorth]

yes,

attach the cannister to the reg by screwing it on, then have a bit of tubing to the needle valve,


Have you though about a solenoid?

 

[gumby]

Not yet, but I've been reading about the regulators that SUMO has, and it is beginning to sound very tempting, although a bit pricey.

Please excuse the noob-ness but what does the solenoid do? Does it allow me to shut off the co2 when I want?

 

[aaronnorth]

solenoid allow you to shut off the CO2 whenexver (usually at night), this helps to save CO2, not drop the pH to much and not to gas the fish, it is possible to run it 24/7, quite a few people do.

 

[gumby]

Thanks again for your help. I just got a co2 system with solenoid. At night can I just unplug it or do I have to shut off the valve as well?

 

[BINKSY]

You normally use a plug in timer for the solenoid, and for the lights if they are not already on a timer, some people here have the co2 come on 1 hour also before lights on, and then switch off when lights go off, or sometimes a little before.

Cheers Gorodn