I have a CO2 bottle & regulator, now what?

Jaysn

Jaysn

AC Members
Jan 16, 2007
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I was able to score a 15# CO2 bottle and a dual-gauge regulator for $80 on craig's list, and now I have lots of questions:
  • Where can I find whatever fittings I need to be able to connect it to airline tubing?
  • Does anyone have any good links to a DIY bubble counter?
  • Is silicon tubing good for CO2, or do I need to get something else?
  • The two gauges on the regulator go from 0-200 Bar/0-3000 psi on the main gauge, and 0-4 Bar/0-60 psi on the outlet gauge. Will this be slow enough (fast enough?) for a 55 gallon tank?
I already have a hopefully decent diffuser, I bought this one from Drs F&S.


Thanks everyone!
 
1) order a needle valve online. You should be able to find a really nice one and this is the most important part of the setup. http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/solenoid.html

Everything else you should be able to find at a hardware store. They usually have a big rack of little 3" drawers with all kinds of little brass fittings. Use plenty of teflon tape on the low-pressure connections.

2) http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/bubble-counter.html

3) Silicone tubing works great.

4) Yes, you won't need to go anywhere near 60 PSI. With a really nice needle valve, you should be able to run at 5psi. With a cheaper needle valve, 1-2 PSI would be better if your regulator can keep the pressure steady that low.
 
I have all the fittings. So do other people. You won't find them at a hardware store.

In my Guide I show how to build a very basic DIY bubble counter.

Silicone tubing is the worst choice.

The regulator will work fine.

Return the diffuser. Call now for a return ticket. That's the worst choice you can make to attempt to diffuse CO2.

If you run a canister filter I have in my Guide directions to build a DIY PVC reactor.
 
I'm not running a canister, I haven't built one yet. Why will silicon tubing and that diffuser not work? I'm just curious to your vehemence without any backup info. Can I send you a pic/dimensions of the regulator I have, and have you give me a quote for a needle valve and whatever else I will need? I've read your guide a few times, just wanted to see if there were other opinions out there.
 
Co2 loss though silicone tubing.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/213172-post11.html

Gas permeability chart for various types of tubing. The larger the number the worse the loss.

http://www.coleparmer.com/techinfo/...E,C&htmlfile=SelectingTubing.htm&Title=Search

As for the diffuser. At least five years in the forums watching people **** and moan about how they wasted their money on it. I don't think I've ever seen anyone happy with it.

A few threads that back me up.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/search.php?searchid=935106

All I need to know on the regulator is the threaded port size. If it has a hose barb in it for beverage dispensing just remove the barb and take the barb to the hardware store and see what size brass fitting it fits.
 
Cool, thanks for the info! I'll measure it when I get home, and I'm sure you'll be getting an order from me in the near future.
 
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