Considering pressurized CO2 - need opinion about regulator

maronov

maronov

AC Members
Dec 14, 2006
356
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New York, NY
I'm got tired of yeast-based CO2 injection because of fluctuating concentrations and constant need for maintenance, so I decided to look into pressurized. It seems that the most expensive bit is the regulator - some cost well over $100. However, I found this one for pretty cheap and can't shake the feeling that I'm missing some flaw - how can they charge so little for a dual-gauge regulator, solenoid, needle valve, and bubble counter? These parts together could cost up to $200 but this particular part costs ~$80 in various stores... what gives?
 
I have that regulator, but havn't gotten it setup yet, so I can't speak for how good it is, but I can say that the components are fairly cheap and the directions are a little strange. It seems like the manufacturer doesn't really understand how their own regulator is intended to be used. It is made in china out of mediocre quality parts, so that's what gives. If you want American made out of high quality parts I highly recommend a custom regulator from Rex Grigg. He helped me out on a project I am in the middle of, and next time I need a regulator I will turn to him first: http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/co2.html
 
That explains a lot. I'm glad I asked here before making an impulse buy. Thanks, UCF-Planted. When you set up the system, PM me or post on this thread - I'd like to know how well the part actually works. Rex's model is a lot more expensive after all.
 
I just bought one of Rex's regulators and spent the extra money on the Ideal needle valve. I'm completely satisfied with it and would recommend spending the extra money to get the great service and advice Rex has to offer. The Ideal valve is so precise and allows for super-fine adjustment almost to the point of being too precise if there is such a thing.
 
I don't personally have that regulator (I have Rex's as well), but I know that alot of people use it and its very popular. I've heard good and bad things about it, but its mostly good feedback. Alot of people use it without problems, so if its better for your budget, I say go for it. :) If you can spend the extra money on a regulator from Rex, then thats the route I'd suggest.
 
If you're buying from Rex, you aren't buying the same thing as a beer regulator. Sure, you could take the beer regulator and add your own Ghetto bubble counter, tubing, nifty brass washer that Rex includes, brass check valves, and whichever needle valve you want. You'll come out with the same thing Rex is offering with one stop shopping and expertise as well. I don't know for certain, but I take Rex as being a bit of a perfectionist and definitely someone who takes pride in his work. You are paying extra for that and to me it's well worth it.
 
"Sure, you could take the beer regulator and add your own Ghetto bubble counter, tubing, nifty brass washer that Rex includes, brass check valves, and whichever needle valve you want." You really don't need all that junk. In fact, you don't even need a bubble counter at all. Plus all those accessories aren't gonna bump up the price to $115. BTW you can get a needle valve from Lowe's for $3. "one stop shopping" This is called DIY, not lazy and will spend whatever it takes to not get off the couch, pressurized co2.
All you need is a co2 cylinder,regulator,needle valve, and a DIY reactor.
 
What GirlieGirl8521 says combined with Rex's price tag makes that $78 model very tempting. Has anybody actually used it? If it breaks after a while it would probably be worth dishing out the extra $100 for Rex's product.
 
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