AquaMedic Regulator's New Design

[125gJoe]

According to Big Al's Customer Service, AquaMedic CO2 regulators have been "updated" to a new design. This change happened about 6 months ago, from what I hear. The gauge(s) housing is ABS plastic and has a 'fixed working pressure'...

Mine has been up and running 4 days now, and is still unstable.

I get to 'tinker' with it until next Tues. or Weds. when the replacement comes in...:rolleyes:

[Robert H]

I just got off the phone with Aqua medic and they confirmed what I thought.. they HAVE NOT come out with a new model, their regulator is still made of chrome, not plastic. They said you could not make a C02 regulator out of plastic because it could not handle the pressure.

The only plastic on the regulator is the clear lens cover on the gauges that protects the needle gauges. They havn't changed their model in over 2 years. I have no idea what you have, but if it is really as how you describe, its not Aqua Medic.

The combination of the fixed working pressure and the high quality needle valve make it extremely stable with no drift. "Drift" is when you set the needle valve to a certain level and then you have to re ajust it again becuase the pressure has changed. If you go to my hardware forum, you can read about the experience "Doomer" has had with this. Bob Alston has also collected data from people using this regulator

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by 80gJoe
According to Big Al's Customer Service, AquaMedic CO2 regulators have been "updated" to a new design. ...The gauge(s) housing is ABS plastic and has a 'fixed working pressure'... ...The gauges I have ARE housed in ABS plastic.
I wish they will still chrome plated - not that it matters on the gauges.
The 'regulator itself' is chrome.
'Fixed-working' pressure is ok - if it helps with regulating the bubble count ...

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Robert H
I just got off the phone with Aqua medic and they confirmed what I thought.. they HAVE NOT come out with a new model, their regulator is still made of chrome, not plastic. They said you could not make a C02 regulator out of plastic because it could not handle the pressure. ...
I do know regulators cannot be made from plastic.

Is your regulator a "fixed pressure"?

I'll get a picture posted and show you the plastic that AquaMedic has now gone to.. (unfortunately..) What's worse is the needle valve has changed. And looks like it's not a 'fine' adjustment; at least what I have to deal with for now... I know a little about "tapers" on valves.

I have faith that BigAlsOnline "fix" my continuing CO2 regulator problem.

Robert H, it is AquaMedic, as it has the logo on the face of the gauge. (ABS platic gauge - not regulator)

[Robert H]

Well I am telling you what you are saying is simply not true. I can give you Aqua Medics phone number and you can call them yourself! Their regulator HAS NOT CHANGED. Its all chrome, no plastic. What do you mean the gauge not the regulator? The see thru part of the gauge is plastic, thats it! The housing around the front of the gauge is chrome. Their regulator has always been a fixed working pressure

http://www.aquabotanic.com/images/ABregulator.gif

This is what it looks like, what its always looked like! all chrome. See the needle valve in this picture? that is what the cover looks like that you have to unscrew

Big Als is a canadian company, perhaps they are buying from Europe instead of Aqua medic in the USA, and Europe is doing something different, although when I asked Aqua Medic on the phone about Big Als, they said Big Als is buying the same thing I am, which is what is in the picture above.

Is this what yours looks like? If not, somebody is hosing you.

Here is a quote from Big Als WEB site:

CO2 pressure regulator for the exact dosage of CO2 into the aquarium. The regular unit is completely chrome plated and consisting of; a fixed working pressure of 1.5 bar needle-valve for fine adjustments two pressure gauges for bottle- and working pressure The regular fits every standard CO2 bottle with an outside valve. Their price is $99!!! Higher than my price, amazing.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Robert H
... .... Is this what yours looks like? If not, somebody is hosing you.
Here is a quote from Big Als ... Their price is $99!!! Higher than my price, amazing. Big Als must be 'hosing' me then. If the "new" regulator doesn't 'regulate', then I'm back to the beginning.. TIA....

(yes, the one I have now has the 2 gauges housed in ABS plastic.)

Here's a pic of it...
http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL59/715239/1510346/28867297.jpg
I thought 22psi is too much for the fixed pressure and should be around 15psi. Also, that knob on the left Is the needle valve. It's not under that knob... The adjustments are made from that knob.
I'm guessing the gauge has been used, and I'm supposed to get a "new" one Monday or Tuesday.

[Robert H]

Well, I just discovered Big Als is right...I opened up my new shipment and it looks exactly like what you describe! They are going to get a very pissed off phone call from me! I cant believe they never bothered to tell me, and the idiot I talked to on the phone.... Sorry I ever doubted you!

It had to have been a lot sooner than six months ago though.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Robert H
WEll, that does look like their logo........ Its plastic? It's plastic... I'm not sure if that matters though. Maybe it has a cheap needle valve..(?) And the fixed pressure seems too high to me. :confused:

[Robert H]

****, you are a fast poster! :rolleyes:

The needle valve is totally different looking. Do me a favor, let me know how the replacement model works. If its still screwy, I'm sending my shipment back!

[125gJoe]

Robert,
I'll let you know how the 'new' one is.
I hope the regulated pressure is lower - and the needle valve works!

[125gJoe]

"New" gauge didn't arrive, yet.
I did check 'bars/psi' and found 1.5bar is = 21.8psi.. So, the fixed pressure is about right as shown on my gauge..