affordable pressurized co2 set-up help

[naturegrl]

I keep going back and forth over the diy or pressurized co2. Now leaning again to pressurized.

What are all the pieces/parts I will need for pressurized and where can I get them at the best price?

Thanks!

[Riiz]

I bought my latest regulator/solenoid from greenleafaquariums.com and 10lb CO2 cylinders, that I've acquired from the local Airgas/welding supplier. And for a reactor, I've used wooden airstones/tiny modded internal filters and lately I use canistor filters.

Regulator - $150
Tank - $100
Reactor - $3/10/Free

But you can go even cheaper with $90 Milwaukee setups and used steel cylinders from ebay.

[Mindcrime121]

Can you use a medical supply oxygen cylinder and regulator? I might have some of these availible to me at no cost and was just wondering...

[Riiz]

Can you use a medical supply oxygen cylinder and regulator? I might have some of these availible to me at no cost and was just wondering...

No, because a welding supplier wont fill it with CO2, but most places allow you to exchange it for the proper cylinder. But call around first, some will only offer you some money towards the cost of another cylinder and some will actually swap 1:1 with it. But you will still need a new reg, since CO2 regs use a different threading and size.

[Fordtrannyman]

I keep going back and forth over the diy or pressurized co2. Now leaning again to pressurized.

What are all the pieces/parts I will need for pressurized and where can I get them at the best price?

Thanks!

Wilwaukee Regultor w/solenoid, needle valve, and co2 proof tubing Bubble Counter. free Shipping. = $84.99
http://www.water-testers.com/index1.html

Here is a used one on APC. It's also on TPT.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/showthread.php?t=58360

C02 Tanks are on sale at http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2.shtml

While the Bubble Counter on the Milwaukee Reg has a built in check valve I would recommend another near diffusor or reactor.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/check-valves.html

Then you would need a way to mix/dessolve C02 in the water.
The simplest way is to use a HOB.

[Fordtrannyman]

Can you use a medical supply oxygen cylinder and regulator? I might have some of these availible to me at no cost and was just wondering...

Both would need to be converted to a CGA320 valve. Then the tank would have to be tested and certified.

[Riiz]

Just remember that if you go the mail-order route with the cylinder factor in your shipping and the cost of filling too. Since I was gonna go that route too, but it was cheaper and easier to buy it from the local Airgas shop.

[naturegrl]

Can't get the water testers site to work. That looks like a nice deal but their shopping cart isn't working. I'll try to give them a call tomorrow.

[Phyroath]

I got this kind of P. system from a friend in Vietnam - not the system but the pic only. They use the regulator with fire extinguisher cylinder. It looks like Chinese made.

[naturegrl]

Well, I'm going for it! Converting to pressurized co2 after a month or so of diy. I'll probably put the diy on my new 28 gallon tank. I've had some algae issues recently that I think are related to inconsistent co2 or just not enough. It's been fun to experiment but now I'm ready to get serious.

Just ordered this regulator kit on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=330302484071

Also ordered a drop checker on ebay.

Found a fire extinguisher service place here in town where I can purchase a used, filled 5lb co2 bottle with the same valve/connector for $35. I'm guessing they're pretty ugly but they will be out of sight anyway. Refills will be $11.

Is there anything important I'm missing/needing?

[Fordtrannyman]

Congrats! That was a great find on that Co2 tank!

The E-Bay link is broken, so I don't know what is included with that.
Short check list:
Tank
Reg.
Solenoid (optional)
Needle Valve
Check Valve (2 is best)
Tubing
Bubble Counter
Diffuser or Reactor

[Blown 346]

I got my whole setup for under $200.

JBJ regulator with solenoid, needle valve and bubble counter. $81.99
C02 tubing. $7.50
Oracle drop checker with solution $36.99
C02 Diffuser 3000 $18.99
5LB C02 tank $49.99

I spent $149.96 without shipping

I got my stuff here.

Regulator with solenoid, needle valve,and bubble counter.
http://www.co2-canisters.com/index1.html?lang=en-us&lang=en-us&target=d664_aquarium-regulators.html (http://www.co2-canisters.com/index1.html?lang=en-us&lang=en-us&target=d664_aquarium-regulators.html)

Diffuser,Drop Checker, C02 tubing.
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers.html (http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers.html)

5LB C02 tank.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2.shtml (http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2.shtml)[/quote]

[Riiz]

Naturgirl is your fixed link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=330302484071


Awesome deal btw

[naturegrl]

Thanks for the new link Riiz.

Needle valve? I didn't see this part mentioned in the regulator kit. Do I still need one with this set-up?

Not sure what type of diffuser I should use. Will the wooden airstones that I've been using with my diy work?

I think I've got everything else covered. Other than the know-what-to-do-with-it-when-it-shows-up ;)

[Blown 346]

Which regulator do you want to go with? Some dont come with a needle valve? The one i listed comes with everything listed next to it.

The wooden airstone will work, but it wont dissolove the c02 as much as other diffusers.

[coach_z]

this is a great thread! i was giong to ask about this today.
thanks

[naturegrl]

I've already purchased this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330302484071 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330302484071)

I don't know what the needle valve is so I'm wanting to know if I still need one with this regulator kit.

What do you all recommend for a diffuser?

[Blown 346]

Yes it comes with a needle valve.

I use this for my diffuser, it dissolves 99% of the C02.
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers/diffuser-3000.html

[Ozymandias]

if you have a canister filter i would just say build a PVC reactors (http://www.rexgrigg.com/diy-reactor.htm). if you don't have a canister filter just get one of the cheap glass and ceramic diffusers (http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers.html). i would say buy from greenleaf but you can also find them on E-bay.

btw the last link you posted doesn't work eather

[naturegrl]

Good grief, I have to figure out how to post links. Anyway the regulator kit that I purchased is the link that Riiz posted for me, a few posts up in case anyone is interested. It was about $76 including shipping. It is a kit that has Regulator, Selenoid, tubing, check valve, needle valve, bubble counter.

More uncharted territory but it should be fun.

Thanks, Blown for the info.

[yourchoice]

I have a Jbl.Never bothered trying Diy.Looks like you have everything you need.The built in needle valve will control how many bubbles per second to want to run.Rather than running the co2 through a reactor and cannister filter You have a ceramic diffusser which will break the co2 bubbles up this will work good.If you go larger tank might have to upgrade.

When I run it I have a timer in the wall plugged into a seperate power bar.The solenoid and lights turn off and on together with the timer.You will be starting out with low bubbles per second ,Don`t worry if people tell you the needle valve is not high enough quality bla bla bla.Take it slow it will work out.

[KieranG]

How long would the CO2 last from a 2kg tank in a pressurised system on a 180 US gallon system (Tank size 72" x 24" x 24") I have an old fire extinguisher tank which I need to buy a regulator for any ideas on where.

[Riiz]

How long would the CO2 last from a 2kg tank in a pressurised system on a 180 US gallon system (Tank size 72" x 24" x 24") I have an old fire extinguisher tank which I need to buy a regulator for any ideas on where.

Maybe 2 months, maybe 3. Its really hard to guesstimate usage, because of the myriad amount of factors involved.

As for a regulator, check local beverage/beer companies, or ebay. Shouldnt be too hard, since planted tanks are just as popular in Europe.