OK, I'm going pressurized.

[AsahiToro]

The heck with it, I'm splurging. Where's the best place to get a dual guage regulator and needle valve these days? Is the econo model from Marine Monsters OK? Is thier customer service bad? I was thinking the econo dual guage and a 5lb tank from them for $175. Maybe I can find a used tank locally. I already have checkvalves, tubing and I difuse into my Eheim canister with my currrent DIY setup. I'll skip the solenoid and bubble counter. Would this be a good setup? Thanks,

Scott

[Shiftaltumlock]

Thier customer service is crap. You will be lucky if you ever recieve your order. Really!!! I am not kidding.

[AsahiToro]

Well doesn't Marine Depot offer the same regulator for only $10 more? I've dealt with them before and it was a good experience. Also, they have a free shipping promo now so that should make up for the $10 more. Any other $100 dual guage/needle valve setups to consider? Thanks,

Scott

[Shiftaltumlock]

I have this unit, and it works great. It is inexpensive compared to most, and comes with checkvalve, needle valve and 10' of Co2 resistant tubing.

http://www.aquaticbiosystem.com/aquabid_0109.jpg

I think it is still $80.00 plus shipping

[Bremer]

After I ordered from Marine Monsters, I heard nothing for 2.5 months (including no response to multiple e-mails). Finally, they sent me an e-mail saying that Marine Depot was going to be handling their orders from now on.

I would be willing to give Marine Depot a try....but I had already ordered from somewhere else before finally hearing from Marine Monsters. Their customer service left a LOT to be desired.

[Shiftaltumlock]

As far as a 5lb tank; Your best bet is to buy it locally. Go to a welding supply store. You should be able to get it for $70.00 to $80.00. Refills cost between $8.00 and $12.00.

[AsahiToro]

Shift,

That looks like a nice setup. Did you get that on aquabid? The tanks from Marine Depot are only $75 and they're supposed to be a high quality tank. The only way I think I can save on that locally would be to find a decent used tank. A new tank and that econo dual regulator/needle valve for $175 shipped sounds like a good deal.

[djlen]

Scott, Try this link and go to C02 equipment dept. I think the price is reasonable and everyone seems to think they are very good with the customer service.
Len www.floridadriftwood.com/store.asp

[AsahiToro]

Thanks djlen,

That link is down now and I can't seem to get into the product part of the site. I have dealt with them before though when I bought a couple of dozen amano shrimp over the internet. They didn't ship the package out for a few days(until I called) and then they shipped it ground even though I paid for 2 day. Overall, I was happy though. The package arrived OK in about 6 days and they threw an extra shrimp in.

I found some regulators on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1922053961

Are these good? I can get a new aluminum 5lb tank and needle valve from Marine Depot for $95 shipped. That will give me a new setup around $140. Will I need a bubble counter?

Thanks again for the input everyone,

Scott

[Shiftaltumlock]

I think they have a place in the planted Aquarium. It is a quick reference for me. It is not really needed, but nice to have. I check bubble rate every 4 or 5 days, and it is easy to open the door and take a quick glance at the counter.

[punch]

congrats on going presurized, You may need a little fiddling with it in the begining to get your bubble count and everything right but after that......smooth sailing. Just think! A co2 bottle will last you months. I have a 10 lb. still going on @about 4 -5 months now, No mixing yeast and changing bottles. Intialy it costs to set up but once it is, just the cost of filling the co2 bottle. For me,
I'm figuring 20 bucks a year! And its so much easier, Just 1 less thing to worry about and do on your weekly maintainence!

[Turbo]

I am also looking at moving from my DIY setup to a tank once I get my 55 gallon. But one thing I am currently looking at is the setup for larger CO2 tanks. My sister in law works for Coke and she got me a free full tank that they use for mixing with the soda for fountain drinks. Im not sure how many pounds it is but its pretty darn big. Only thing is that I dont know if the hook ups are the same. They look close but until I get the rest of the stuff to try the hook up my guess it is as good as yours. If anyone might have some input on this, please let me know.

[GhoriG]

Take a look at http://www.customaquatics.com

[125gJoe]

I'm more than happy with my CO2 set-up from FloridaDriftwood.com

I will never deal with, or try buying a product from Marine Monolith Monsters.

The CO2 reactor works Great! But, you can 'make' one for a little less money. My 10LB. tank came from Florida Carbonics - all they do is sell gas, tanks, lines.... By the way, my order from FloridaDriftwood was at my front door in 2 days. :) Get a bubble counter too. It's on the site..

http://www.floridadriftwood.com/store.asp

[AsahiToro]

Originally posted by GhoriG
Take a look at http://www.customaquatics.com

Wow, thanks. They have a good selection. The Aqualine Buschke on this page for $84 looks nice:
http://www.customaquatics.com/customaquatic/detailcat.asp?CatID=co&SubCatID=co-reg#

I don't need a solenoid but the package which includes it, a bubble counter and regulator for $89 looks like a good deal. Is it a much lesser quality than the Aqualine Buschke to get all of that for only $5 more? Thanks again for the replies everyone,

Scott

[GhoriG]

I don't know about the other regulator combo - but it does
seem like a sweet deal.
Personally I have two Aqualine Buschke and one M3 and
both types are good - no problems. The solenoid on
my M3 got stuck in the open position, but M3 replaced it
for free - even though it was out of the warrently period.

If I were getting another regulator - I'd go with
another Aqualine Buschke.

[AsahiToro]

Thanks GhoriG,

I think I'm going to pick up the Aqualine Buschke from them. I appreciate all the input everyone,

Scott

[crutch27]

I've got the aqualine reg also, its great. It did take a couple of weeks to ship though since they were low on stock, and I had to call to figure why it was taking so long so you might want to place your order by phone so you can get the exact time it will arrive. Works great though and super price. Its 20 bucks cheaper than from floridadriftwood.com :)