Easy and complete CO2 system?

Cearbhaill · 10-05-2003, 5:52 AM

I apologize in advance as I know I asked about this before. I've searched my files, Googled, and visited every forum I've ever posted on and can't find it.

I want an easy to install CO2 system for a 90 gallon tank. I want every piece I will need to come in the one order- I do *not* want to be chasing all over town for a valve or a fitting (aside from the tank itself). I want every check valve, needle valve, and piece of tubing I could conceivably need to be included. Any pre-assembly of confusing parts would be appreciated. I want good quality components that will last, and I want to buy it from a vendor I can get in touch with in case I screw even this up.
I am looking for as close to a "plug and play" system as exists.

Any suggestions regarding systems and/or vendors?

750t · 10-05-2003, 8:24 AM

Im not sure about big als but www.petsolutions.com sells a complete pressurized system. I the the aquatic store does also. All you have to do is get the tank filled. Tim

TwoTankAmin · 10-05-2003, 12:09 PM

There is no one single way to do pressurized co2. Aside from the bottle and regulator which are a must, all the pieces after that depend on the user. What I do know is when you buy the entire system from a single supplier, you will normally pay more, perhaps a lot more.

That said you can look for complete systems on AquaBid or from AquaBotanic http://www.aquabotanic.com/4sale.htm

For a list of more places you can look into go here http://www.brainyday.com/jared/aquarium/info.htm

superjohnny · 10-05-2003, 5:42 PM

Mine is an all-in-one system and came completely assembled. I ordered the Milwukee from aquatic-store.com for $82 shipped. It took a couple of weeks to arrive though. I think i'd have ordered it from aquabotanic.com if given another chance. Anyway, it has a regulator, needle valve, solenoid & bubble counter all-in-one. I then bought a 5# aluminum tank new from a wine/beer specialty store for $85 hydrotested & full.

Cearbhaill · 10-05-2003, 5:57 PM

On any of the vendors- how was the customer service of the company?
I don't mind paying for services. My time is worth money too.
But I don't care to work with vendors who make customers feel like a pain in the keister if something goes wrong. I expect it to cost a decent amount, but I also expect everything to work or be happily replaced. If I need talked through something I don't want to be made to feel like an idiot.

Can you tell I am paranoid about rigging this baby??

superjohnny · 10-05-2003, 9:05 PM

I was to! I don't like fooling with chemicals and pressurized stuff when I don't fully understand what I'm doing. I'm not sure why it took so long for me to get it. It very well may have been UPS. The regulator was in a plastic bag with a small piece of bubble wrap around it in a small box. I don't really know how robust regulators are, but I think if there was any trauma to the box it may have damaged it.

Aquatic-store was ok. He answered most of my emails, but after a week when I hadn't seen the UPS man he didn't respond to one or two. Ordering was a bit of a pain as they take credit cards only through PayPal. I can fully understand why he does this though, taking credit cards is expensive and a PITA for a small business. I give aquatic-store an overall grade of B+. I would order again from them in the future on items that are discounted.

As for the quality of the regulator, solenoid, needle valve and bubble counter I am quite pleased. Instructions were complete and clear. Setup was straight-forward and fairly easy.

125gJoe · 10-05-2003, 9:20 PM

You can also look into : http://www.floridadriftwood.com/store.asp

I had great customer service with them and the orders arrived fast...

superjohnny · 10-05-2003, 10:42 PM

The same Mulwukee regulator, solenoid, needle-valve & bubble counter combo is $73.99 at aquatic-store, $139 at floridadriftwood or $99 at aquabotanic.

125gJoe · 10-05-2003, 10:58 PM

There's that 'brass check valve'....

superjohnny · 10-05-2003, 11:36 PM

How does the check valve work? Where does it go? I'm not using one, is that bad?

Thanks Joe