Co2 Help please!!

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xpirtdesign

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Nov 18, 2008
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Hey guys, I just bought this co2 with regulator set up from craigslist for $70 bucks. Its a pretty large tank with a regulator, solenoid, and some other kind of valve.

I need help identifying these parts because it doesnt look like the normal set up everyone else uses.

Also, the regulator gauge is rated to 1500psi, which as I understand, I only need 25psi give or take. One problem is that the gauge reads in increments of 100 psi, so it would be hard to measure 25 psi..

There is some kind of electronic solenoid connected to the regulator, im assuming it is supposed to connect to a timer. Problem is, the plug on the solenoid is not the standard plug, so im guessing I would need an adapter?

The last valve, which is connected to the solenoid is where I'm mostly confused. Im not sure if it measures psi? is this a needle valve? it has an knob that regulates the pressure comming out of it, and has an outlet where you connect your silicone hose.

Here are my questions, or confusions:

1) Is the gauge on the regulator measuring the pressure going through the regulator or is it measuring pressure inside the tank. (PIC #1)

2) Is this regulator appropriate to measure 25psi, or does exact measurement here not matter that much? (PIC #1)

3) Is this an electronic solenoid that is supposed to be connected to a timer? If so, is there an adapter that I can get at home depot for fit? Is the timer even neccessary since I can simply shut the tank of manually from the main valve on the co2 tank? (PIC #1, #2)

4) Is this some kind of needle valve with a gauge on it? Does this also measure PSI but in smaller increments? The brand is "Aqua Culture". (PIC #1)

5) What size is the tank? The previous owner doesnt know. (PIC #3)

The previous owner was growing hydroponics from what he was telling me. I would assume that this gauge/regulator set up will get the job done for me.

Any help is greatly appreciated, I can't wait to get my new planted tanks going.

PIC #1
regulators.gif


PIC #2
solenoid-plug.gif


PIC #3
size.gif
 
1) When you turn on the main valve on the tank does the gauge on the regular register pressure regardless of whether the regulator is open or not? If yes then its reading the tank pressure.

2) If it registers tank pressure only then you will have no idea how much pressure you have coming out of that regulator. Adjust in very tiny increments or you might damage the stuff after the regulator.

3)That looks like a solenoid but I have no idea what kind of plug that is. It almost looks like you have to wire it yourself. Timers make it convenient. You can turn on/off the CO2 manually but its inconvenient and you might have to remove the solenoid. Usually if theres not power then its in the off position.

4) That thing looks like some sort of flow meter. That might be a needle valve knob. You might have to play around with it.

5) Thats at least a 20lb tank if not bigger.
 
hmmm, the tank is completely empty as of now, so i'll fill it up, and make a bubble counter to very carefuly get the pressure im aiming for.

i was googling hydroponics and found that that regulator reads the amount of pressure inside the tank.

the valve is used for connecting an electronic room volume meter...basically, instead of a ph meter, in hydroponics the co2 is released into the atmosphere in a room. the measurements of the room dictates the amount of co2 it needs and the meter will shut off the pressure if the co2 meets the specs.

the last valve is a flow meter measuring cubic feet per min, or hour, or something like that and it has an adjustable knob to regulate flow.

now, once i fill up the tank, i'll give it a shot to see if that flow meter (100psi max) will be acurate enough to get a few bubbles a sec, or whatever. hopefully, i wont have to purchase a new regulator/needlevalve. and i may be able to custom wire that valve into a timer.

also, with that tank being 20lbs, thats AWESOME!
 
well, you could use it for the metering valve if you can finely adjust the valve. The meter itself, however, is useless.

Actually, I picked up a similar deal (regulator, solenoid, flow meter). However, the regulator was junk but I got a good solenoid (Burkert and it goes open and closed when I tested it) for $1 :). I also picked up a filled 20# aluminum CO2 tank for $75. It's a lot bigger than what I was aiming for but given what I'm going to be doing with it, it'll be good for about 2 years between refills.
 
zzyzx85 said:
well, you could use it for the metering valve if you can finely adjust the valve. The meter itself, however, is useless.

Actually, I picked up a similar deal (regulator, solenoid, flow meter). However, the regulator was junk but I got a good solenoid (Burkert and it goes open and closed when I tested it) for $1 :). I also picked up a filled 20# aluminum CO2 tank for $75. It's a lot bigger than what I was aiming for but given what I'm going to be doing with it, it'll be good for about 2 years between refills.
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2 years??? are you serious? thats crazy. i plan on running 2 tanks (72 gal and 37 gal) and then maybe more in the future. How much to refill?
 
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