Adjusting co2 rate...

ChicoRaton

ChicoRaton

Se?or Member
Jun 5, 2004
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Idaho, USA
www.hazy8.com
I have a dual gauge regulator and needle valve I got from www.plantguild.com. it's kind of a cheapo regulator butseems to work ok. I had to fix a leak around the high pressure gauge already( I used thread compound that said it can be safely used with co2 up to 3,000psi, and used it very sparingly. worked great)

ANYWAY I'm rambling. my problem is this. I can't adjust the flow rate very well. I followed the instructions, turning up the regulator until the needle was barely off the peg, but my flow rate is always different a couple hours after I adjust it. I am aiming for 30bpm, but I set it to that, and it goes up to 40 or down to 15-20 after a couple hours. any suggestions?

Should I turn the pressure up higher on the regulator? it's not calibrated in psi, but in flow rate through a given orfice size. I am pretty sure it's designed for shielding gas for welding, and that's the reason it's calibrated that way. thanks for your help.
 
You are talking about the outflow pressure on the reg., right?
If it's doesn't read in psi I don't know how to advise on this regulator.
It should not drift off of it's outflow pressure though. If it does it is faulty and needs to be replaced by the company you bought it from.
I set my out-flow pressure at 8psi, and it never moves off of that.
But even if it does drift, your needle valve should be able to hold the flow rate into the tank.
I'm sure you realize that this is a dangerous situation for the fish.
Until you figure out what to do with the reg./needle valve, I would lower the adjustment down so that if the drift is upward it won't over-inject the tank.
I would get with Plant Guild and get some advice on how to rectify this problem. I've never dealt with them, but they have a pretty good reputation.

Len
 
the reading on the regulator doesn't drift, but the needle valve setting does. if you push down lightly on the knob, the bubbles slow, and if you pull back, they speed up. I am assuming this is is a low quality needle valve...I seem to have gotten it stabilized again, but will be monitoring it carefully over the next 48 hours as I'm leaving for the weekend, thursday thru tuesday. if I can't get it stable I think I'll shut it off for my fish's sake. wouldn't want them to suffocate.
 
Go here:
http://www.clippard.com/store/search.asp?sku=&description1=needle+valves&andOr=and&description2=

There is a list of needle valves. Click on a few and check them out.
See what you like.
Then look to the left of the page and click on 'distributors'.
It will ask for your zip code and tell you the closest distributor for you. Call them and make sure they have the one you want in stock.
These are quality needle valves. I am currently using 5 of them.
I like the MV2 because I find it easy to adjust with a small screw driver. I can make minute adjustments with it, although I have had a few set for over a year and a half and not touched them, even when changing tanks.
The MV2-K is basically the same valve with an adjustment knob, if that's your preference. They also have them that will screw into the bottom of a regulator, I believe.
The ones I mentioned above should not cost you more than $6 or $7 at the distributor and you won't have any shipping costs by picking it up locally.
You will note that they don't have hose barbs on them. When you pick one up, ask for a package of screw in barbs. You'll get a small envelop with, I think about 8 barbs in it, for a buck or two.

Len
 
djlen: thanks for the info. looks like I got it stable for now at 25 bpm, holding my ph steady and everything so I'm set for a little while until I can get a better valve. I'll do that next week after I get back.

sam: thanks.:) I sent you a PM, or I will.. after I submit this.
 
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