affordable pressurized co2 set-up help

naturegrl

naturegrl

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Sep 29, 2008
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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!
 
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.
 
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...
 
Mindcrime121 said:
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...
Click to expand...

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.
 
naturegrl said:
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!
Click to expand...

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.
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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.

VN_MG_7924.jpg VN. 2007070025td2.jpg
 
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?
 
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