DIY CO2 pressurized system plan

I've had my Aquatek regulator for a couple of years. It has never been a problem or caused a problem.
My only regret was not purchasing the six outlet unit for $30.00 more.
 
Dburgess1231 said:
... Dual Gauge Regulator w/solenoid and needle valve $70 after shipping http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9895 ...
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I used to have two of these Azoo regulators and I was very glad when I sold them. Their needle valve is terrible and will not hold the bubble count setting. I had to get pH controllers for them. Also, the working pressure isn't adjustable. This may ot may not be a problem. Some of the new diffusers and atomizers require 30+ psi. This could be a problem with these Azoo regulators. Actually you can adjust the working pressure, but the factory recommends that you do not do it.

You can do worse for a first regulator. These Azoo regulators aren't terrible, but if you can, go up a step or two.

Several people have suggested two stage regulators. IMO, this is the way to go. I use Victor two stage regulators, but there are other brands that are very good too. I am using a SGT500 right now.

I really like the Ideal "1" series needle valves. These are excellent. Some models include the brass 52-1-12 and V52-1-12 with micrometer handle.The stainless steel models are 54-1-12 and V54-1-12. Notice that all 4 of these models that I list have a "12" as the last digit. This indicates that they are angle flow. If the last two digits were "11", they would be straight flow models. The brass models have a "52" as the first part number and the stainless steel models start with a "54." It is very important that an "1" is the middle digit. These models have the lowest Cv. It is in a range that we can use and we can fine tune the flow rate. Excellent needle valves! idealvalve.com Order from Bill Sand. He is the owner.

Burkert 6011 solenoids are very good. They come in either brass or stainless steel models with either Buna-N or Viton seals. The Buna-N models are new and designed for CO2 duty. Information
 
I thought the same thing as you...not looking to spend a fortune.

Then I had problems keeping a constant bubble count and the regulator I started out with shot craps on me. I'm not saying it was 100% the gears fault, there was a lot of operator error as well. But, things would have been tons easier if I had just my own stupidity to deal with and not fiddly equipment as well. I honestly believe that these low cost entry systems are marketed to exactly the wrong people given that you can screw up your tank pretty quickly if you aren't careful.

My advice is if you have the cash to go "el cheapo" right now, hold off for 6 months and save up another $50-60. Your tank isn't going anywhere. That extra cash will allow you to pick up a better quality regualtor and needle valve as Left C stated (and listen to him 95% of the pressurized CO2 info I have in my head came from him or sources he pointed me to). Those two things alone will make your system easier to control and safer to manage.

Just my 2 pence.
 
Researching this product. All good reviews.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/75
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/equipment/14783-my-co2-azoo-regulator-experience-2.html

LEFT C "
I had two Azoo regulators and they worked extremely well because I used Milwaukee pH controllers with them.

If I wasn't planning on using a pH controller; I would get a higher quality needle/metering valve and a bubble counter either attached to the needle/metering valve (JBJ) or to a separate unit bubble counter (somewhat like the AM bubble counter).

The needle valve on the Azoo regulators that I had were temperature sensitive and that caused variability in the CO2 control. Hence, they need to be replaced if used on smaller aquariums. That is why I used pH controllers.

The regulator body and solenoid is very tough and very good!

A few changes makes this product into a very good CO2 regulator, IMO."
 
Dburgess1231 said:
... LEFT C "
I had two Azoo regulators and they worked extremely well because I used Milwaukee pH controllers with them.

If I wasn't planning on using a pH controller; I would get a higher quality needle/metering valve and a bubble counter either attached to the needle/metering valve (JBJ) or to a separate unit bubble counter (somewhat like the AM bubble counter).

The needle valve on the Azoo regulators that I had were temperature sensitive and that caused variability in the CO2 control. Hence, they need to be replaced if used on smaller aquariums. That is why I used pH controllers.

The regulator body and solenoid is very tough and very good!

A few changes makes this product into a very good CO2 regulator, IMO."
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After I added pH controllers to my Azoo regulators, life was easy. Like you said, the needle valves are temperature sensitive and they don't hold the bubble count steady like it needs to be. A better needle valve plumbed inline would be a step in the right direction.

Another plus for the Azoo is that you can't blow the low pressure gauge when you swap out cylinders. I have read many posts about newbies with Milwaukee or Cornelius regulators that blow their low pressure gauge simply because they don't know the drill. This is a big comfort here.

I've just moved on to better equipment and I am glad that I did. The aquarium that I have running now has no pH controller or bubble counter. The solenoid is on a timer and I've tuned the Ideal needle valve with a 4 dKH drop checker and by watching the fish/shrimp/snails. No fiddling like tolawdjk mentioned. It is like a Ronco ... "Set it and forget it!"

Tom Barr will even tell you to get better CO2 equipment.

I saw a fairly new model of Azoo regulators that are being closed out at AES. The 2 lbs bottle for them are being closed out as well. Here is the link: http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/4280/AZOO-CO2-Pressure-Regulator
 
Dburgess1231 said:
and you can adjust the working pressure. not needed most of the time but suggested to turn it up to 25.
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I can't remember what my Azoo regulators' preset pressure was. Whatever it was, it was enough for the diffusers that I was using.

Dburgess1231 said:
will the diffuser i plan on getting work?
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I don't know which diffuser that you want to use. The last one that you listed on ebay has the link removed.

Dburgess1231 said:
and what hosing should i use? plain air tubing or is there co2 tubing?
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I use two different CO2 tubing products. One is Clippard 1/4" O.D. & 1/8" I.D. Clear Polyurethane Hose. There are several people around that sell Clippard tubing and Clippard brass check valves. The other tubing that I use is Tygon® Laboratory Tubing R-3603 1/4" O.D. & 1/8" I.D. Both of these tubing products hold up really well.

Some types of tubing will harden with age and they may leak from tiny cracks. Some types discolor. If you want to go with cheaper tubing, there are many to choose from. Many people do.
 
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