Is this a good Co2 regulator?

[Jag1980]

This one here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CO2-Regulat...yZ117435QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Or paying the Extra $$ and get this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ma957-CO2-REGUL...ryZ66794QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[jmhart]

I've never used the Aqua Tech, but I know a few people that do, they've never said any negatives about it.

I wish I could offer more.

 

[The Zigman]

I dont like the fact that you cant adjust the output pressure before the needle valve...

I have a milwaukee ma-957, and it works fine It was less than $100
it has a mounted bubble counter, and adjustable output pressure.

I did replace the output pressure gauge with a 30 PSI unit though, rather than the 15 PSI that came with it.

 

[jmhart]

How do you know you can't adjust downstream pressure? I used to have a regulator that looked pretty similar to that, and you had to adjust the downstream pressure with a screwdriver or hex wrench or something on the side. It wasn't apparent that you could adjust it from pictures.

 

[Jag1980]

I just ordered the Aquatek dual gauge CO2 regulator for $70 shipped.
Hope it works well for me.. Now I just need to find a cheap bottle.

How long do you think a 2.5lb bottle would last for a 50 gallon aquarium (Future upgrade)

I seen on another forum that someone mention the Co2 being dump out when the Co2 bottle gets low on gas?

 

[jmhart]

On a 50g, with a 2.5# tank, you'll be refilling about every 2 months probably, maybe, *maybe* 3 months. I'd recommend looking around for a 5# or even a 10# tank. The difference will pay for itself. Not all, but most refill places charge the same for filling up anything 10# or less, so if you get the 2.5#, you're overpaying for refills. Plus, one of the major selling points of pressurized is being able to set it and forget it. A 10# tank on a 50g would last at least a year.


When looking for a cylinder, definitely look local. A lot of places will sell you a refurbished filled cylinder for pretty cheap...cheaper than if you bought a brand new shiny one online. It's a tough thing to swallow, buying a brand new cylinder and then losing it the first time you swap it out....easier when it's a ugly rusty tank and you trade it for a better looking one.

 

[Draal5]

If you have a harbor freight close by they have the #5 for I think $65

 

[jmhart]

$65/filled for a 5# is the best we have locally too, and that's pretty good.

 

[247Plants]

If you are willing to shop around too you can find them cheap. I found my 10 lb tank for $85 filled and $15 swap outs on empty tanks at a home brew place by me.