Ok Regulator?

[Captain Hook]

I have a beverage regulator that I want to use on my fish tank. Here is the site for it:

http://www.simgo.com/regulato1.htm

It's the first one on the "Beer CO2 regulators - Primary" list.

The thing that worries me is that on the regulator itself it says "MIN: 500 psi". Does this mean if my gas drops below this amount I'm going to have problems?

I have a clippard needle valve to go with it.

 

[tvdoctor]

Answer

Your gas regulator should show around 900-1000psi. If your regulator shows below 500, it means that you have very little liquid CO2 left in the tank. I suggest having a small emergency tank that you can use in case you run out of gas. Your tank can stand without gas for a few days without a problem. Even if you don't have gas, the only problem that you may have is a jump in the pH of the water. If you have fish, that can be a problem. Check your tank's pH if you turn off the CO2!

 

[bobalston]

I would guess the minimum stated is the minimum pressure for the regulator to work properly. Such is common. YOu will have 800-859 lbs of pressure until all the liquid co2 is used up and all left is gas - as per prior post.

That regulator seems fine to me. Seems to have an output pressure limited to 25 or 30 lbs which is just fine for our purposes.

YOU may have to remove a large hose barb and possibly a shutoff valve from the unit output side - not clear if such is on this unit but was on the beer one I bought. Then you will need an adapter to connect the Clippard valve directly to the regulator.

Good luck.

Bob
http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/AquaticPlants.htm#High Pressure CO2

 

[Captain Hook]

Thanks Bob. I can't figure out how to connect the needle valve. You mention I may have to take the outfitting barb off. How can I do this? It's screwed on tightly and attached with some kind of red glue.

 

[bobalston]

Use a big wrench. but it is possible tht the "red glue" will prevent it from coming off.

YOu might let the guy at the co2 refill place try to do it for you. Anbd you could contact the mfg. to see IF the needle can be removed.

Bob

 

[Captain Hook]

Doe it have to come off?

Or can I get an adapter that fits right onto the outlet now?

 

[bobalston]

It depends. Can you provide a picture of just what the output looks like?

Mine had a large "tapered needle nose" that for beer you attached a large red hose. YOu could probably use a large enough hose to fit over the existing fitting and then figure out a way to fit the needle valve to it.

Bob

 

[Captain Hook]

This seems to be the best pic I can find of what the outlet looks like. Very similar to mine.

 

[bobalston]

A wrench should be able to remove that needle off the unit. Then you will need adapters to adapt the needle valve to the regulator. Take both pieces with you when you go to the hardware store, or when you go to get the co2 tank filled, take the pieces and if a welding or fire extinguisher place, they may have and be able to install the correct adapters.

Bob

 

[Captain Hook]

Thanks for the help Bob. Going to try to get over to a welding place Friday. Hoping to get the tank, tubing, and figure out the needle valve issue so I can get pressurized CO2 going.