Pressurized CO2 Q's

[calivivarium1]

So I've had my CO2 up for a week(maybe two? no idea, my life is currently one big blur) and I think my diffuser and regulator really suck(getting a drop checker in a week or two). I can finally set my regulator to what appears to be a good setting(resulting in a fine mist from the regulator) but within a day(two tops) it stops bubbling and I have to play with it again. The other extreme is a massive stream of bubbles that generates a current in my tank..... So, two questions:

1. Any idea why my CO2 tank would stop throwing out bubbles after awhile?
2. When I get my drop checker, should I make my own diffuser(order parts) or try and place my diffuser under my filter intake(which has a large sponge prefilter)?

Or can neither of these questions really be answered until I get my drop cehcker?

 

[Riiz]

1. It could be a number of things, quality of needle valve, operating pressure too low, solenoid clogged (if applicable). Might need more specifics to throw out a guess.

2. Making your own diffuser is a good idea, but the simplest is just using a limewood airstone and bubbling it under a filter intake or outake. Or by using Niko's $10 reactor, which I've tried and like alot in smaller aquaria but should work in anything really.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...44053-tiny-super-efficient-co2-reactor-2.html
Pictures of what to do exactly on the second page.

 

[calivivarium1]

Hmmm, thank you. I wouldn't think its operating pressure(full paintball tank that I used to play with, powered a heavily modded Tippman 98 gas hog), considering the regulator was cheap, the needle valve may be crappy.. I will try and eliminate a few things then.

I'll also place my diffuse under my intake while checking out that DIY thing(I also have a powerhead, but don't particularly want to use it because my fish like less water movement).

 

[Riiz]

The operating pressure is the pressure the regulator tries to maintain, ie. 5-20lbs. The tank really doesnt have any part in it, physics dictate the pressure/equilibrium that CO2 is stored at, which should be 800psi+.

And the Elite mini is really good for low water movement, since the pump only moves 56gph and the sponge attached to the outlet removes any current it might create.

 

[calivivarium1]

Ah, I see what the regulator does now... I have a few filter pad things somewhere with my fish stuff, maybe i'll attach one of those to a mini-filter I already have. I think its by zoo med and pushes 56gph(supposedly).