Where to buy Pressur. CO2 components?

S

Sumpin'fishy

Humble Disciple of Jesus Christ
Oct 16, 2002
673
0
0
50
Savannah, GA
My wife gave the OK for the purchase of a pressurized system today! I have been looking around and haven't found a decent deal online. I know that many of you have ordered all of the components separately and that it's generally cheaper this way. Can some of you give me the locations/websites to order these items from. I need to know the best place to buy each component. I will buy a package deal if it's $150 or less, but I'm not sure about the one I saw at Aquatic-Store.com for $129. Has anyone ordered this one before? I don't really need all the stuff it comes with, either....can I get it cheaper?

I want a BASIC Pressurized CO2 setup. Since I don't plan to turn it off at night, and I have stuff to make a reactor with already, I believe all I really need is these items:

-Dual Guage Regulator (I've heard Clippard's are good)
-Quality Needle Valve
-Bubble Counter
-Professional Reactor setup (why not, if decently priced!)
-CO2 resistant tubing

Am I right? I don't think I need a solenoid or any other equipment, do I? Please let me know the best places for quality equipment for good rates. Thanks! I'm excited about going pressurized finally, but I want to make sure I do things right!
 
I would recommend that you look locally for a 10 or 20lb. used tank unless you want to waste money on that. Most places swap tanks. You bring yours in, they give you a full one back to take home that will be used. Unless you know of a place that fills on site. But that's a pain in the butt too, because they generally can't do it immediately and you have to wait at least a period of hrs. to get it filled an back in service on your tank.
Also, when buying on-line, a tank is a buster to pay shipping on.
I use the tank, the regulator, a needle valve and a reactor inside the tank. IMO, that's all you need. You will get differing opinions from others.
Check this link: http://rapidswholesale.net/Merchant...RWOCAS&Product_Code=BD435&Category_Code=BEKIT
The tank is only a 5lb. but the price is nice. The regulator is great. I use two of them with no problems. If you want to look locally for a tank, they sell the reg. separately for $44. It's on that site.
You can buy the needle valve at: www.clippard.com
or one of their outlets. Click on the 'distributors' link on the left side of the page. If you check around there's probably one not far from your home.
They sell the CO2 proof tubing in most decent LFS.

Len
 
Last edited:
Get the solenoid..
Keep your CO2 off at night since the plants don't need it then. Also, this will help prevent "pH swings".. And, you will go twice as long without re-filling the CO2 tank.. :)
 
Originally posted by bobalston
Unless you get an all-in-one unit with a solenoid, I think the solenoids are about $50. Weigh that against the extended life of a fillup at the cost of the gas.
Bob
Click to expand...

Good point..
But, also remember time and effort getting the tank disconnected, 'dragging' it to the car and getting it filled twice as many times.. ..reconnecting and hoping the setting is still where it should be... ;)
 
I ended up buying the Milwaukee brand "all-in-one" regulator, with needle valve and solenoid from Aquatic Store. I dissagree with the statement that a solenoid will stop pH swings in the aquarium by shutting off the CO2 at night. Since my water goes from 7.7 or 7.8 down to about 6.8 or 6.7 when at 30ppm, that is QUITE A CO2 DIFFERENCE!! My water's KH is around 5.4. If I shut it off at night, It will start raising back up to the high 7's, and during the day drop to below 7.0. I'd rather have a more normal swing of around .2 to .4 pH during the day/night cycle, than a whole 1.0 difference!!! It also keeps the CO2 level high for morning photosynthesis. I see benefits of extended gas in the tank, but I'd rather spend 10-15 bucks every 6 months than have the unstable pH cycle.

I think I'll just keep my solenoid plugged in and working 24/7. Now time to look for a 5 gallon tank.:)
 
All in one plus plant guild Reactor

I got my full set up from Aquabotanic, the Milwaulie All-in-One dual guage regulator, solenoid, bubblecounter with bulit in checkvalve, after shipping about the same price as Sumpinfishy paid. the Plant Guild reactor includes silicone tubing but I got the CO2 tubing from Aquabotanic. Just got it all installed today, merrily bubbling along. Total cost, $149 to AB + $75 to local store for filled (older) tank with up to date presure testing. Some time spent locking the tank onto the stand for safety.
 
Originally posted by Sumpin'fishy
..... I dissagree with the statement that a solenoid will stop pH swings in the aquarium by shutting off the CO2 at night. .....I think I'll just keep my solenoid plugged in and working 24/7. ....
Click to expand...
Before buying a pressurized set-up I did research on it. Everything I have read said use a solenoid to turn off the CO2 at night since the plants do not use it then, and possible pH swings.. Articles went even further to suggest putting an air stone in the aquarium to purposely "gass-off" the excess CO2 build-up at night.

I can search for the articles if anyone is interested, or some others that have known this can post too...
 
I have the Milwaukee all in one setup (regulator, solenoid, needle-valve & bubble counter) and it works great. It was ~$85 shipped from aquatic-store. They were slow to ship so it took a couple of weeks to get here. Robert at aquabotanic.com sells the same setup for about $99. I got a new aluminum 5# tank locally for ~$80 tested, filled & ready to go.

Here's a pic of the finished product. It cost about $168 total.

CO2_setup.jpg


Instead of using a diffuser I've been using my canister filter. Just yesterday it caused it's first airlock so I think i'll build a "real" diffuser DIY style.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom