Where to buy Pressur. CO2 components?

[djlen]

Told you you would heard differing opinions. When asking a question like you have, you open a can of worms, as everyone has a different idea on the subject.
I will say that I see no need for a solenoid. I get a pH fluctuation of .2 at night while leaving it run 24/7 and I get 3 - 4 months out of a tank of gas, running that tank on two 55 gal aquariums. Never had any problem with over injecting at night.
My kH is 3.5. I would imagine that with a lower kH you might see greater movement in pH. But if your kH is 3.5 or higher I don't see the need for a solenoid. And if your kH is lower you should be looking at raising it anyway.
A fill costs me $9. I don't consider that a lot of money every 3 - 4 months.

Len

 

[Sumpin'fishy]

I agree with Len fully on this one. Although I have no pressurized experience to speak from, I have been using DIY CO2 for almost a year now. I never did get a steady amount of CO2 in a high enough amount, even using 2 alternating bottles. Anyways, I saw the effects of pH swings when I had it going full throttle, and when it was shut off (and everything in between). The most stable I had things was when I was pumping full throttle all night long. 80gJoe, I have also ready numerous articles stating that in their opinion it was best to shut CO2 down at night or at least run an air stone. I have also read numerous articles to the contrary. With my own experience, coupled with logical deduction, and hearing both sides of the story, my opinion is: As long as you are not pushing TOO MUCH CO2, you will be more stable running it all night. Start slow and check the CO2 levels early in the morning before lights come on, and as long as that's not over 30ppm, you should be fine, barring some outside influence affecting the system. It may drop to roughly 25ppm (or maybe a max drop to 20ppm) during the day, but that's just fine! There is still plenty in the water column to be used by the plants.

I really appreciate all the opinions, experience, and ideas. Even if I don't agree or use a certain idea, it's still good to have the option of choosing it. I'm glad others are using the exact same Milwaukee regulator setup as I'm getting. Is it difficult to set/adjust? I have read that the more accurate ones have several more revolutions on the needle valve adjustment. This would make fine tuning easier, and adjustments slower. As long as it reliably does the job, though..... I'm happy!

 

[anonapersona]

Instructions

The instructions on this Milwaukie system say to set the regulator pressure to 10 psi, then use the needle valve to set the bubble rate. I have mine running at only 6 bpm right now, first day in use. This gets the new tank to the same point that the old tank was on a good day with DIY. I'm in no hurry to crank it up, I'll wait until the plants are settled in. The fish have enough to get used to in the new tank. [edit- 6 bpm didn't keep the pH level at all, that was the fresh waterchange I was seeing, silly me. I'm at 30bpm to get 1.2pH reduction now.)

I agree with Sumpin'Fishy, the CO2 is probably fine 24/7 as long as you are not using high concentrations. I'm using the solenoid just to turn everything off in case of a power failure, for fear that without filtration and circulation, there could be an overdose. I can flip the master switch and be certain that everything in the tank is turned off.

I am using the Plant guild reactor and I'm very happy with it. I had a DIY version that I tried to copy off Plantguild but the real thing is a bit better in every way.

 

[Robert H]

I never heard of Clippard making a regulator...I have their needle valves.

If you buy an industrial regulator, you need to add a needle valve to it, and its a high pressure regulator.

There are two "all in one regulators" out there that include the needle valve, check valve, bubble counter, and solenoid. Milwaukee and JBJ. Both very good. JBJ has a fixed working pressure and is a low pressure system. The Milwaukee is a high pressure system that you have to set the working pressure.

I have sold both, first JBJ, then Milwaukee because its a little cheaper. Now I will be offering both. Personally, I prefer a fixed working pressure. Its seems safer to me. But the Milwaukee has a two year warranty. As far as the solenoid goes, it has its pros and cons. I have systems set up with it and with out it. You are basically getting the solenoid for nothing with these regulators, so use it or dont use it.