Co2, Advice On Bits Needed.

[Lolly123]

Hi guys,

I do apologise for asking a question that has probably been asked a million times, but after my previous post in this section. I decided to scrape some money together in order to set up a diy co2 kit. Im sure there are some technically minded females out there but im not one of them and need some help with what to buy to make sure it all fits together how it should.

I want to use the disposable co2 bottles from somewhere like machine mart for convenience, link here follows:
http/www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/co2-gas-cylinder-600g

I'm trying to find a regulator, but am clueless as to which one to buy and how I will know if it will fit or not. Would something like this be fine or am I wrong? http/www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-fr1-filter-regulator

Also looking for a needle valve, but again, dont really know what im looking at. Would you also recommend a solenoid?

Lastly, how much roughly would a setup like this cost in total?

If you've got some advice or any links to websites that would sell what I need I would be very appreciative.

Thanks

 

[Andy_G]

i'm glad you asked. I've been looking into the same thing, and was considering getting http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/co2-set-fresh-water-p-2435.html and using the machine mart bottles when i need replacements. I'm not sure that regulator would work, as the bottle has a 1/8 BSPT (British Standard Pipe Thread) i think. Themuleous posted a good guide which is sticky'd on UKAPS, but i don't think we can link to other forums here. any advice on setting up a diy co2 kit for disposable bottles would be great.

 

[Lolly123]

I've seen that exact same one for 99 pounds on another website. Im sure its the same anyway. I'll see if i can find the link.


And yes advice still needed on this matter.

Thanks!

 

[pauld]

I've seen that exact same one for 99 pounds on another website. Im sure its the same anyway. I'll see if i can find the link.


And yes advice still needed on this matter.

Thanks!

hi heres a link thats worth a read .
http/ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=7776

regulator
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-regulator-solenoid-magetic-valve-aquarium-/250692507511?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3a5e701777

diffuser

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Up-aqua-aquarium-CO2-Atomizer-system-diffuser-16-22mm-/260635915895?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3caf1c7677

co2 tubeing and drop checker aqua essentials

then your up and running scroonge or steal a co2 fire exstingiusher or search ebay loads on there .

 

[Lolly123]

Thanks ever so much for taking the time to provide the links.

However, due to living with my mum, there is no amount of persuasion that I could try to get a FE in our home and then fiddle with it. She wont have it. But I know she would be more accepting of the disposable bottles. I know it might cost more, but will that regulator fit on to a disposable bottle?

Thanks.

 

[pauld]

Thanks ever so much for taking the time to provide the links.

However, due to living with my mum, there is no amount of persuasion that I could try to get a FE in our home and then fiddle with it. She wont have it. But I know she would be more accepting of the disposable bottles. I know it might cost more, but will that regulator fit on to a disposable bottle?

Thanks.

you would have to check with the supplier of your disposable bottle the thread on the regulator is 22mm female which fits fe and pub co2 bottles and many disposables , but obviously find a source of co2 before buying your regulator , the draw back with disposable bottles is there price , a 2kg fe lasts 2 months in my 4ft x 2ft x 18 inch tank , most disposables are 500g with co2 you have to dose the correct amount you cant say i will only dose a little bit , this would cause fluctuating levels of co2 which in turn increases chances of algae .
run the pub co2 bottle idea past your mum then she can go round all the local pubs finding a friendly landlord to supply one your both winners then .

 

[Lolly123]

Thanks every so much again. I'll definately have a look into that idea. I see exactly what you are saying about the disposables, not very cost effective.

Cheers again.