Co2 Regulator

[Tizer]

I've been looking into CO2 systems quite a bit recently and i've decided the only route to go would be with a presurised system, but im buggered if im going to pay the stupid prices the JBL systems demand.

I've yet to source a canister but that shouldnt be a problem, the main bits that concern me are the regulator and needle valve.

I've found this on eBay today and it looks like its capable of doing the job, it also has the electrical solenoid valve which is a bonus. I'm a little dubious about buying cheap items imported from HK but i could effectively buy 3 or 4 of these for the price of the JBL system :>

Just a quick post to ask if anyone else has tried these in the past or if you think i should avoid.

 

[JenCliBee]

I've been looking into CO2 systems quite a bit recently and i've decided the only route to go would be with a presurised system, but im buggered if im going to pay the stupid prices the JBL systems demand.

I've yet to source a canister but that shouldnt be a problem, the main bits that concern me are the regulator and needle valve.

I've found this on eBay today and it looks like its capable of doing the job, it also has the electrical solenoid valve which is a bonus. I'm a little dubious about buying cheap items imported from HK but i could effectively buy 3 or 4 of these for the price of the JBL system :>

Just a quick post to ask if anyone else has tried these in the past or if you think i should avoid.

Hi mate, you are correct, the item you have linked to will do the job... however it probably is cheap. Ive never brought things like this from HK but i know people that have and the reviews are mixed... however try this German based place....HERE!!

The solenoid will be purchased separately from the regulator but they are far better quality and the reviews have always been excellent from this company... from me and many others. The price buying separate wouldn't be much different but the added advantage is the delivery times are far quicker.

Hope that helps

 

[Tizer]

It certainly looks better quality kit, i presume it all fits the 3/8 BSP male thread outlet that most CO2 canisters over here have quite happily?

What do you do about the german power socket? Just get a converter i guess? Runs ok on 240V?

 

[JenCliBee]

It certainly looks better quality kit, i presume it all fits the 3/8 BSP male thread outlet that most CO2 canisters over here have quite happily?

What do you do about the german power socket? Just get a converter i guess? Runs ok on 240V?

Yes mate the voltage is all the same, many just buy an adaptor... many just cut the plug and attach a UK 3 pin... either way works fine.

The reg fits UK bottles and FE's fine. The quality is far better than the HK stuff and as mentioned the delivery is so much quicker (advantage if your inpatient like me lol).

 

[Tizer]

I dont think im impotent...hope not anyway.

 

[JenCliBee]

I dont think im impotent...hope not anyway.

LOL, we wont go there

 

[Tizer]

Have you got the FE setup yourself out of interest? (sounds like you have) Pics required %l please ! xD

 

[JenCliBee]

Have you got the FE setup yourself out of interest? (sounds like you have) Pics required %l please ! xD

I currently haven't mate (long story lol), however im picking another set up on Thursday (not the stuff i linked you to but basically the same). Will get pics of the setup over weekend if that helps (well it wont be setup but i can get pics of it setup as it would be used lol).

But if you google aquarium co2 setup, im sure you will get enough pics to get some idea .

 

[Tizer]

Oh aye, bit different when you got someone on a forum you can pester though aint it

 

[JenCliBee]

Oh aye, bit different when you got someone on a forum you can pester though aint it

I never feel pestered as im sure many on the planted section wouldn't. It's nice to help out and nice to see people actually listen to advise and more so actually ask questions for a change (that's the most annoying part about forums lol).

Is there any reason you want to see one setup?, is there any aspect of it you dont understand or want to see?.

TBH they are pretty much straight forward and basic.

 

[Tizer]

Well being a relatively dangerous bit of kit (if it falls over and the regulator gets wacked) im interested to see where people put them and how they secure them. For me, i'll probably buy some wood and secure it below my 240 litre tank so it cant get knocked. Might have a fanny around on youtube and check out some vids, i know its not hard to setup, i just dont want to buy the wrong bits!

 

[JenCliBee]

Well being a relatively dangerous bit of kit (if it falls over and the regulator gets wacked) im interested to see where people put them and how they secure them. For me, i'll probably buy some wood and secure it below my 240 litre tank so it cant get knocked. Might have a fanny around on youtube and check out some vids, i know its not hard to setup, i just dont want to buy the wrong bits!

Yep usually in the cabinet with a hook and chain to keep it secure.... you could as you say make a wooden stand or box it in but tbh ive never read about anybody having a real bad and dangerous experience with them while they have been setup.

Not sure if you have already checked it out but, the parc section at the top of the planted section i think has a thread with all the equipment needed. Quite useful, im sure you won't have any problems setting one up .... if i can do it then anybody can lol.

Fe setup

Equipment expanded


Just incase

 

[Tizer]

Regulator and night time solenoid ordered from ze Germans!

Now for a CO2 canister and bits xD

 

[Tizer]

Righty,

Regulator and Solenoid Valve have arrived at work and look fine. Went for the German one in the end from "aquarianerversand" also shown in the FE guide on this site.

I've obviously got the aquire a canister, tubing, bubble counter and one way valve, but i was wondering what the best diffuser would be.

i've read a lot about "in line" reactors/diffusers and im not 100% sure of the difference, but i dont think it would be possible to have it setup that way with my 305 Fluval External as the pipes are ribbed. Im sure i could hack it around if needed but to be honest, i dont really want to do that at the moment.

The FE guide recommends a glass/ceramic diffuser but i've also seen ladder type ones used.

I cant imagine there is a massive difference between the two methods, but any advice on which ones to use would be great if anyone has the time.

Ta!

 

[ian]

personally, i'd go for the glass diffuser when starting out, as you can see where your C02 is being dispersed. Also get yourself a drop checker.

there appears to be some very cheap stuff here, glass diffusers and drop checkers.

http/www.ukaquatics.co.uk/