Couple Of Questions About Pressurized Co2

[Amunet]

I found this website that shows some mini metal ones...
http/www.specialtymfg.com/miniature_valv...check_valve.asp
But that's the only place, and they only take a minimum of $100 for orders, so yeah, that's out of the question lol.

I just checked for leaks w/ soapy water... no leaks as far as I could tell.
When DH set up the 20lb last night, he did say that for some part (not sure which.. probably the needle valve part) he had only hand tightened it before, so that may have been the problem w/ the 5lb... *shrugs*

 

[kcharley]

I just checked for leaks w/ soapy water... no leaks as far as I could tell.
When DH set up the 20lb last night, he did say that for some part (not sure which.. probably the needle valve part) he had only hand tightened it before, so that may have been the problem w/ the 5lb... *shrugs*

Hi Amunet,

I am baffled by the fast usage and water backflow if there aren't any leaks. You did jog my memory. When I assembled the threaded parts I used teflon tape to help seal the threads. I did use wrenches to tighten the fittings on mine, not a lot of force but enough that they can't be undone by hand. Since DH only handtightened the first time, I would wait and see how long the 20 lb tank lasts. Hopefully the problem is now solved.

(If you ever use anything on the threads be very careful that it is only on the threads. It is better to go too little than too much and two times around is plenty. If any type of thread sealant gets into the passages, you would have worse problems than a leak. IMO, only use teflon tape. I've tried various sealants on various plumbing tasks in the past and teflon tape is the only one that has consistently worked and allowed easy disassembly.)

Good luck.

Greg

 

[Amunet]

*nods*
I was actually expecting to see a leak somewhere, but nope.
I think when we still kept the filter/regulator on, it may have been causing some kind of suction to happen. How, I have absolutely no idea.
I'll check it tonight when everything cuts off to see if there is still a backflow problem.

 

[killudead]

ok, I have a normal LFS platic check valve on mine and i can see that when my tank goes off at the end of the nite, sometimes the pressure from the water actually makes it to the check valve. I put one for reason as you mentioned along with refilling it. It could get messy quick..
Also, I was told by the guy that sold me my tank, no tape on threads. also tighten the hell out of the connection to the co2 tank. he got his big 'ol wrench and really pushed on it. Now it will be fun to get it off.
I am most likely upgrading to a 15lb tank tomorrow, need to make sure i will have room for it in my stand for something that high.
keep you posted.
also, i have just normal run of the mill tubing. nothing special as i know i should have. I will deal with it later.
I also need to keep an eye on my bps. my needle valve really sucks a$$

 

[Amunet]

Sigh.. still happening it seems.
Just checked it, and there is water all in both tubes. To the CO2 and to the tank.
Looks like the water was sucked out of the bubble counter to the bottom of where the bubbles come out.
Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll find the bubble counter completely full of water.

Just don't know what to do. It's so much water that it gets by the cheap crap little check valves.

 

[killudead]

Sigh.. still happening it seems.
Just checked it, and there is water all in both tubes. To the CO2 and to the tank.
Looks like the water was sucked out of the bubble counter to the bottom of where the bubbles come out.
Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll find the bubble counter completely full of water.

Just don't know what to do. It's so much water that it gets by the cheap crap little check valves.

where are you placing the check valve. I have mine with in 3 inches of my diffuser. I am using the inline pvc method..
I have never seen water get sucked out. how could it, the gas weighs less than the water. As long as it is completely vertical, this should not be an issue.
I have it evaporate on me, but thats all. I called JBJ tonight and spoke with someone.
my possible issues for needle valves are:
she told me that i should not have water in the line, it creates back pressure the co2 must overcome to get out of the tube.
Not to crank down when tightening the solenoid to the tank.
I do not have to use tape on the seals. some just do it for extra sealing.
bubble counter should be filled half way.

 

[Amunet]

We have 2 check valves... 1 on each tube.. from the co2, and to the tank.
Both are located at about the halfway point down the tubes.

 

[Amunet]

Lookie what I found... brass check valve... look at that price though! Sheesh....
<a href="http/www.aquacave.com/co2-brass-check-valve-1159.html" target="_blank">http/www.aquacave.com/co2-brass-check-valve-1159.html</a>


Found this website... has brass checkvalves for little over $13... don't really trust it though. Wants you to just send the payment w/ what you want... give me pay now buttons dernit!
<a href="http/www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html#check" target="_blank">http/www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html#check</a>



EDIT:
Okedoke, checked ebay again and found some. I swear I checked before and never saw any... must've had some filters on or something that was preventing me from seeing all of the auctions lol... oops heh
Bought 2 of them for about $9 total. Probably won't be here for 2 weeks since they're coming from malaysia, but oh well lol. Still cheaper than frackin $35 for the first linked one, and trust it a whole lot more than the 2nd link.

 

[kcharley]

Sigh.. still happening it seems.
Just checked it, and there is water all in both tubes. To the CO2 and to the tank.
Looks like the water was sucked out of the bubble counter to the bottom of where the bubbles come out.
Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll find the bubble counter completely full of water.

Just don't know what to do. It's so much water that it gets by the cheap crap little check valves.

Hi Amunet,

Thought of a test that might help isolate the problem. Turn the needle valve off and disconnect the line. Blow in the line to simulate the CO2 going through. When the air is going through stop blowing and use a finger to block the line. Observe if water back feeds. If the water doesn't back feed, the problem would then appear to be with the regulator. (Possible I suppose, but I can't fathom how.) If the water does back feed, move to the next connection and try again. By working back one connection at a time, hopefully you can figure out which component is the problem.

Note I've not tried the above before but I think it will work and at least it doesn't cost any $$.

HTH.

Greg

Hey Amunet,

I can't remember. Did you have this problem before adding the checkvalves?

Greg

 

[killudead]

I have learned that my tank is only 5lbs today and a 10 will not fit.
it is 2 inches to short. I could always cut a hole in the stand and sit in the hole. Man..what a pain this is becoming.

Amunet, I am not sure why you would have 2 inline check valve. I would have the stock with the solenoid and one other just before the tube enters the tank.
Try substituting the check valve for another, it could be faulty.

 

[Amunet]

Hmm I thought I responded... weird...
We have 1 check valve on each tube.
1 coming from the co2 tank to the bubblecounter, and another going from the bubble counter to the diffuser.

Bad bad bad bad bad news right now though.. so not worried about the co2..... I just found a HUGE crack on the front glass bottom right hand corner of the tank.
I'm freaking atm and just pissed and scared it's going to shatter at any moment.

 

[kcharley]

Oh Crap!! I hope this isn't the 125.

 

[Amunet]

Of course it is..... our crap luck.... it couldn't have been one of the 10gals.. oh no.. it has to be our big new 125! SIGH......

 

[waterdrop]

Are you siphoning and bailing?.....
This happened to us, was horrible

 

[killudead]

oh snap, good luck. I hope that you are able to get through this without any major problems. I am not even going to say it for fear that i might jinx u.
Good luck!!