Help With Fire Extinguisher Co2 System

[Ebbo]

I have now setup a new regulator (same type), bought a new solenoid (with the right adapters) - and it is all now working brilliantly again.

Lunapet (German) on Ebay is where I bought the regulator & 2nd solenoid from. The solenoids (Hydor) from Aqua Essentials are actually in-line solenoids that only attach to the regulator via co2 tubing - not great.

Here is the regulator

Here is the solenoid valve
This solenoid has a european plug, and a converter will be needed (would not recommend re-wiring to UK plug).

Both of the above bits of equipment work brilliantly together and are absolutely solid as a rock - I have had no issues whatsoever with either regulator (besides breaking the thread - completely my fault though).

I have heard of solenoids failing after a few months (usually once the warranty expires!) - so will update this thread if I have any issues, otherwise it seems more solid and compact than the Hydor in-line valve, and does not get anywhere near as hot either.

If anyone wants more information on how I set up the FE co2 kit and what equipment I used then please PM me - being new to this I know how confusing it can be with so many different types of kit available.

If I had not made any mistakes, then seperately this setup has cost me:

Fire Extinguisher - £15
Co2 Tubing - £5
Diffuser - £13.50
Check valves - £3
Bubble Counter - £7.50
Regulator - £48.55
Solenoid - £26.99
Plug Timer - £1
EU-UK plug adapter - £0.50

All-in-all the total cost is: £120.54

With the mistakes I have made, this came to more like £200, however I have learnt a lot along the way and made good contacts with Richard at Aqua Essentials & this German Lunapet supplier!!

 

[Tizer]

Here is the solenoid valve
This solenoid has a european plug, and a converter will be needed (would not recommend re-wiring to UK plug).

I rewired mine to a uk plug, it does exactly the same as a converter minus the extra plastic.

Glad you got it all working, welcome to the club!

 

[Ebbo]

Thanks tizer!

Not sure why I am so adverse to re wire this plug, seeing as it is a straight forward job!

I really should start a journal soon, seeing as I now have 80 quids worth of power sand on the way and I have just increased the lighting to a tad over 2 WPG.

During the co2 drop the water parameters went back to standard and therefore I am gradually bringing the tank back round to where it was, so as not to kill any prized fish.

There are also plants on their way to me, from AE and othee TFF members. Unfortunately helping my parents move house this wkend but will hope to start work on it next week.

The only thing left to source is the centre piece bogwood, looking for a large branched piece at the moment...