More Co2 Questions

[Spank]

right, I've decided to go down the DIY pressurised CO2 route for my tank but need help with a few things.

I've seen small bottles of CO2 used for paintballing on Ebay and was wandering if these will fit a standard regulator easily. I've also investigated the use of fire extinguishers as a source of CO2 but was wandering if they are easy to fill up. I know my local Maidenhead aquatics does refills but will the fill a fire extingusher?

With both the above methods, will I need to turn the CO2 off at night? is it theoretically possible to have a lower flow rate so I can just leave things running overnight? or will I have to invest in a solenoid valve. If a valve is needed, where can I get one from and what do I need?

Thanks for the help
Hank

 

[voo]

Maidenhead aquatics do do CO2 refills as you say but check with them, as sometimes the only bottles they'll refill are JBL, so if you get a different manufacturer they wont refill it.

Fire extinguishers can be used and are one of the cheapest alternatives for CO2. Maidenhead aquatics most likely wont refill the extinguisher so you'll have to find somewhere else. Prices that people have paid for the 2kg extinguisher to be refilled seem to be about the same as refilling a 500g bottle at maidenhead aquatics...

I've heard people asking about paintball cylinders before, can't remember what was said but i dont think they were used in the end. maybe a search for paintball in this forum might bring something up?