Pressurised Co2 Basics

[xing]

I'm looking at upgrading my DIY co2 solution to a pressurised system. I realise I'll need a CO2 cannister (probably go fire extinguisher route) and a regulator of some sort. I've already got a ceramic diffuser so that's sorted. What else would I need? I've seen this on ebay.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Regulator-Electr...VQQcmdZViewItem

Has anyone had any experience of these? Are they reliable etc.

Also, do people generally have 2 Co2 cannisters so that when one empties they have a back-up to switch to rather than going without whilst they get refilled or can a tank generally go without for a few days/week?

Any help/recommendations etc greatly received.

Stu

 

[Themuleous]

Hi Stu,

Once you've got the cylinder, all you then need is a decent reg. Ive not had one of those regs but I have heard they are good. Do you have to have a solenoid? If not I can highly recommend this reg.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Doppelmanometer-...oQQcmdZViewItem

I have two, both are excellent.

Sam

 

[xing]

thanks for the link Sam

does this particular reg come with a needle valve and would it connect to a fire extinguisher? I dont really need a solenoid other than to shut off at night and therefore save gas - I suppose it it better to have no co2 pumped in during darkness but how crucial is it? Do you keep a second cylinder for back-up - i need to factor this into my costs, although I could get one at a later date if necessary. One other question - is it necessary/recommended to have a dual guage reg? I've seen one suppplied by my original link wiith just one guage for only £15 ( I think).

Sorry to keep asking "dumb" questions

 

[Themuleous]

The only 'dumb' question is the one that isn't asked we all started somewhere.

does this particular reg come with a needle valve and would it connect to a fire extinguisher?

Yes and yes

I dont really need a solenoid other than to shut off at night and therefore save gas - I suppose it it better to have no co2 pumped in during darkness but how crucial is it?

I run both my CO2 tank 24/7 no problems to fish or plants. Some people like to give the fish a rest from the CO2 at night, but as I say Ive never had any problems. But on larger tanks it would help save CO2.

Do you keep a second cylinder for back-up

I have two CO2 tanks, one is low light so if the cylinder on the high light tank runs out I swap it from the low light tank, so yes I guess I do have a back up. Its more critical in high light tanks as just a few days of low CO2 will let the algae in. Whereas in lower light tanks the lack of CO2 shouldn't be a problem.

One other question - is it necessary/recommended to have a dual gauge reg?

I dont thinks its essential. One gauge tells you the cylinder pressure, the other the pressure in the reg. Neither of the gauges on my two regs move until the cylinder is empty so they dont really help much!

Sam

 

[Dave Spencer]

Neither of the gauges on my two regs move until the cylinder is empty so they dont really help much!
Sam

I thought I would just give the reason for the cylinder pressure gauge not moving, for those who may not have known.

With the CO2 cylinder full at 50ish Bar, the majority of CO2 in the cylinder is in liquid form, which is far denser than when it as a gas. As the CO2 in the cylinder is used, the slight pressure drop will cause the liquid to start to "boil off" to CO2 gas, filling the void left by the CO2 gas going in to your diffuser. The increased volume of the gas over the liquid maintains the 50ish Bar you see on your regulator gauge.

This process continues until the point where there is no liquid CO2 is left in the cylinder, just CO2 gas. Now, as the CO2 is used there is no liquid CO2 to "boil off" and fill the void left by the departing gas. The gas pressure will no longer be maintained at 50ish Bar.

When you first start to see the pressure dropping on the cylinder gauge, it is a good time to start thinking about replacing the bottle.

Dave.

 

[thefirethief]

Hi Xing, I use the Regulator you first asked about and have no complaints about it at all. Aquaticmagic is an excellent shop and Mike, the guy who runs it, is the perfect seller. Takes a lot of time to respond to e-mails properly and has a real interest in making sure you are completely satisfied. Can't recommend that place enough.