Pressurised Co2 Requirments

[Duzzy]

Hi there,

looking to set up pressurized co2 in my up coming project just wanted to clarify what is need

Gas Bottle (can any gas bottle(new) do or does it have to be specifically for co2)
Gauge/tap with solenoid something like this http/cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...A:IT&ih=015

and optional a controller something like this http/cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...A:IT&ih=005 or like this one http/cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...A:IT&ih=015

am I on the right track?
is there anything else?

Regards Darren

 

[Wolfenrook]

Don't bother with the pH controller, they can lead to too many swings in CO2 levels which contributes to algae growth. Just put the solenoid on a timer set to come on an hour or two before light on, and off about 1 hour before lights out.

As to a bottle, many enthusiasts (myself included) use CO2 fire extinguishers as a cheap source of CO2 (bought, not nicked, obviously. lol).

As to that regulator set, I know of a few people using them. Some of them removed the brass bubble counter though as they found it a weak point for gas leaks. The solenoids can also be noisy when you get them apparently, but this can be fixed by opening it up and adjusting some screws inside (I have one from Germany though, so never had to do this).

You will then need CO2 tubing, check valve, possibly a bubble counter (if you want one) and a diffuser of some sort. Oh and you might need an adaptor for the plug on the solenoid, my understanding is that they come with a US style flat 2 pin plug on them.

Ade

 

[Duzzy]

Thanks for the tip on the controller....also is there special co2 tubing? do i need to know what extinguisher to use and some special adapter for it? oh and whats a check valve?

Regards Darren

Don't bother with the pH controller, they can lead to too many swings in CO2 levels which contributes to algae growth. Just put the solenoid on a timer set to come on an hour or two before light on, and off about 1 hour before lights out.

As to a bottle, many enthusiasts (myself included) use CO2 fire extinguishers as a cheap source of CO2 (bought, not nicked, obviously. lol).

As to that regulator set, I know of a few people using them. Some of them removed the brass bubble counter though as they found it a weak point for gas leaks. The solenoids can also be noisy when you get them apparently, but this can be fixed by opening it up and adjusting some screws inside (I have one from Germany though, so never had to do this).

You will then need CO2 tubing, check valve, possibly a bubble counter (if you want one) and a diffuser of some sort. Oh and you might need an adaptor for the plug on the solenoid, my understanding is that they come with a US style flat 2 pin plug on them.

Ade

 

[aaronnorth]

I use that reg, you need to put some PTFE tape around the connection between the bubble counter and reg, Get this FE: http/home-garden.shop.ebay.co.uk/items/S...afer4uQQ_ssovZ1

Yes you need co2 tubing, you can get it from Anywhere. Use a shaver adaptor for the plug convertor, nice and cheap Check valves stop the water from siphoning out of the tank and into the solenoid or regThe bubble counter in the above link has one built in

 

[Duzzy]

Hi there,

I am unsure if I would be able to get those through customs

Regards Darren

 

[aaronnorth]

Your in Australia aren't you? Your thread on FE's will be different i think, i know USA are. You will be able to get any of the above in a LFS. The reg you can get from a hardware store. As loong as it is for CO2 (not argon/ CO2 mix etc). Get 2 gauges aswell.

 

[Wolfenrook]

You shouldn't have too much trouble getting regulators etc through customs, gas bottles will give problems though possibly. You should be able to buy refillable CO2 bottles in australia though, although these will possibly be more expensive. I found this site if it is any help.

Ade

 

[Duzzy]

Thanks for that,

I emailed Australian customs and definately no on the bottles but the regulaters as you said will be fine

Regards Darren