Regulator Question

[keimak]

I just started going pressurized a few days ago and can only afford a simple regulator to go with it. Am having problems adjusting it to last the whole lighting period. For example I have reached the bubbles per second desired and a few hours later there is no bubbles coming out. Any tips on this?

 

[Mikaila31]

what system are you using? What is tank pressure and line pressure?

 

[keimak]

A normal pressurized co2 tank? It says on the gauge 1000lbs/inch. I don't know about the line pressure, I just use normal air hose. Is there a difference if I used co2 tubing?

 

[Mikaila31]

Can you post a picture or a link to what exactly you have? You should have a regulator with 2 gauges. The second gauge "which you don't know" you need set at about 15PSI. You should then have a needle valve to drop the flow rate even more before it goes into the tank. You should be using CO2 tubing and airline tubing isn't exactly CO2 proof.

 

[AndreyT]

Firstly, the working pressure will depend on the type of diffuser used in the setup. For example, "atomizer" type diffuser would require about 40 PSI of working pressure. 15 PSI would not be enough. In fact, if the working pressure is insufficient for driving the specific diffuser type, that's exactly what one will observe: at first the bubble counter will show some bubbles, but later it will stop.

Secondly, many (if not most) "brand-name" pressure regulators sold on the market today are non-adjustable, meaning that there's no way to set the working pressure to the desired value.

To the OP:
What is the name of your pressure regulator? Can you provide a link?
What kind of diffuser are you using?