I am soon to be setting up my first pressurized CO2 setup, and I just want to make sure that I get all the right stuff and to make sure I have everything together.
I am getting a regulator, cannister, and CO2 tubing. Which is best for tubing? Nylon or polyurethane? What else do I need? A reactor and diffusor?
For tubing IMO the clippard tubing is the best stuff you can get but it costs.
Silicone is good, but as per Rex looses 6% per foot.
Regular Vinyl will crack eventually.
You will need either a reactor, or a diffusor, but not both.
Also you are going to want a good check valve. Regular airline check valves will develop problems over time.
Does the regulator come with a needle valve?
You can check out Rex's site for the tubing, check, and needle valve if you need. CO2 Stuff For Sale
Wow! That looks like a pretty nice Unit for the price! I'll be looking into one after I move... I'd go with the Barr Internal Venturi CO2 Reactor Looks lik it'll work well with this on my tank. Although I do have a Canister Filter. I just don't really want to restrict the water flow.
Aquatic Eco-Systems carries the Tygon lab grade tubing. Use the 3/16" for regular use but use the 1/8" if you are using an Azoo regulator. It's sold by the foot or by the roll. Tygon Tubing 1/8 (This url shows all the different sizes.)
US Plastics has a better selction of Tygon lab grade tubing that's a little cheaper than AES. Notice that there are different OD's for the same ID. The 3/16" ID comes in 1/4", 5/16", and 7/16" OD. Tygon® Laboratory Tubing R - 3603 - US Plastic Corporation
I use the Marine Depot tubing coming from the regulator to a brass check valve. Then I use the Tygon from the brass valve to the diffuser, reactor, etc. If the bubble counter has a check valve, I still use it this way. It's a little bit of overkill but I had some extra check valves.
i'd recommend an aquamedic reactor1000 if you go that route. it's a little more expensive than the usual ones, or building your own but trust me; it's worth it. you could make a similiar one if you can find the material for less obviously. it's not complicated.
co2 input, gas release valve and water input at the top. output at the bottom. clear tube + bio balls to breakup the co2.
the clear tube is useful for knowing when to open the gas release valve after you work on your filter, etc.
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