FosterSmith semi-auto co2, if you could go back..

**stlfishlover** · 05-13-2008, 01:50 PM

I was wondering for those of you that have purchased the Drs Foster & Smith semi-automatic co2 system... if you could go back to before you purchased it... would you still get that particular system? Why or why not?

I did a search and I already read the thread here but was wondering if any of you have had bad luck with it since that thread was posted? Can you give any advice, hints, or suggestions with assembly and use to save us headaches later?

We are going pressurized finally... I love the results of co2 in the 20 long but am getting tired of the yeast build up on our glass diffuser and the weekly maintenance of remixing the bottles to get anything close to consistant levels with the DIY method.

We have looked around and are close to deciding on the semi-auto system here ... we'll also be getting some co2 tubing soon, ordered it yesterday. I like the price of the system compared to what comes with it, but wondering if it is the best for the price or will it be a disappointment? If you don't recommend this system, is there one close in price that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for any help.

AndrewH · 05-13-2008, 02:23 PM

Not to try to take a sale away from DrsF&S, but on a recent outting to my local pawn shops looking for electronic testing/metering equipment I noticed at every shop there were lots of CO2 setups and parts.

1 and 2 gauge Regulators, bottles, carts, etc. There was a complete 20# bottle with 2 gauge regulator for $99 (and I might have been able to talk them down from that because I didn't want the cart it was sitting on).

If nothing else, it might be a cheap place to locate a bottle.

Regarding the DrsF&S link:
Seems like a good setup (I don't personally have it). I do have the same tubing and timer, but that is an awesome price for everything you get. Seems like the only thing not included is the bottle. As a comparison, I paid $92 just for my M3 - 2 gauge regulator (which same with a solenoid and needle valve like the one in the link).

**EdTheEdge** · 05-13-2008, 02:32 PM

I LOVE both of mine....

So, NO.

**dthb4438** · 05-13-2008, 03:13 PM

I have two F&S semi-automatic systems also, liked them both and have some 20 oz. paint ball cylinders for them. Bought them almost two years ago. Over some time though, I have been changing some things around. If you look in Rex Griggs site, or Orlando's site, or even in the swap and shop on this forum, you can find some deals. As I have said before, it's all what you prefer. I went thru three different reactors until I found the ones that I liked the best, and F&S doesn't have em. I really don't like to look at all that junk inside the tank. Just fish and plants. Good luck!

**ColeMan** · 05-13-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dthb4438

If you look in Rex Griggs site, or Orlando's site, or even in the swap and shop on this forum, you can find some deals. As I have said before, it's all what you prefer.

If I were you I'd definitely check out both Orlando and rex's site before placing your final order; the quality of components with which they assemble their regulators is far superior to anything offered by DF&S. Plus, I can vouch for Orlando's excellent customer service (haven't ordered from rex) and speedy delivery of products; it's good to know that if I have questions/problems I can contact an individual who I know can help me out. My motto: buy quality, buy once.
And, I know you're looking at the semi-auto CO2 package, but if you compare the DF&S fully automated package with Orlando's, you see that Orlando's is a much better deal (granted you don't get a reactor, but who wants a $90 reactor when you can make one for $15)?! Just my thoughts. Good luck!

**dthb4438** · 05-13-2008, 04:06 PM

I would agree with ColeMan...Orlando has some superior stuff. He ships out quickly, always answers any questions quickly. He built my small reactor that very same day that I asked for it. I don't think that the Dr's would do that. Just do a few days research before you purchase anything. I was very impulsive in buying my kits.

**EdTheEdge** · 05-14-2008, 12:03 AM

Quote:

I LOVE both of mine....

So, NO.

Sorry I posted this while driving..... yeah I know, I shouldn't do that. I was stuck in traffic on the 405 near LAX. So I wanted to complete some thoughts on this after getting home.....

I have two of those systems and love them. The only problem that I have had is with the bubble counter. It is a bit leaky on the input side. A zip tie fixed it and now it works flawlessly.

A lot of people will diss these systems - for the life of me I don't know why - like I said I love mine. The first system I got last year for 89.95 at Drs F&S I forgot what I paid for the second one. I think it was 95 or something like that, also from Drs F&S. You get a lot of good stuff for the price that is for sure. All's you will need is a CO2 tank for this system and you are ready to go. The convienience alone IMO is worth the price.

**stlfishlover** · 05-14-2008, 11:44 AM

Thanks for the input everyone. We looked at Orlando's site this evening... not sure now what we'll decide on. I do like the quality of the regulators he has.

We also found a place that will refill a cylinder, not just swap it out, so that is another option as well....could possibly save money on the cylinder to justify the extra money spent on a regulator and such. The only drawback is having to wait a couple days for them to fill it instead of the 5 minute trip to swap it.

Anyway, thanks again!

Momotaro · 05-14-2008, 12:12 PM

Hey! Don't forget!

www.sumoregulator.com

Our site might not be the slickest, but the quality is there in spades!

Mike

klumsyninja · 05-14-2008, 07:31 PM

What is Orlando's site?

**stlfishlover** · 05-14-2008, 08:08 PM

Green Leaf Aquariums.... see the banner up there? ^^^^^^

http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/

**over_stocked** · 05-14-2008, 10:58 PM

silicone tubing is NOT co2 proof. Using it is just wasting co2.

Riddler · 05-14-2008, 11:02 PM

I wanted to Order that Dr F&S kit but they want $98.00 to ship it to Canada.

Riddler

**stlfishlover** · 05-15-2008, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by over_stocked

silicone tubing is NOT co2 proof. Using it is just wasting co2.

That's why we already bought co2 tubing

**ColeMan** · 05-15-2008, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riddler

I wanted to Order that Dr F&S kit but they want $98.00 to ship it to Canada.

Riddler

$98? Really? That's insane!! Why are the rates so high?

Also, any decision as to the CO2 setup you're going to go with StlFsh?

05-13-2008, 01:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
stlfishlover Molina for All Stars! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: O'Fallon, MO Posts: 201	FosterSmith semi-auto co2, if you could go back.. I was wondering for those of you that have purchased the Drs Foster & Smith semi-automatic co2 system... if you could go back to before you purchased it... would you still get that particular system? Why or why not? I did a search and I already read the thread here but was wondering if any of you have had bad luck with it since that thread was posted? Can you give any advice, hints, or suggestions with assembly and use to save us headaches later? We are going pressurized finally... I love the results of co2 in the 20 long but am getting tired of the yeast build up on our glass diffuser and the weekly maintenance of remixing the bottles to get anything close to consistant levels with the DIY method. We have looked around and are close to deciding on the semi-auto system here ... we'll also be getting some co2 tubing soon, ordered it yesterday. I like the price of the system compared to what comes with it, but wondering if it is the best for the price or will it be a disappointment? If you don't recommend this system, is there one close in price that you would recommend? Thanks in advance for any help.

05-13-2008, 02:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
AndrewH Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX (CowTown USA) Posts: 464	Not to try to take a sale away from DrsF&S, but on a recent outting to my local pawn shops looking for electronic testing/metering equipment I noticed at every shop there were lots of CO2 setups and parts. 1 and 2 gauge Regulators, bottles, carts, etc. There was a complete 20# bottle with 2 gauge regulator for $99 (and I might have been able to talk them down from that because I didn't want the cart it was sitting on). If nothing else, it might be a cheap place to locate a bottle. Regarding the DrsF&S link: Seems like a good setup (I don't personally have it). I do have the same tubing and timer, but that is an awesome price for everything you get. Seems like the only thing not included is the bottle. As a comparison, I paid $92 just for my M3 - 2 gauge regulator (which same with a solenoid and needle valve like the one in the link). __________________ Thanks, AndrewH check out our local fish forums: www.dfwfishbox.com

05-13-2008, 02:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
EdTheEdge PlantedTank.Net Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4) Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lomita,CA Posts: 718	I LOVE both of mine.... So, NO. __________________ 90 Gal - Eheim 2217 - Fluval 404 - Duetto 100 - Eheim 2006 - 4X96watts CF - Flourite - 2X300w Visitherm - Pressurized CO2 25 Gal - Eheim 2236 - 36 watt CF - 28 watt CF - Flourite - 150w EBO Jager - Red Sea 500 Reactor - Pressurized CO2 15 Gal - Eheim 2232 - 36 watt CF -18 watt CF - Flourite - 150w Visitherm - Pressurized CO2 - Nano Diffusor 03 Gal - Eclipse system - DIY CO2

05-13-2008, 03:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
dthb4438 planted member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (18) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 375	I have two F&S semi-automatic systems also, liked them both and have some 20 oz. paint ball cylinders for them. Bought them almost two years ago. Over some time though, I have been changing some things around. If you look in Rex Griggs site, or Orlando's site, or even in the swap and shop on this forum, you can find some deals. As I have said before, it's all what you prefer. I went thru three different reactors until I found the ones that I liked the best, and F&S doesn't have em. I really don't like to look at all that junk inside the tank. Just fish and plants. Good luck! __________________ 29 gallon low-tech shrimp 55 gallon high-tech

05-13-2008, 04:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
dthb4438 planted member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (18) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 375	I would agree with ColeMan...Orlando has some superior stuff. He ships out quickly, always answers any questions quickly. He built my small reactor that very same day that I asked for it. I don't think that the Dr's would do that. Just do a few days research before you purchase anything. I was very impulsive in buying my kits. __________________ 29 gallon low-tech shrimp 55 gallon high-tech

05-14-2008, 11:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
stlfishlover Molina for All Stars! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: O'Fallon, MO Posts: 201	Thanks for the input everyone. We looked at Orlando's site this evening... not sure now what we'll decide on. I do like the quality of the regulators he has. We also found a place that will refill a cylinder, not just swap it out, so that is another option as well....could possibly save money on the cylinder to justify the extra money spent on a regulator and such. The only drawback is having to wait a couple days for them to fill it instead of the 5 minute trip to swap it. Anyway, thanks again!

05-14-2008, 12:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
Momotaro HEY! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (43) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hawthorne, New Jersey Posts: 8,166	Hey! Don't forget! www.sumoregulator.com Our site might not be the slickest, but the quality is there in spades! Mike __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

05-14-2008, 07:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
klumsyninja Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 110	What is Orlando's site?

05-14-2008, 08:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
stlfishlover Molina for All Stars! (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: O'Fallon, MO Posts: 201	Green Leaf Aquariums.... see the banner up there? ^^^^^^ http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/

05-14-2008, 10:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
over_stocked Saves Lives, Kills Plants (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2) Join Date: May 2007 Location: 911 Posts: 533	silicone tubing is NOT co2 proof. Using it is just wasting co2. __________________ Ignorance Killed the Cat. Saves Lives, Kills Plants--29G Journal

05-14-2008, 11:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Riddler Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Windsor, ON, Canada Posts: 123	I wanted to Order that Dr F&S kit but they want $98.00 to ship it to Canada. Riddler

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