Solenoid issues, help needed.

[mistergreen]

no need for a solenoid if you leave it on 24/7. Make sure the bubble rate is low enough.

Let me know how that turns out if you go that route. I'm using the DIG controller to turn on and off the CO2 throughout the day.

[sewingalot]

That's how I am going for now. Can't beat cheap. I returned an unused part to the store, so I literally paid like 13 cents for the fix. I'll post pictures later. My dog is sleeping in front of the fish tank right now. He likes to bask in the 'sun.'

I'll keep you updated on the progress. I think I burned out the solenoid from upping the time it was on and keeping it in a cabinet.

[mistergreen]

^^ nah, it was built so it doesn't burn up. The electromagnet coil in the solenoid probably snapped. Instead of being an electromagnet, it became soldering iron or a hair drier and burnt up the solenoid.

[sewingalot]

Here's the new setup:



I am kind of wishing this was also the one with the replaced needle valve, as it now loosing pressure when you turn it up (as shown). I did the soapy bubble test and there was no leaks and if I adjust the red knob and don't touch the needle valve, it stays put.

Time to find a new one.

[sewingalot]

Two days later and some tightening of the coupling and I am happy to report the pressure is holding steady at 1 line above .1. The drop checker is a nice dark green and I am able to count out about 1 bps now.

When the lights came on, I had a pleasant surprise. The BBA on the side closest to the co2 is turning red!! Strange coincidence or did I finally prove my theory I've been working on for months?!?

[sewingalot]

Two more days and there are some places where the red bba is now white!!! I slowly, slowly turned up the needle valve to about 1.5 bps. Getting a nicer, mid range green in the 5dkh solution.

[Trio123]

Are you still going without a solenoid? How is it working? I am debating doing this myself because my solenoid has become extremely unreliable.

[kite949372]

Trio you can easily run a co2 setup without a solenoid. All it does is stop/allow flow. Same thing can be achieved manually with a ball valve (also known as a shut off valve) if you don't want a solenoid but want an easy way to stop the co2 at night.

[mcubed45]

Originally Posted by OverStocked

If you're OK wiring it up, there are some Ebay options. Ap.com has the burkert assembled and there is a thread here that guides you how to assemble it.

I will have some clippard mouse valves in a week, but it'd be two before you got it.

Use the tank knob to turn off, not the nv. And use Teflon it pipe compound.

Let me know if you need some help Ebaying parts let me know. Yikesjason might have one on hand, too.

Sent from my DINC

the burkert from AP comes preassembled WITH the power cord attached. total plug and play.

the bukert from freshwatersystems comes in 2 pieces (solenoid + power adapter) and requires a power cord. the only benefit of the FS one is the BUNA-N seals, power LED indicator, and SS solenoid option.

also Yikesjason stopped taking orders a little while ago and will no longer be sourcing parts.

[bsmith]

Do yourself a favor and skip the clippard and get a Burkert. The pain you will eventually run into when the clippard fails is worth the extra money that the burkert cost IMO.

[kite949372]

Guys, look at the dates, its 3 months old that Trio brought back. heh. (thats why i only answered his post and said nothing about the rest of the thread.)

[Trio123]

Sorry for the confusion! Where would I get a ball valve/shut off valve? Thanks!

[Bettatail]

Originally Posted by bsmith

Do yourself a favor and skip the clippard and get a Burkert. The pain you will eventually run into when the clippard fails is worth the extra money that the burkert cost IMO.

which clippard solenoid valve you are talking about, be specific

The one shown in the picture is 0.67 watt low power consumption, a core melting problem is less than likely since don't even feel warm after hours of operation.
and the on/off cycle life rating is 1 billion.

[kite949372]

Originally Posted by Trio123

Sorry for the confusion! Where would I get a ball valve/shut off valve? Thanks!

Any local hardware store would have one, generally in plumbing.

[sewingalot]

Originally Posted by Trio123

Are you still going without a solenoid? How is it working? I am debating doing this myself because my solenoid has become extremely unreliable.

I forgot about this thread. Yes, I am still without a solenoid and I absolutely LOVE it! No issues with running the co2 24/7 and in fact, the tank has lasted longer because I don't need to run it at such a high bubble rate any longer. Running about 1.5 bps and have a light green drop checker, happy fish and plants. Algae greatly diminished (not gone completely as I love my algae) and the growth improved amazingly. As a matter of fact, when my solenoid goes on my other tank (as it will given they are the same regulators), I don't plan on replacing it either. For me, it is easier to get a good, stable consistent flow of co2 now. And it cost me pennies to fix.