splitting CO2 from one regulator to two tanks

[Starry]

I'm about to order a CO2 system, and after much thought I decided to go with the GLA Choice package. I only have a 10-gal tank right now, and there's a possibility I may be getting another tank eventually (either that, or selling the CO2 system and getting out of the hobby for good, lol). Will it be relatively easy to upgrade the parts with a manifold and extra needle valve, or would it be better to just pay upfront now and get it included? In other words, will any of my current equipment become redundant when I want to make the change, will any of it become a waste of money? Or will it be just a matter of addition of parts? I'm really not mechanically inclined, so at this point I just need a quick answer so I can decide which to purchase. Of course I'd prefer not to pay the extra $90 now if there's no advantage to it. Thanks so much!

PS: I might also be convinced to buy the Primo instead of the Choice, if someone can make a very good case for why the NV-55 needle valve is worth the extra $35. But the Primo + dual manifold is out of the question. So I guess my question is really would you get the Choice Dual, or Primo Single, or is the Choice single good enough and easy to change to dual later on?

[Starry]

Oh, no, I just keep coming up with questions. I can't decide whether to buy the system with or without bubble counter. I see that the ones with bubble counter use the brass one and it's directly connected. The ones without bubble counter are expected to use an in-line one. Is there a fundamental difference in the other components in these two cases, or can I switch between attached or in-line bubble counters as I please? I'm not sure which type I prefer, I've never used any type.

[oldpunk78]

Check out aquaticplantenthusiests.com. (not sure I spelled that right). Become a member and ask Orlando (owner of gla). He's extremely knowledgable and nice. He goes be Aquazilla on ape.

[proaudio55]

If you're not mechanically inclined, I'd have any extra features added right away. Then if you need it: it's there. If you don't need it: Just don't use it

It is pretty rare that I give myself expansion space and then think "gee that was stupid." I'm always tinkering and playing with my tank so if I ever provide for excess capability or capacity. . . I end up using it for a harebrained idea eventually.

[Starry]

Originally Posted by proaudio55

If you're not mechanically inclined, I'd have any extra features added right away. Then if you need it: it's there. If you don't need it: Just don't use it

This is what I was thinking. But I did ask Orlando and he said that I wouldn't be able to use the system unless I actually had it connected to two tanks, because you can't/shouldn't use the needle valve as a shut-off. I guess I'm going with a single one for now, and he said I would have to send it back to him to do the upgrade if I want it later. I guess I could also do it myself, once I have the thing in my hands I may be able to figure it out.

[Yamaz]

This is what I have dont to split 1 co2 to 2 tanks. Its been working for over a month now with no problems.

[ineedfire]

Pretty sure you can buy three way needle valves on ebay for like $10? Wouldn't that be the easiest way to split the tubing to another tank?

As for your bubble counter issue, you can just buy one separately and add it into the line easy enough.

You can buy everything you need individually on eBay or half the price. That's what I plan on doing.

[RoyalFizbin]

Originally Posted by ineedfire

Pretty sure you can buy three way needle valves on ebay for like $10? Wouldn't that be the easiest way to split the tubing to another tank?

As for your bubble counter issue, you can just buy one separately and add it into the line easy enough.

You can buy everything you need individually on eBay or half the price. That's what I plan on doing.

A cheap 3 way valve will not easily balance the output the way you'd want it and it won't give you the fine control that you need. Two independant needle valves is a much better way to do it. One valve should not affect the other if you use typical working pressures. It might be a problem if you use some really small pressure like 3psi.

[ineedfire]

Originally Posted by RoyalFizbin

A cheap 3 way valve will not easily balance the output the way you'd want it and it won't give you the fine control that you need. Two independant needle valves is a much better way to do it. One valve should not affect the other if you use typical working pressures. It might be a problem if you use some really small pressure like 3psi.

Most pressurized systems run at around 10-15psi for a single tank correct? Would you want to double that pressure if you were splitting the lines?
Sorry for thread jack lol. Just curious.

[RoyalFizbin]

I think the increased pressure would help. I run my systems at 30-40 psi. I really don't need to run them that high but it's not an uncommon range. Many people are using atomic diffusers these days, they need 30 psi or more to work.

[Calmia22]

I am in the same boat wondering the same thing, but my question is: What if you are splitting the line between a 75 gallon and a 7.9 gallon nano? Will there be an effect on either line? Or is there enough leeway to adjust each valve accordingly?