Is a Co2 check valve needed?

[chad320]

I am wondering how dependent a Co2 diven tank is on the check valve to keep it from back siphoning? Ive heard myths passed down that your bottle, when empty, will back fill with water if its lower than the tank. Is this true? I just dumped two 20 lb. bottles in a month trying to find this leak and I found Its the check valve(plastic). This is as simple as running a bead of super glue around the rim of it. Mow I am wondering if I reallyneed this piece at all? It seems to be just another spot for a leak in the line at 30 PSI. I could definitely do SS check valves, but why if I dont really need them? Does the siphon from the Co2 shutting off at night matter, or am I looking at a Co2 tank full of water by morning?

[Cardoc]

Yes it is very needed unless you like spending money, even a cheap one is better than nothing, but spend the money on a good one I ruined my tank stand because I had a cheap check valve and it let water back into my diy set up. I run two good check valves now one before the bubble counter and one before my reactor.
You can check for leaks by spraying all fittings with soapy water and looking for bubbles.

[Aquaticfan]

Hey Chad!!

Well, Its not a matter of your Co2 tank filling up with water.. Its all about protecting your regulator, Solenoid, Needle valve and the like from water damage. If the water gets to it it can and will ruin that stuff. Can cost you a pretty penny. Are Check valves worth it? yes. Cheap insurance for not killing the above items. Can it be a potential for a spot that leaks? Yes. But so can your CGA320 fitting, Any spot you have threads. Your gauges, Any where you have connected hose/tubing. Any needle valve... All of these are hi potential of leaks. Not any different then the check valve. In all of my Co2 systems I run Check valves. I run one right at the tank if its a diffuser or just before the diffuser. If its a reactor I run it just before the reactor. Then I also have some set ups with in line bubble counters. Like the glass ada ones. I use a check valve before those so the liquid in them stays in them. Then I run a check valve right as the last thing of the regulator assembly. So... Max in all I could have 3 check valves in a single system. Or 2. Anything made by human hands can go bad. So it can happen. If it were me a couple buck check valve Vs any of the parts of my regulator is well worth it. Normally btw the issue is when your Co2 shuts off at night you can get back flow.

[maknwar]

Put your co2 regulator above your water and you won't need one.

[Aquaticfan]

But the question is, how many if us can do that? On all my set ups its not possible. Besides. I'm not to keen on the idea if a 15lb co2 tank that weighs more then that above or near my head level.

[maknwar]

Me either, that's why I just put a check valve on the hose and not worry.

[Aquaticfan]

Originally Posted by maknwar

Me either, that's why I just put a check valve on the hose and not worry.

LOL....

[talontsiawd]

Just replace it. Use a airline one for temp if you can't get a brass or SS one locally and have to order it. Not only is water bad for the regulator, remember you have a solenoid you don't want water to get into either.