Complete Pressurized CO2 System Review

[32Bit_Fish]

Hi Guys,

I saw several complete pressurized CO2 for sale on Dr. Foster & Smith. Does anyone here own any of those systems?

I appreciate some feedback and advice. Thanks

[32Bit_Fish]

I forgot to mention. I have a 20G tank and maybe I just need a mini pressurized CO2 system such as Fluval 88?

Any suggestions and recommendation?

I'm completly new to this CO2 thing and I'm currently running the yeast & sugar method for my tank. But my Catalina T5 fixture is coming soon and I'm sure I will need a CO2 system that can produce more and stable CO2 level for my tank.

[bitFUUL]

What's your budget? I'd push you towards GLA's CO2 regulators / accessories.

[OVT]

Originally Posted by 32Bit_Fish

I forgot to mention. I have a 20G tank and maybe I just need a mini pressurized CO2 system such as Fluval 88?

Any suggestions and recommendation?

Unless you are independently wealthy, I personally would not use any non-refillable co2 system.

[tobystanton]

You can get the Chinese co2 reusable canisters for 7$ each on the bay, 95g

[32Bit_Fish]

I called one of the welding supply companies in my neighborhood. Here is their price for CO2 cylinders.

5 lb aluminum cylinder - $125 - refill is $19
10 lb steel cylinder - $175 - refill is $22

I read somewhere online that someone spent about $100 on a complete pressurized CO2 system. That article probably was written 10 yrs ago. there is no way I can put together a decent quality pressurized CO2 system for $100 nowadays.

What do u guys think about AquaTek regulator?

I see people posted very good feedback on GLA regulator, But they are pricey.

My budget is within $200 for a complete set pressurized CO2 system.

[JasonG75]

You can get a 5lb on eBAY for 73.93 (yours, you own it)

Water-testers has a Mil Reg for 86$ with free co2 tubing, OR there is someone selling on the the SnS for $86 as well.

You will need a drop checker eBAY 8$
4dkh eBAY or SnS here

Now I know Mil reg isnt the BEST (I use it and have not had any probs for 3 years) Later on save up some money and get a better one.

So the reg and cylinder will eat up the 200$

[JasonG75]

Also FIND your local fire extinguisher company, they prob refil co2. Mine is 14.75 here in Memphis.

[32Bit_Fish]

Do local welding or fire extinguisher refill my cylinder at the spot or they replace my empty cylinder with one that full of CO2?

How does that work if I bring my own cylinder? For example, if they give me an used cylinder and in exchange my brand new cylinder. I definitely do not want to do that.

[lpsouth1978]

I just got a complete system on the big auction site about 2 weeks ago for $175 shipped. It included a 5# Co2 tank, Milwuakee regulator w/solenoid and bubble counter, Milwaukee SMS122 pH controller w/probe, and about 10 feet of black Co2 tubing. I then built me own Co2 reactor for about $25. So for $200 I have basically the same system that Foster and Smith is selling, but for less than half the cost.

If you are patient and look around you can often put a system together for a reasonable cost. Craigslist, at least near me, is a good place to look as well. I can get a good regulator for about $35 there, and I have seen MANY Co2 tanks for sale on there as well for much less than retailers. Even if they need a new hydro test, it is still cheaper. Also, since I swap my canisters, it doesn't matter to me that some of the ones you find on Craigslist are UGLY.

[livingword26]

Originally Posted by 32Bit_Fish

Do local welding or fire extinguisher refill my cylinder at the spot or they replace my empty cylinder with one that full of CO2?

How does that work if I bring my own cylinder? For example, if they give me an used cylinder and in exchange my brand new cylinder. I definitely do not want to do that.

It varies from place to place. Here in Wichita, I can get my 5lb. tank filled while I wait at a local fire equipment company for $10. But all the welding shops I have called, only do exchanges.

[lpsouth1978]

Originally Posted by 32Bit_Fish

Do local welding or fire extinguisher refill my cylinder at the spot or they replace my empty cylinder with one that full of CO2?

How does that work if I bring my own cylinder? For example, if they give me an used cylinder and in exchange my brand new cylinder. I definitely do not want to do that.

The place where I get my refills will do a 20# tank exchange for $25, however if I want them to FILL my 20# tank it costs $3/pound or $60.

[32Bit_Fish]

I was looking around on Ebay. None of the cylinder listed as newly pressure tested even the new ones. I thought the seller supposed to include that important piece of information in their listing.

Where do u get your cylinder pressure tested? And how much to test it?

[lpsouth1978]

My home brew shop does it as should most other places that fill the tanks. It costs $15 at the home brew shop.

[nokturnalkid]

I've bought a few co2 tanks that needed testing for real cheap off of craiglist. Found a 10lb for $15 a couple years ago. All I did was swap it out at gaspro for $30 filled. Then when ever I needed a refill, I just went to a fire extinguisher place and got it filled for $20.