How to build a co2 regulator [56k!]

[oldpunk78]

Just thought I'd give this bump. Not sure of anyone ever looks in the sticky anymore.

[audioaficionado]

It's linked in my sig.

[oldpunk78]

YAY!!!! Post more - LOL

[sspark]

Hi oldpunk, thanks for the writeup... quick question, the space under my tank barely fits my 10# co2 tank, i'm left with about a 1/4" of space above the tank handle. My question is, is it ok to add extensions the piece that bolts on the co2 tank?

So something like this:

Co2 valve > standard 320 nut/nipple > female 45* elbow 1/4 NPT > 2" hex long nipple extension 1/4 NPT > female 45* elbow 1/4 NPT > 2" hex long nipple 1/4 NPT > regulator?

I need to extend the regulator below the handle so that the dual gauges have clearance from the top of the ceiling of the tank stand.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Darkblade48]

Wow, I have not seen it done like that before. I would imagine it might be possible, but the problem is that each connection would have to be extremely tight and well put together, since each joint would have to deal with 800-1000 PSI of CO2.

[Bettatail]

mounted the system under the fish tank, and use a high pressure hose to connect the system to the co2 tank.

picture is not a complete system, but will give you idea how this can be done.

[oldpunk78]

Originally Posted by sspark

Hi oldpunk, thanks for the writeup... quick question, the space under my tank barely fits my 10# co2 tank, i'm left with about a 1/4" of space above the tank handle. My question is, is it ok to add extensions the piece that bolts on the co2 tank?

So something like this:

Co2 valve > standard 320 nut/nipple > female 45* elbow 1/4 NPT > 2" hex long nipple extension 1/4 NPT > female 45* elbow 1/4 NPT > 2" hex long nipple 1/4 NPT > regulator?

I need to extend the regulator below the handle so that the dual gauges have clearance from the top of the ceiling of the tank stand.

Thanks for your help in advance.

You could do that but I'd recommend finding some high pressure hose like Bettatail suggested. It would just be less problematic.

[jstehman]

Have you tried rotating the regulator so the gauge faces point at an angle? That's how my 20lb tank fits in my stand.

[FlyingHellFish]

Hey, what are some signs that your Co2 needs a refill? Beside the whole EOTD, do you guys usually wait for it to go below 500 psi? Or will it just rapidly drain down to zero?

It is still heavy and there is liquid inside, no idea how much though. Everything is stable, working pressure didn't go up and bubble count reminds the same.


Do you guys wait till it almost gone, like 20% then refill? I'm trying to avoid the EOTD and I don't mind losing 15- 20 % of the reminding Co2.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by FlyingHellFish

Hey, what are some signs that your Co2 needs a refill? Beside the whole EOTD, do you guys usually wait for it to go below 500 psi? Or will it just rapidly drain down to zero?

It is still heavy and there is liquid inside, no idea how much though. Everything is stable, working pressure didn't go up and bubble count reminds the same.


Do you guys wait till it almost gone, like 20% then refill? I'm trying to avoid the EOTD and I don't mind losing 15- 20 % of the reminding Co2.

When your high pressure gauge starts to show a decrease in gas pressure, you are reaching the end of your cylinder.

I use a dual stage regulator, so I wait until the cylinder is completely empty.

Some people refill once they start noticing a decrease in pressure (the pressure drops to (say) 500-600 PSI).

[sspark]

thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll try the tilting idea, but since I'm in the process of building it, I don't know if it will work. But I will for sure consider the hose route.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

[FlyingHellFish]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

When your high pressure gauge starts to show a decrease in gas pressure, you are reaching the end of your cylinder.

I use a dual stage regulator, so I wait until the cylinder is completely empty.

Some people refill once they start noticing a decrease in pressure (the pressure drops to (say) 500-600 PSI).

How long does it take to completely empty when a decrease in pressure is noticed? I think I been on 700 psi for two months now with no further decrease.

[kevmo911]

Originally Posted by FlyingHellFish

How long does it take to completely empty when a decrease in pressure is noticed? I think I been on 700 psi for two months now with no further decrease.

It sounds like your regulator reads 700 psi when the cylinder is full - which is fine. Once it starts dropping, it doesn't hold at a certain level. A couple weeks is about the most it will take to go from full to completely empty.

[sspark]

Another question. I have a brass regulator, stainless steel solenoid and needle valve. I read somewhere (can't seem to find it) that there might be an issue with the brass/stainless steel connection?

[Bettatail]

Originally Posted by sspark

Another question. I have a brass regulator, stainless steel solenoid and needle valve. I read somewhere (can't seem to find it) that there might be an issue with the brass/stainless steel connection?

no, it is just if you put too much torque on the connection, the stainless steel may carve into the brass, or damage the brass fittings.