Co2 regulator choice..

kris66 · 11-22-2012, 05:37 AM

Hello all. I'm looking to buy a Co2 regulator for my tank. I am on an under $100 budget so I know I am very limited on choices.

I know I could afford either the Aquatek or the Milwaukee, and although I know they arent the best out there, but thats all I can afford. My question is, which one would everyone say is better than the other?

Wwh2694 · 11-22-2012, 06:05 AM

I had both before and the pressure gauge didn't last for long time only a yr and half. So they about the same for me. Now I had a smith regulator for about 4 yrs now and never had a problem.

kris66 · 11-22-2012, 06:08 AM

I havent heard of a smith regulator. How much are they usually?

Wwh2694 · 11-22-2012, 06:16 AM

Green leaf aquarium sells them they are good for their price.

Darkblade48 · 11-22-2012, 08:59 AM

I assume the $100 budget that you have does not include the cost of the CO2 cylinder? 5 pound cylinders usually run anywhere from $65 and up.

If the $100 is your budget excluding the cylinder, then I would suggest if you feel comfortable building your own pressurized CO2 system from parts, you could look for sales on eBay.

There were some good Victor 450D that I saw as well as a Matheson last week; these were $35 and under (with shipping, under $50 if you are in the US). The Matheson closed at $20 (I estimate $35 with shipping?)

There are also some nice Parker metering valves for less than $30 shipped.

Add in a few brass fittings, etc, and you have something that can be built for less than $100 (no bubble counter nor solenoid, though).

kris66 · 11-22-2012, 11:45 PM

Ok thanks ill have to look into that

11-22-2012, 05:37 AM	#1
kris66 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 49	Co2 regulator choice.. Hello all. I'm looking to buy a Co2 regulator for my tank. I am on an under $100 budget so I know I am very limited on choices. I know I could afford either the Aquatek or the Milwaukee, and although I know they arent the best out there, but thats all I can afford. My question is, which one would everyone say is better than the other?

11-22-2012, 08:59 AM	#5
Darkblade48 Moderator (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,053	I assume the $100 budget that you have does not include the cost of the CO2 cylinder? 5 pound cylinders usually run anywhere from $65 and up. If the $100 is your budget excluding the cylinder, then I would suggest if you feel comfortable building your own pressurized CO2 system from parts, you could look for sales on eBay. There were some good Victor 450D that I saw as well as a Matheson last week; these were $35 and under (with shipping, under $50 if you are in the US). The Matheson closed at $20 (I estimate $35 with shipping?) There are also some nice Parker metering valves for less than $30 shipped. Add in a few brass fittings, etc, and you have something that can be built for less than $100 (no bubble counter nor solenoid, though). __________________ Anthony A Primer to Pressurized CO2 and A Primer to Planted Tanks Eheim Pimp #362 - Eheim 2213 x2, Eheim 2028, Ehein 2217, Eheim surface skimmer and Eheim autofeeder. Victor Pimp #33 - HPT272-125-350-4M

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11-22-2012, 06:05 AM	#2
Wwh2694 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Arlington, texas Posts: 240	I had both before and the pressure gauge didn't last for long time only a yr and half. So they about the same for me. Now I had a smith regulator for about 4 yrs now and never had a problem.

11-22-2012, 06:08 AM	#3
kris66 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 49	I havent heard of a smith regulator. How much are they usually?

11-22-2012, 06:16 AM	#4
Wwh2694 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Arlington, texas Posts: 240	Green leaf aquarium sells them they are good for their price.

11-22-2012, 11:45 PM	#6
kris66 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 49	Ok thanks ill have to look into that