Pressurized CO2...Just thought I'd share.

[RedseaReefer]

bump this for one its a great thread more people should read it so they arent so intimidated by pressurized co2. and because id like to know if anyone has had any experience with Aquatek-California? and their ""all in one" regulator setup that includes a "cool to touch" solenoid, needle valve, and a duel gauge regulator? if its quality pieces id guess the end result would be quality also. idk ill probably start my co2 setup sometime next week and i just want some feedback about the company! thanks again guys!

[InTrouble]

Thanks for all the information. What about putting a solenoid on a Tunze regulator?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by InTrouble

Thanks for all the information. What about putting a solenoid on a Tunze regulator?

Though I have not used that particular brand of regulators, there shouldn't be any problem in attaching a solenoid.

[kris66]

I just found this thread and just want to say a big thank you to Darkblade48. I have a 55g community that I plan on putting a pressurized Co2 system on after Christmas. (Getting the hubby to get me a Milwaukee MA957 for Christmas lol). I've been trying to find out as much information as I can beforehand so I know how to set it up and this has been so very informative.

I have now worked out I need a kegerator type Co2 tank that will work with the Milwaukee. I only have some easy low light plants in my tank right now, but plan on getting a few medium light ones once its set up.

I have a little confusion as to what size Co2 tank to get, and what is a good bps to have for my 55. Just say I get a 10g co2 tank, and set it for maybe 3 bps, how long would that tank last before I need to refill it? My husband has concerns that I will be needing to refill it every month -_- lol.

Also Darkblade48, you should post (if you havent already) a YouTube video on setting up a pressurized Co2 system. That would be extremely helpful too in seeing it put together right from the getgo.

So I would appreciate help with my question. I'm worried I might mess up. I plan on buying from Ebay a drop checker and I already have one of those little glass ceramic diffusers to use.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by kris66

I just found this thread and just want to say a big thank you to Darkblade48. I have a 55g community that I plan on putting a pressurized Co2 system on after Christmas. (Getting the hubby to get me a Milwaukee MA957 for Christmas lol). I've been trying to find out as much information as I can beforehand so I know how to set it up and this has been so very informative.

I haven't been able to check PlantedTank for quite a bit (been busy with life), but I'm glad that my article was helpful.

Originally Posted by kris66

I have a little confusion as to what size Co2 tank to get, and what is a good bps to have for my 55. Just say I get a 10g co2 tank, and set it for maybe 3 bps, how long would that tank last before I need to refill it? My husband has concerns that I will be needing to refill it every month -_- lol.

The larger the CO2 cylinder, the better. You will need to refill it less, and the actual refill cost for (say) a 5 pound and 10 pound cylinder is usually insignificant.

Of course, there is always the issue with space, etc.

A 10 g(ram?) CO2 canister will not last long on a 55 gallon aquarium. Perhaps 2-3 weeks at most?

If you are speaking about a 10 pound CO2 cylinder, I would hazard at least half a year - a year, depending on whether or not you have any leaks, how long you keep it on for, etc.

Originally Posted by kris66

Also Darkblade48, you should post (if you havent already) a YouTube video on setting up a pressurized Co2 system. That would be extremely helpful too in seeing it put together right from the getgo.

Unfortunately, I do not have the necessary photographic equipment (nor the skills) to take good videos.

[Darkblade48]

It might be an issue of where this thread is posted, but I cannot seem to update the information in my previous posts.

Perhaps a moderator can shed some light? I just wanted to update some of the information (part numbers, pricing, etc) in my earlier posts as more information has come to light

[RedseaReefer]

Great read dark. Very useful and informational. Thank you for your commitment!!

[Darkblade48]

Thanks for the comment; I want to update the thread, but I think because it is in the FAQ section of the forums, I can't edit past posts.

[sspark]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

Thanks for the comment; I want to update the thread, but I think because it is in the FAQ section of the forums, I can't edit past posts.

Thanks for the great write up, but i'm curious on what it is you'll be updating exactly. I've put together a list of parts to look for, but something tells me that I should wait for your update...

For the time being, would you mind if you can update as a reply?

Thanks again for the valuable write up Darkblade!

[Darkblade48]

Oh, it's not a major update at all; I just wanted to add a few part numbers that people have discovered recently (such as Burkert 6011A, Burkert 2822 solenoids, etc).

There are some prices I want to update as well.

[sspark]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

Oh, it's not a major update at all; I just wanted to add a few part numbers that people have discovered recently (such as Burkert 6011A, Burkert 2822 solenoids, etc).

There are some prices I want to update as well.

Great! sounds good. Thanks again.

[fusiongt]

Love the post, only gripe is the usage of cO2 instead of c02

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by fusiongt

Love the post, only gripe is the usage of cO2 instead of c02

The correct nomenclature for carbon dioxide is c, and o (alphabet o, not numerical 0), both capitalized and a subscript 2.

However, I don't believe the forums can print subscripts, so CO2 is the way I denote it.

[laqu]

thanks FINALLY i get it.. now if i could just 'have it all' and make it small and pretty!
..
I know, it's a girl thing...

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by laqu

thanks FINALLY i get it.. now if i could just 'have it all' and make it small and pretty!
..
I know, it's a girl thing...

Not at all, not at all.

There are times when a small and compact CO2 system are nice to have. For situations such as those, you can use paintball canisters and smaller paintball adapted regulators.