CO2 for a 10g

[talontsiawd]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

Is a solenoid necessary? Could I just get the same effect by putting the CO2 on a timer with the lights?

Also, if I go with the GLA regulator, what other components would I need? So far I can think of the diffuser and the paintball tank.

The solenoid is what allows you to put the CO2 on a timer, otherwise it will always be on. It is not necessary but I strongly recommend it. Just saying that is how you get the CO2 to work with a timer.

[Axelrodi202]

I don't think I'd need an adapter for the GLA atomic regulator. If I were to get this (minus the cartridge) would I have everything I need?

Also thanks for the heads up about the solenoid. I've been keeping fish for a while but CO2 systems are still pretty new to me.

[kevmo911]

Regulators that use cartridge systems have proprietary threads. Meaning that you'll never be able to use them with anything but the specified cartridge.

[Axelrodi202]

The GLA atomic regulator in the system I linked to is sold separately elsewhere on their site so I imagine it doesn't have proprietary threads. Does anyone have any personal experience with this regulator?

[talontsiawd]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

I don't think I'd need an adapter for the GLA atomic regulator. If I were to get this (minus the cartridge) would I have everything I need?

Also thanks for the heads up about the solenoid. I've been keeping fish for a while but CO2 systems are still pretty new to me.

I don't know if you read my post before I edited but I thought a standard regulator was listed. You only need the adapter for a stand regulator if you are using a paintball tank.

That said, I still recommend a standard regulator, adapter, and a paintball tank if you want a small setup. I don't think it will be better than a paintball regulator from GLA in function, I just think it will be a better financial decision in the long run.

[Axelrodi202]

So then this regulator would be good to use with an adapter?

What other components besides the regulator, solenoid, cartridge, and diffuser would I need?

[talontsiawd]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

So then this regulator would be good to use with an adapter?

What other components besides the regulator, solenoid, cartridge, and diffuser would I need?

Yes. The cool think about using that on a paintball tank is that it will be upright too, so it will take advantage of the design/look of the reg.

You will need the regulator (which comes with a solenoid), paintball tank in the size you want (not a cartridge, it's a small tank), adapter (cga 320 paintball adapter), diffuser, check valve (GLA sells nice metal ones), CO2 tubing, and a timer. Then you would be set.

I am not all that sure of the quality of that particular regulator so I am not saying to go with it or not, GLA sells quality stuff and I trust them, I just don't know anything about it.

[Axelrodi202]

What is the difference between a grip-nut and brass check valve?

[talontsiawd]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

What is the difference between a grip-nut and brass check valve?

I think it's the fact it has the nuts that hold the tubing on. I haven't had problems with check valves popping off, just added security I guess. I bet the brass will last longer, even if the plastic doesn't degrade over time, you may accidentally step on it or something.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

What is the difference between a grip-nut and brass check valve?

Brass check valve is made of brass.

Grip nut check valve uses the plastic nuts to screw the tubing on for a tight seal. If you are describing the one I am thinking of, then it is made of plastic.

Plastic eventually hardens with time. Brass does not, but you have to get a quality check valve; I have tried a few and they end up not working (allow water to leak backwards), so I've given up and just stick with plastic check valves now (and replace them every so often).

For your questions regarding pressurized CO2, might I suggest you take a look at my guide to pressurized CO2 (linked in my signature below).

[Axelrodi202]

I've now ordered a GLA Atomic Regulator V3, 50mm atomic diffuser w/ check valve, atomic bubble counter w/ integrated check valve, an extra atomic check valve, CGA 320 to paintball adapter, and a 24 oz paintball tank.

Will I need a perma-seal and pipe compound? How do I go about actually attaching the regulator to the full paintball tank?

[freph]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

I've now ordered a GLA Atomic Regulator V3, 50mm atomic diffuser w/ check valve, atomic bubble counter w/ integrated check valve, an extra atomic check valve, CGA 320 to paintball adapter, and a 24 oz paintball tank.

Will I need a perma-seal and pipe compound? How do I go about actually attaching the regulator to the full paintball tank?

Why didn't you just go with the V2 and save yourself the cost of the adapter? V2 connects directly to a paintball tank.

Perma seal, no. Just a nylon washer to make the connection of the adapter and CGA 320 sealed. After that, just screw it onto the paintball tank.

[oldpunk78]

Originally Posted by Axelrodi202

I've now ordered a GLA Atomic Regulator V3, 50mm atomic diffuser w/ check valve, atomic bubble counter w/ integrated check valve, an extra atomic check valve, CGA 320 to paintball adapter, and a 24 oz paintball tank.

Will I need a perma-seal and pipe compound? How do I go about actually attaching the regulator to the full paintball tank?

The unit you picked out will make this easy. Without any tools or seals, screw the adapter into the v3. Then screw the paintball tank into the adapter. Done.

The reason it's so easy is because that atomic reg has a built in soft seal that does not require an extra washer or perma-seal on the cga-320 side. While I have not used one personally, the whole thing should just be hand tight.

[oldpunk78]

Originally Posted by freph

Why didn't you just go with the V2 and save yourself the cost of the adapter? V2 connects directly to a paintball tank.

Maybe they want to be able to use it on a full size cylinder one day.

[Axelrodi202]

Originally Posted by oldpunk78

Maybe they want to be able to use it on a full size cylinder one day.

That's the goal I have in mind.

Should I still use pipe compound for the other parts of the setup?