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

[bdacus]

Great, concise, and informative...

[MiniFishRoom]

Thanks for the Awesome Information!

[Frogman]

Thanks Darkblade,Just the right info I'm gonna need for my project during Xmas vacation!

[mltreat]

perfect info! i am troubleshooting my current regulator and this thread helped a ton--really simplifies pressurized co2.

[Darkblade48]

Glad to be of help

[Tpark]

I am definitely bookmarking this one. Thank you for the write up. I know understand the difference in cost between the milwaukee and gla systems.

[Darkblade48]

Updated a thread to include a photo and clearer instructions.

[hiyabrad]

Thanks Anthony. Exactly what my newbie brain needed.

[davitt77]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

Here now, are the optional parts of a pressurized CO2 setup. While the aforementioned CO2 tank, regulator and needle valve are absolutely essential, the following pieces of equipment, while totally optional, are highly recommended.

These are:

4) Solenoid
5) Bubble Counter
6) Diffuser
7) Drop Checker
8) Miscellaneous equipment (check valve, airline tubing)
9) "Luxury" items (pH controller)

Let us begin with 4) Solenoid

A solenoid is an electronically controlled valve that opens/closes depending on whether electricity is flowing through it or not. For pressurized CO2 purposes, we normally use a "normally closed" solenoid. This means that when there is no electricity, the solenoid is closed, and no CO2 flows. When there is electricity, the solenoid is open, and CO2 flows.

A solenoid provides the option of putting your CO2 onto a timer and/or a pH controller, so that your CO2 will turn on/off automatically. This is beneficial, as it can prolong the amount of time your CO2 will last (i.e. rather than having it on for 24 hours, you can turn it off at night, when plants are no longer photosynthesizing).

Here are some good solenoid brands that I can recommend (in no particular order):
Burkert (Model #: 6011)*
Clippard (Model #: MME-2PDS-D110)*
Fabco (Model #: 3853-04-A287)*
Parker

Of these 3, the Clippard is the only one (as far as I know) that has the handy feature of having a red LED that indicates when the solenoid is open, and CO2 is flowing. However, many users have reported that the solenoid does get quite warm (sometimes to the point where you cannot leave your hand on it comfortably). The other three brands do not seem to have this overheating issue, but also do not possess the same LED.

Most solenoids run ~$20-30, but you can easily find a cheaper solenoid on eBay (see below and/or PM me for the actual link...)

*Note: These model numbers are for solenoids with a 1/8" female NPT ports on either side. If you wish to have different port sizes, I can forward you the PDF with the appropriate information.

Thank you so much for this write up. I'm looking forward to doing a DIY CO2 setup. I had a question about the wiring of the clippard solenoid. It doesn't come wired, as far as I can tell, when ordered directly from clippard. How does one wire it so that it can be plugged in?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by davitt77

Thank you so much for this write up. I'm looking forward to doing a DIY CO2 setup. I had a question about the wiring of the clippard solenoid. It doesn't come wired, as far as I can tell, when ordered directly from clippard. How does one wire it so that it can be plugged in?

There are many instruction guides that can be found online, but essentially, you just need to take an appropriate electrical cord, and solder and/or use quick disconnects to the spade terminals on the solenoid.

If you have no electrical background, I would highly recommend you get someone more knowledgeable to do this for you.

[Rush3737]

Hopefully somebody here can help me. I'm building a CO2 setup and the regulator I bought has the output at a weird angle, much like the Victor in the OP. I realize the bubble counter in that example is not perfectly plumb, but here is my quandary. I have a 45d angle piece on order, but it may not come any time soon. If I use a 90d piece out of the regulator and later off of the needle valve, will the angle be too steep for the bubble counter?

This is my setup so far, sorry for the bad picture but I had used it in my journal thread and never intended it for this.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Rush3737

Hopefully somebody here can help me. I'm building a CO2 setup and the regulator I bought has the output at a weird angle, much like the Victor in the OP. I realize the bubble counter in that example is not perfectly plumb, but here is my quandary.

I managed to fix the slight crookedness in that photo

Originally Posted by Rush3737

I have a 45d angle piece on order, but it may not come any time soon. If I use a 90d piece out of the regulator and later off of the needle valve, will the angle be too steep for the bubble counter?

You can use multiple angled parts to achieve a perpendicular (to the floor) bubble counter. Remember we are working in three dimensions.

[Rush3737]

Err... duh, I'm a dumbass, carry on!

And thanks!

[newbieplanter]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

Here now, are the optional parts of a pressurized CO2 setup. While the aforementioned CO2 tank, regulator and needle valve are absolutely essential, the following pieces of equipment, while totally optional, are highly recommended.

These are:

4) Solenoid
5) Bubble Counter
6) Diffuser
7) Drop Checker
8) Miscellaneous equipment (check valve, airline tubing)
9) "Luxury" items (pH controller)

Let us begin with 4) Solenoid

A solenoid is an electronically controlled valve that opens/closes depending on whether electricity is flowing through it or not. For pressurized CO2 purposes, we normally use a "normally closed" solenoid. This means that when there is no electricity, the solenoid is closed, and no CO2 flows. When there is electricity, the solenoid is open, and CO2 flows.

A solenoid provides the option of putting your CO2 onto a timer and/or a pH controller, so that your CO2 will turn on/off automatically. This is beneficial, as it can prolong the amount of time your CO2 will last (i.e. rather than having it on for 24 hours, you can turn it off at night, when plants are no longer photosynthesizing).

Here are some good solenoid brands that I can recommend (in no particular order):
Burkert (Model #: 6011)*
Clippard (Model #: MME-2PDS-D110)*
Fabco (Model #: 3853-04-A287)*
Parker

Of these 3, the Clippard is the only one (as far as I know) that has the handy feature of having a red LED that indicates when the solenoid is open, and CO2 is flowing. However, many users have reported that the solenoid does get quite warm (sometimes to the point where you cannot leave your hand on it comfortably). The other three brands do not seem to have this overheating issue, but also do not possess the same LED.

Most solenoids run ~$20-30, but you can easily find a cheaper solenoid on eBay (see below and/or PM me for the actual link...)

*Note: These model numbers are for solenoids with a 1/8" female NPT ports on either side. If you wish to have different port sizes, I can forward you the PDF with the appropriate information.

Hey DB, I just wanted to know if u still have the link to the solienoids or will I be ok getting a $20 one from China through eBay?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by newbieplanter

Hey DB, I just wanted to know if u still have the link to the solienoids or will I be ok getting a $20 one from China through eBay?

There is nothing wrong with ordering solenoids from China, as long as you know what you are getting (ensure it is made for continuous duty cycle, low power consumption, not 220V, etc)

What link do you want?