Want to DIY a co2 reg

[kevmo911]

Originally Posted by scbrooks87

Just saw the post here lol. I really should get better at paying attention. Thanks for the info. Im definitely not brand picky, just bad at finding parts and swagelok has a good site for searching. Ill search evilbay though, always like saving a buck.

You mentioned you dont like that bc, which one do you recommend?

"1/8 brass elbow npt"
"1/4 long nipple npt"
etc.

I like the simple, cheap inline glass bc's. The JBJ-style included check valves don't last more than a couple months, they're prone to leaks, and the plastic cylinders are prone to cracking. That's my experience with them, anyway. Other people like them a lot. The glass ones are simple and cheap. No moveable parts means fewer failure points.

[scbrooks87]

Kevmo- Thanks again. So for a glass BC, you mean something like...
http://www.calaqualabs.com/Bubble_counters.html

That? The ADA ones are not at all inexpensive hehe. And if so, any idea what size tubing I'd need? OD/ID in inch measurements? It will require the purchase of an adapter to switch it up to tubing if I go that route, so I'd just need to figure out what size adapter I'd need?

Also, is there any real significant benefit to going with say... Swagelok brass parts over the stuff on fleabay or just going in and buying parts from home depot? Just curious... seems like brass should be brass, and without any moving parts, I can't think of something that could go wrong with simple connections.

Thanks
-Scott

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by scbrooks87

Kevmo- Thanks again. So for a glass BC, you mean something like...
http://www.calaqualabs.com/Bubble_counters.html

That? The ADA ones are not at all inexpensive hehe. And if so, any idea what size tubing I'd need? OD/ID in inch measurements? It will require the purchase of an adapter to switch it up to tubing if I go that route, so I'd just need to figure out what size adapter I'd need?

Yes, those Cal Aqua bubble counters would work.

I think they use standard airline tubing, so you should be fine even without adapters. I believe standard tubing was 3/16" in dimater.

Originally Posted by scbrooks87

Also, is there any real significant benefit to going with say... Swagelok brass parts over the stuff on fleabay or just going in and buying parts from home depot? Just curious... seems like brass should be brass, and without any moving parts, I can't think of something that could go wrong with simple connections.

There is nothing wrong with using hardware store brass parts. I suppose you are paying for the name of Swagelok. Their quality is probably better than the hardware stuff, but in the end, they accomplish the same function.

[Mathman]

Yay...I went to my local mechanic across the street and he removed the gauges, the outlet and cga adapter on the VTS 250



I'd like this reg to be able to be used for two tanks. Like something like this.



I've already spent $50 bucks for the regulator and would like to build this with the least expense. However, it must also be a solid build.

I'm in no hurry to be finish so help me please.

[Darkblade48]

Replace gauges, add in CGA320 stem and nut, for the output, you probably need a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

From there, you have your solenoid, then a T that branches to two needle valves, and then either two mounted bubble counters or two hose barbs that go to the aquarium.

[Mathman]

Any suggestions how to apply gas Teflon? It's seems to be slipping as I screw in the fittings?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Mathman

Any suggestions how to apply gas Teflon? It's seems to be slipping as I screw in the fittings?

...This is basic technique

Looking at the "front" end (the end that would screw into another piece), you have to wrap the teflon tape clockwise (i.e. in the same direction as the threading) so that it does not unravel as you tighten the pieces.

[scbrooks87]

So I dont think the current inlet nipple and nut are going to come off my regulator. All attempts are just ending with the pipe wrench shearing off brass. Its literally destroying material rather than turning the threads.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by scbrooks87

So I dont think the current inlet nipple and nut are going to come off my regulator. All attempts are just ending with the pipe wrench shearing off brass. Its literally destroying material rather than turning the threads.

Are you holding the regulator in a bench vise?

What is the current inlet nipple? Some (like the CGA320 stem) have a hexagonal end that you can clamp down onto and use for more leverage.

[scbrooks87]

Not.in a bench.vise yet but the wrench so far cant.get enough bite. Whatever this one is doesnt have a hex nut on it so im working with plain round material. My next step will be to contact a machine shop to see what they will charge to disassemble it for me... if they can lol.

[scbrooks87]

By the way sorry that some of my spaces are periods... phone update changed the touch screen keyboard and my thumb is not used to the space bar being so far over lol

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by scbrooks87

Not.in a bench.vise yet but the wrench so far cant.get enough bite. Whatever this one is doesnt have a hex nut on it so im working with plain round material. My next step will be to contact a machine shop to see what they will charge to disassemble it for me... if they can lol.

Try it in a bench vise and with a longer pipe wrench to get more leverage.

[scbrooks87]

Well I took it in to Air Gas and they got my taken care of. Tank swapped no questions asked. They removed the previous nut/nipple from the reg, and sold the correct one to me. Worked out very well.

I hooked things up as best I could, and while it doesn't look pretty, I think it'll work out for me. I'll know for sure after I wire up the solenoid, right now it prevented any co2 from coming out since it's NC.

I has a small leak at the inlet nipple to the regulator, so pretty soon I'll be pulling that back off, scraping out the teflon tape, and re wrapping/connecting it. Hopefully that will work.

[Darkblade48]

Good to know you got it sorted out.

Once you have everything assembled, just do another leak test with soapy water to make sure everything is nice and tight.

[scbrooks87]

Will do, thanks. I may be getting my hands on a Matheson 3104a 320 stainless regulator. I'll slowly gather the stainless steel parts to make a much nicer looking regulator setup to show off lol.

Having a self made co2 system is a bit worrisome just cause if something goes wrong I can only blame myself hehe. But it was well worth it for the experience and understanding of the system.

Thanks again for all the help in making this happen.