Which CO2 Regulator Should I Buy?

[ShawnS]

I've never done anything having to do with Co2 before, and I'm having a little trouble deciding which type of regulator I should get. From the little research i've done I know that Dual Stage Regulators can be preferable to single stage regulators because they prevent the whole end of tank dump thing, (right?) as well as give you more bang for your buck because they prevent you from having to reajust the pressure gauge 3 times a day. BUT, i'm pratically ripping my hair out because i cant find any Dual Stage Regulators that dont cost a fortune, but i would imagine its worth the extra cost. So my question is can anyone link me a regulator they're currently using thats effective and for around $100? And if not could i just go with this?

Amazon.com: U.P. Aqua Simple Regulator: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: U.P. Aqua Simple Regulator: Pet Supplies

.

OR alternatively would this fit the best of both worlds?

Amazon.com: AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini: Pet Supplies

I was actually hoping i could use this dual stage reactor, but im not sure if theres a better/cheaper one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Matheson-81L...item232818f9a0

[NYREPS]

Aquatek ,I have 3 of them they work great

[ShawnS]

alright cool. Thanks for the quick reply.

[abc]

the other one works just fine. it does not have a solenoid, so it is on 24/7 but it's a whole lot cheaper than the aquatek. I have two of the former and they work just great

[ggsteve]

Is anyone using one of these Harbor Freight regulators? Only $28 with their perennial 20% off coupon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/regulator-gauge-94841.html

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by ggsteve

Is anyone using one of these Harbor Freight regulators? Only $28 with their perennial 20% off coupon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/regulator-gauge-94841.html

You would have to change the low pressure gauge, since the current one measures in cubic feet per hour (litres per minute).

[Bettatail]

Originally Posted by ggsteve

Is anyone using one of these Harbor Freight regulators? Only $28 with their perennial 20% off coupon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/regulator-gauge-94841.html

I actually bought one, it is made in China.

tested/abused it to the point that it was damaged.

I bought it because the regulator inlet port/(CGA stem) is 1/2-28 thread(international port thread, similar to that 1/2 - 27 Harris old standard threads), and much cheaper than buy a internal thread stem from oversea, I only wanted the CGA stem.

[ggsteve]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

You would have to change the low pressure gauge, since the current one measures in cubic feet per hour (litres per minute).

Thanks, I knew there had to be a catch.

[ggsteve]

Originally Posted by Bettatail

I actually bought one, it is made in China.

tested/abused it to the point that it was damaged.

I bought it because the regulator inlet port/(CGA stem) is 1/2-28 thread(international port thread, similar to that 1/2 - 27 Harris old standard threads), and much cheaper than buy a internal thread stem from oversea, I only wanted the CGA stem.

Some day I will be learned enough to understand what you're saying to me!