co2 regulator question

[gnod]

1. http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategor...sure-Regulator

2. http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=447

i'll be looking to use a paintball for space sake and wanted to use either one of these. i like the azoo's price point and the look of it, and i wanted to know if ANYONE have experience with it.

is it a safe regulator unlike the asa on/off valve? i don't see anywhere it saying that it's a fixed pressure controller.

same thing with #2 regulator.

thanks!

[houseofcards]

I have the Azoo one I've had no problems with it. It is a true regulator and not just a valve. I was using it for about 6 months on a Mini S with a standard CGA320 2.5 lb tank. In fact I'm going to be setting up again soon. I don't have any experience with the ADA one.

Looks like it's on closeout so if you do try to buy it make sure you have options in the event it doesn't work well.

[gnod]

Awesome! I'll be ordering this today. But what do u mean by options?

[houseofcards]

Just meant, since it's on close out I would find out what the return policy is (credit, exchange) so your not stuck with it. Anything could happen in shipping, etc.

[gnod]

Originally Posted by houseofcards

Just meant, since it's on close out I would find out what the return policy is (credit, exchange) so your not stuck with it. Anything could happen in shipping, etc.

noted. thanks!

[gnod]

ok just placed my order! i read the fine print on the close out and i have 24 hours to ensure it works. that means i need my paintball co2 tank (ordering) along with the adapter (ordering) ready when it comes.

i believe

this

this

adapter is the one?

couple of questions.
1) i have one of those glass bubble counters. can i just place the counter right along my tank? much fancier setups i've seen have them directly connected to the counter.

2) it says that it has a needle valve i can control as little as 6 bubbles / minute. is this my main source of regulating the co2 output? (might be obvious but this is my first co2 regulator. sorry)

3) installation order: attach co2 tubing to regulator. ensure regulator is tightly closed. attach adapter to regulator, and paintball tank to regulator. attach tube to atomic diffuser. and let her rip? haha. . . just would like to make sure i'm doing this right the first time! thanks!

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by gnod

i believe this adapter is the one?

Looks right.

Originally Posted by gnod

1) i have one of those glass bubble counters. can i just place the counter right along my tank?

Yes.

Originally Posted by gnod

2) it says that it has a needle valve i can control as little as 6 bubbles / minute. is this my main source of regulating the co2 output? (might be obvious but this is my first co2 regulator. sorry)

Yes.

Originally Posted by gnod

3) installation order: attach co2 tubing to regulator. ensure regulator is tightly closed. attach adapter to regulator, and paintball tank to regulator. attach tube to atomic diffuser. and let her rip? haha. . . just would like to make sure i'm doing this right the first time! thanks!

No. You want to make sure the regulator is open (knob is turned counter clockwise) to ensure that the low pressure gauge is not destroyed by the sudden increase in pressure from the cylinder.

For more information, please take a look through my Primer to Pressurized CO2 - the instructions on the second page for regulator use can be applied even to a paintball setup.

[houseofcards]

You received good advise from Darkblade48 he know his stuff. That particular regulator you don't have to worry about the regulator knob being open since it has a fixed working pressure. Just make sure the needle valve is open. BTW it comes ready to work with a regular cylinder so you could go with a 2.5lb cylinder and not worry about the paintball conversion.

[gnod]

ty darkblade48 - very informative article you wrote!

houseofcards, thanks for your feedback. so since this is a fixed working pressure regulator i dont have to be worried about setting the output pressure right? i just have to fine tune it with the needle valve which i have to leave open. but the regulator won't pump co2 until i plug it in since it's got a solenoid right?

do you use this particular one with a timer also? and what method are you using to diffuse your co2?

sorry if im asking too many questions.. haha

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by gnod

so since this is a fixed working pressure regulator i dont have to be worried about setting the output pressure right?

Yes.

Originally Posted by gnod

i just have to fine tune it with the needle valve which i have to leave open. but the regulator won't pump co2 until i plug it in since it's got a solenoid right?

Yes.

Originally Posted by gnod

do you use this particular one with a timer also? and what method are you using to diffuse your co2?

If you have a solenoid, you might as well use a timer, it will help you save some CO2.

There are many diffusion methods; some people with canister filters enjoy using inline diffusers/reactors since they do not take up real estate space within the aquarium.