DIY Pressurized CO2 Questions

kdv9tb · 03-20-2013, 12:51 PM

Hello everyone!

I am starting to build my DIY Pressurized CO2 set-up and manifold and had questions I was hoping someone could help me with! First, let me list what I have, or is on its way...

Smith 2 stage regulator (CGA 320 adapter)
15 lb CO2 tank
7- Fabco NV-55 needle valves
Burkert 6011 soleniod
6- glass diffusers
1- DIY inline diffuser

Here are my questions:

1. What bubble counters do you all recommend? I would prefer ones that are on the manifold compaired to the tank or in line..)
2. No tape or pipe dope is recommended, so where would I get the seals or plastic washers to use for this?
3. Where in the world do I find 10/32 brass fittings for the manifold? Or could I size down to 1/8 for the tubing?

I am willing to travel to find what I need. I live in Houston, so if anyone has any local recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it! Any concerns with what I have going on, please let me know!

Thanks for the help,
Katie

Darkblade48 · 03-20-2013, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdv9tb

Hello everyone!

I am starting to build my DIY Pressurized CO2 set-up and manifold and had questions I was hoping someone could help me with! First, let me list what I have, or is on its way...

Smith 2 stage regulator (CGA 320 adapter)
15 lb CO2 tank
7- Fabco NV-55 needle valves
Burkert 6011 soleniod
6- glass diffusers
1- DIY inline diffuser

Seems like quite the setup you have planned.

Did you purchase the NV55 or the NV55-18? The former have small #10/32 adapters, and I would not recommend manifold mounting them (as they would require #10/32 to 1/8" NPT adapters) and the small #10/32 fitting would not be able to support the weight of the NV55.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdv9tb

1. What bubble counters do you all recommend? I would prefer ones that are on the manifold compaired to the tank or in line..)

The JBJ or their respective knock offs are the manifold mountable ones. Most include a check valve, but the cheaper ones have a high(er) failure rate, so a check valve between them and the needle valves is highly recommended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdv9tb

2. No tape or pipe dope is recommended, so where would I get the seals or plastic washers to use for this?

I am not sure where you got this information from, but tape or pipe compound is recommended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdv9tb

3. Where in the world do I find 10/32 brass fittings for the manifold? Or could I size down to 1/8 for the tubing

Your local Fabco distributor should have them/be able to order them; as I mentioned you should run the needle valves inline, which would make the point of having a mountable bubble counter (mentioned above), moot.

gSTiTcH · 03-20-2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

I am not sure where you got this information from, but tape or pipe compound is recommended.

No pipe dope or tape should be used on the connector going between the regulator and the tank. I think that's what the OP is referring to.

**mistergreen** · 03-20-2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdv9tb

2. No tape or pipe dope is recommended, so where would I get the seals or

I put on the teflon tape and teflon washer/seal. I get the washer for free every time I go to Welco, my local CO2 distributor.
I just got back from Welco actually. $25 for a 20lbs tank swap.

kdv9tb · 03-20-2013, 06:44 PM

Yes, I was confused with the seals. I have on order a perma seal for between the tank and the regulator. That is the only seal I need, and for all the other connectors, use tape..?

I will have to keep looking for all the fittings! Hopefully in the next couple weeks I can get pictures up of the set-up (As long as my baby get these teeth through and I can get some sleep)!

Does anyone have pictures of there own manifold so I have something to look at, or tips tricks for this?

Darkblade48 · 03-21-2013, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gSTiTcH

No pipe dope or tape should be used on the connector going between the regulator and the tank. I think that's what the OP is referring to.

Ahhh, OK, that makes sense then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdv9tb

Yes, I was confused with the seals. I have on order a perma seal for between the tank and the regulator. That is the only seal I need, and for all the other connectors, use tape..?

Correct; for the other connections, teflon tape or pipe compound is fine.

kdv9tb · 04-16-2013, 01:11 PM

I changed the plan a little bit. I decided to go with a 20lb tank. For $20 more, including shipping I got the 20lber. I know it may be overkill, but I am super busy chasing my now crawling daughter around, and do not have the time to refil a smaller tank more often!
Other than that, not much has progressed. I am STILL waiting for the needle valves. Without them, I can't really do much. I guess I will just have to keep liquid dosing, and hoping everything survives till I get the system built!

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03-20-2013, 12:51 PM	#1
kdv9tb Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 21	DIY Pressurized CO2 Questions Hello everyone! I am starting to build my DIY Pressurized CO2 set-up and manifold and had questions I was hoping someone could help me with! First, let me list what I have, or is on its way... Smith 2 stage regulator (CGA 320 adapter) 15 lb CO2 tank 7- Fabco NV-55 needle valves Burkert 6011 soleniod 6- glass diffusers 1- DIY inline diffuser Here are my questions: 1. What bubble counters do you all recommend? I would prefer ones that are on the manifold compaired to the tank or in line..) 2. No tape or pipe dope is recommended, so where would I get the seals or plastic washers to use for this? 3. Where in the world do I find 10/32 brass fittings for the manifold? Or could I size down to 1/8 for the tubing? I am willing to travel to find what I need. I live in Houston, so if anyone has any local recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it! Any concerns with what I have going on, please let me know! Thanks for the help, Katie

03-20-2013, 06:44 PM	#5
kdv9tb Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 21	Yes, I was confused with the seals. I have on order a perma seal for between the tank and the regulator. That is the only seal I need, and for all the other connectors, use tape..? I will have to keep looking for all the fittings! Hopefully in the next couple weeks I can get pictures up of the set-up (As long as my baby get these teeth through and I can get some sleep)! Does anyone have pictures of there own manifold so I have something to look at, or tips tricks for this?

04-16-2013, 01:11 PM	#7
kdv9tb Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 21	I changed the plan a little bit. I decided to go with a 20lb tank. For $20 more, including shipping I got the 20lber. I know it may be overkill, but I am super busy chasing my now crawling daughter around, and do not have the time to refil a smaller tank more often! Other than that, not much has progressed. I am STILL waiting for the needle valves. Without them, I can't really do much. I guess I will just have to keep liquid dosing, and hoping everything survives till I get the system built!