New Fluval CO2 Kit

hockey9999 · 12-12-2010, 05:30 PM

I think at this point I am going to be returning the Fluval kit and just going the DIY paintball route. I got my kit in and for some reason the canister will not thread onto the regulator. It stops after about 3/4 of a turn. I am not sure if it is a problem with the threads on the regulator or tank itself, but I am certainly not going to force it to screw in.

By the time I buy an adapter of some sort, and then a 20-24oz paintball tank once my first cartridge runs out, I will have spent way more then just going with the DIY paintball setup to begin with. I had planned on replacing at least the ugly Fluval diffuser anyway, will probably go with a cheap glass diffuser/bubble counter from ebay

Hope the kit works out for everyone else though!

sailnut · 12-12-2010, 05:53 PM

The canister is supposed to fit tight! I thought mine was cross threading but with a little hand torque it went on. When the pin pierces the cartridge you will hear nothing but the gauge will read about 1,000.

What you are experiencing is what I wrote about in my last post. The mfg of the cylinder is supposed to clean the threads once they are tapped. That's an expensive proposition and many do not do it. The roughly tapped threads are slightly to large so the tank is tough to screw into the regulator.

Because of this Fluval warns of undo wear in the regulator in a couple of years.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well everything is matched in this kit. The valve is just sensitive enough and it will hold a 1 bubble/sec all day long. The diffuser produces a cloud a tiny bubbles that dissolve rapidly.

If someone can find an adapter for larger tank
s this piece is a real winner.

hockey9999 · 12-12-2010, 06:03 PM

I'm talking like stopped dead tight.. It just didn't feel right at all. The top of the canister wasn't anywhere near the pin in the regulator, so I know I wasn't just feeling resistance from the pin. I will give it one more try when I get my tank running. I didn't intend to actually puncture the cartridge yet, since I dont have a tank to use it on.. My girlfriend got me the Ebi for Christmas and I have been forbidden to touch it until then. I am working on getting her to compromise and just give me filter so I can seed it in another tank lol. I got my co2 kit from petsolutions.com, they have a 60 day return policy so I have plenty of time.

After hearing how happy you are with yours, I am tempted to stick with it. It sounds like it is far more controllable then a DIY paintball setup.. The deal breaker will be whether one of these adapters or cheaper 88g canisters will definitely work..

TLE041 · 12-12-2010, 06:05 PM

I've read that it's recommended to use some Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the treads and seals to give a completely air-tight seal. Maybe the extra lubrication could help make your canister go on easier?

For those using this already, do you find there's a problem at all with it running all night? This is my first regulator without a solenoid so I'm a little nervous about it. It'll be used on a 5.5 gallon tank (Mini-M).

hockey9999 · 12-12-2010, 06:13 PM

TLE041, do you happen to recall which ebay seller you got your diffuser/bubble counter from? I really like them. Regardless of what I decided to do, I want to order similar ones. I will give your Vaseline suggestion a try, in addition to applying some more force and cleaning the threads when I set up the tank.

Since you are talking about possibly shutting it off at night, I am assuming that the needle valve on the regulator allows you to completely stop co2 flow. Sailnut, can you confirm that for us?

TLE041 · 12-12-2010, 06:22 PM

Diffuser: search "2x Slanted Glass CO2 diffuser for planted aquarium tank"
Bubble counter: search "CO2 Bubble Counter / Monitor / CO2 checker"

I'd prefer not to have to manually shut on and off every day. Besides the risk of forgetting to do it, I also want to avoid prematurely wearing out the needle valve. If there's no other option I'd rather leave it on all the time. I posted a thread inquiring about a solenoid for this unit but didn't get anything conclusive.

OverStocked · 12-12-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockey9999

Does anyone happen to know what the thread size of a standard paintball tank is? For some reason I can't find it anywhere.. Is it 1/2" npt? If so, these guys may have something that works..

http://www.sealconusa.com/catalog/ad...nl-red_02.html

A normal paintball tank is cga320, just like a normal co2 tank. The only difference is that paintball tanks have a pin depressor in them. You'd need an 88g male to paintball adapter.

sailnut · 12-12-2010, 07:11 PM

"I'm talking like stopped dead tight.. It just didn't feel right at all. The top of the canister wasn't anywhere near the pin in the regulator, so I know I wasn't just feeling resistance from the pin"

Which was exactly my impression. However the tank was not cross threaded and seated itself properly. There was no sound when the pin penetrated the tank nozzle. However the gauge immediately registered 1,000.

In response to the needle valve seating. It does not require much force to seat the valve and I cannot believe that this is a wear and tear item. It takes between 1/2 and 1/3 of a turn to get enough pressure to start the diffuser.

Last night after trying to stop the flow by crimping the tube (and failing) I shut off the system. In the morning I found that 1/2 the water in the bubble counter had bee sucked back into the tube. It took about 10 - 15 minutes after opening the needle valve for the water to be pushed back into the bubble counter and the diffuser to start. Once started it was easy to restore my previous drop rate of 1/sec.

A google search of 88G male connector return results for a 12g to 88g adapter. The the 88g tanks are relatively popular so I suppose a workable adapter is around but I have no clue re it where-about's

As to the paintball systems using the full tank pressure... The needle valves are being operated way outside there design pressure spectrum. This is a recipe for trouble. If I give up on the Fluval I will get one of the Foster &Smith's setup and an airball adapter. Not to spend the extra money is false economy.

gBOYsc2 · 12-12-2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLE041

I'd prefer not to have to manually shut on and off every day. Besides the risk of forgetting to do it, I also want to avoid prematurely wearing out the needle valve. If there's no other option I'd rather leave it on all the time. I posted a thread inquiring about a solenoid for this unit but didn't get anything conclusive.

Hi TLE041. I wouldn't worry too much about leaving the co2 all night long. I have kept my 50g and 20g tanks with pressurized co2 running 24/7 withouth a problem. I only have minor surface agitation as well.

What are you going to be using as a filter? Are you using a canister or HOB? HOB you will have no problem for sure. If you are using a canister just make sure you have a little bit of surface agitation and you shouldn't have much of a problem.

OverStocked · 12-12-2010, 08:00 PM

Pm me tomorrow. I will have some lower voltage inline solenoids

Sent from my DINC

Cento · 12-15-2010, 02:47 PM

Has anyone tried the mini version (Fluval CO2 20 Mini)? I read from the picture on the box that a "diffusor has to manually be filled once a day"? What does that exactly mean? Is this the case for the 88g?

I already have a glass diffusor that I like; will that work with this mini system?

Thanks in advance,

Cento

TLE041 · 12-17-2010, 02:34 AM

Hi Cento,

The 88g kit comes with a standard ceramic diffuser (a plastic version of a glass one), so it doesn't need to be filled at all. The diffuser that comes with the 20g one is very strange.

Between the two, I'd get the 88g kit (which I did).

Cento · 12-17-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLE041

Hi Cento......Between the two, I'd get the 88g kit (which I did).

Thanks for the reply... I'm seriously contemplating getting one, but I'm just apprehensive about the smallness of the tank and am waiting for the outcome of another thread of yours to see if it can be adapted to larger tanks...

Cento · 12-21-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by over_stocked

A normal paintball tank is cga320, just like a normal co2 tank. The only difference is that paintball tanks have a pin depressor in them. You'd need an 88g male to paintball adapter.

Sorry to dig this up again, but I just bought the 88gr Fluval co2 kit, and before I open it up and use it, I wanna be sure; over_stocked, I don't know if I understood correctly, but are you saying that there exists an adaptor to fit the 88gr Fuval "regulator" onto a refillable paintball tank?

sailnut · 12-21-2010, 01:31 PM

At the present that question is unanswered. At this point we know that there is no adapter for the 95g tanks which has a similar , not the same. thread as an 88g tank.

I have been running my Fluval for a week and I am very pleased with the mechanics of the thing. The diffuser is first rate and the bubble count is easily set and does not vary,

As to a Paintball system (my personal take.) I would stay away from anything without a regulator. A co2 cylinder is pressurized to 100's of lbs/sq-inch. To control the flow with a needle valve which may or may not be rated for that kind of pressure is asking for trouble. Unfortunately any regulator/needle valve/diffuser set up is a lot more money then the Fluval. 88g cartridges are widely available and at a bubble every 2 to 4 seconds should last for a few weeks, I would suggest you do your homework respecting the economies of a Paintball system operating in a small tank.

12-12-2010, 06:05 PM	#19
TLE041 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 1,086	I've read that it's recommended to use some Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the treads and seals to give a completely air-tight seal. Maybe the extra lubrication could help make your canister go on easier? For those using this already, do you find there's a problem at all with it running all night? This is my first regulator without a solenoid so I'm a little nervous about it. It'll be used on a 5.5 gallon tank (Mini-M). __________________ Tony My Mini-M & Mini-L journal

12-12-2010, 06:22 PM	#21
TLE041 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 1,086	Diffuser: search "2x Slanted Glass CO2 diffuser for planted aquarium tank" Bubble counter: search "CO2 Bubble Counter / Monitor / CO2 checker" I'd prefer not to have to manually shut on and off every day. Besides the risk of forgetting to do it, I also want to avoid prematurely wearing out the needle valve. If there's no other option I'd rather leave it on all the time. I posted a thread inquiring about a solenoid for this unit but didn't get anything conclusive. __________________ Tony My Mini-M & Mini-L journal

12-15-2010, 02:47 PM	#26
Cento Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 268	Has anyone tried the mini version (Fluval CO2 20 Mini)? I read from the picture on the box that a "diffusor has to manually be filled once a day"? What does that exactly mean? Is this the case for the 88g? I already have a glass diffusor that I like; will that work with this mini system? Thanks in advance, Cento __________________ Regards, Cento PIMP #427 - 2 x 2213, 1 x 2206, 1 x Surface Extractor

12-17-2010, 02:34 AM	#27
TLE041 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 1,086	Hi Cento, The 88g kit comes with a standard ceramic diffuser (a plastic version of a glass one), so it doesn't need to be filled at all. The diffuser that comes with the 20g one is very strange. Between the two, I'd get the 88g kit (which I did). __________________ Tony My Mini-M & Mini-L journal

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12-12-2010, 05:30 PM	#16
hockey9999 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 220	I think at this point I am going to be returning the Fluval kit and just going the DIY paintball route. I got my kit in and for some reason the canister will not thread onto the regulator. It stops after about 3/4 of a turn. I am not sure if it is a problem with the threads on the regulator or tank itself, but I am certainly not going to force it to screw in. By the time I buy an adapter of some sort, and then a 20-24oz paintball tank once my first cartridge runs out, I will have spent way more then just going with the DIY paintball setup to begin with. I had planned on replacing at least the ugly Fluval diffuser anyway, will probably go with a cheap glass diffuser/bubble counter from ebay Hope the kit works out for everyone else though!

12-12-2010, 05:53 PM	#17
sailnut Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New York City Posts: 127	The canister is supposed to fit tight! I thought mine was cross threading but with a little hand torque it went on. When the pin pierces the cartridge you will hear nothing but the gauge will read about 1,000. What you are experiencing is what I wrote about in my last post. The mfg of the cylinder is supposed to clean the threads once they are tapped. That's an expensive proposition and many do not do it. The roughly tapped threads are slightly to large so the tank is tough to screw into the regulator. Because of this Fluval warns of undo wear in the regulator in a couple of years. I was pleasantly surprised at how well everything is matched in this kit. The valve is just sensitive enough and it will hold a 1 bubble/sec all day long. The diffuser produces a cloud a tiny bubbles that dissolve rapidly. If someone can find an adapter for larger tank s this piece is a real winner.

12-12-2010, 06:03 PM	#18
hockey9999 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 220	I'm talking like stopped dead tight.. It just didn't feel right at all. The top of the canister wasn't anywhere near the pin in the regulator, so I know I wasn't just feeling resistance from the pin. I will give it one more try when I get my tank running. I didn't intend to actually puncture the cartridge yet, since I dont have a tank to use it on.. My girlfriend got me the Ebi for Christmas and I have been forbidden to touch it until then. I am working on getting her to compromise and just give me filter so I can seed it in another tank lol. I got my co2 kit from petsolutions.com, they have a 60 day return policy so I have plenty of time. After hearing how happy you are with yours, I am tempted to stick with it. It sounds like it is far more controllable then a DIY paintball setup.. The deal breaker will be whether one of these adapters or cheaper 88g canisters will definitely work..

12-12-2010, 06:13 PM	#20
hockey9999 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 220	TLE041, do you happen to recall which ebay seller you got your diffuser/bubble counter from? I really like them. Regardless of what I decided to do, I want to order similar ones. I will give your Vaseline suggestion a try, in addition to applying some more force and cleaning the threads when I set up the tank. Since you are talking about possibly shutting it off at night, I am assuming that the needle valve on the regulator allows you to completely stop co2 flow. Sailnut, can you confirm that for us?

12-12-2010, 07:11 PM	#23
sailnut Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New York City Posts: 127	"I'm talking like stopped dead tight.. It just didn't feel right at all. The top of the canister wasn't anywhere near the pin in the regulator, so I know I wasn't just feeling resistance from the pin" Which was exactly my impression. However the tank was not cross threaded and seated itself properly. There was no sound when the pin penetrated the tank nozzle. However the gauge immediately registered 1,000. In response to the needle valve seating. It does not require much force to seat the valve and I cannot believe that this is a wear and tear item. It takes between 1/2 and 1/3 of a turn to get enough pressure to start the diffuser. Last night after trying to stop the flow by crimping the tube (and failing) I shut off the system. In the morning I found that 1/2 the water in the bubble counter had bee sucked back into the tube. It took about 10 - 15 minutes after opening the needle valve for the water to be pushed back into the bubble counter and the diffuser to start. Once started it was easy to restore my previous drop rate of 1/sec. A google search of 88G male connector return results for a 12g to 88g adapter. The the 88g tanks are relatively popular so I suppose a workable adapter is around but I have no clue re it where-about's As to the paintball systems using the full tank pressure... The needle valves are being operated way outside there design pressure spectrum. This is a recipe for trouble. If I give up on the Fluval I will get one of the Foster &Smith's setup and an airball adapter. Not to spend the extra money is false economy.

12-12-2010, 08:00 PM	#25
OverStocked Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (76/94%) Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoDak Posts: 10,732	Pm me tomorrow. I will have some lower voltage inline solenoids Sent from my DINC

12-21-2010, 01:31 PM	#30
sailnut Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New York City Posts: 127	At the present that question is unanswered. At this point we know that there is no adapter for the 95g tanks which has a similar , not the same. thread as an 88g tank. I have been running my Fluval for a week and I am very pleased with the mechanics of the thing. The diffuser is first rate and the bubble count is easily set and does not vary, As to a Paintball system (my personal take.) I would stay away from anything without a regulator. A co2 cylinder is pressurized to 100's of lbs/sq-inch. To control the flow with a needle valve which may or may not be rated for that kind of pressure is asking for trouble. Unfortunately any regulator/needle valve/diffuser set up is a lot more money then the Fluval. 88g cartridges are widely available and at a bubble every 2 to 4 seconds should last for a few weeks, I would suggest you do your homework respecting the economies of a Paintball system operating in a small tank.