Newbie(ish) C02 Question - Which to buy?

[wulfie]

Hey All,

So I've decided I want to pick up a CO2 system for my 90g tank. I have been reading a fair bit and I think that I want a dual-stage regulator on a standard tank, however, I still don't know which actual parts to get and reviews on some of these are few and far between. This is what I am currently considering:

Regulator

• Harris HP702
• Air Products Regulator (Branded as GO)
• Victor HPT270B
• Concoa 412
• Linde Redline Regulator

Needle Valve

• Swagelok SS-22RS4
• Swagelok SS-SS2-A
• Ideal 52-1-12

Along with a Burkert Solenoid and a brass bubble counter. Anyone have any recommendations for which regulator/needle valve I should get? Does it really matter?

[Bettatail]

They are all good regulators and metering valves, but the solenoid runs hot.

pick the one you like the look or the price you can afford.

[herns]

Originally Posted by wulfie

Anyone have any recommendations for which regulator/needle valve I should get? Does it really matter?

• Ideal 52-1-12<---my recommendation

I am not sure of Concoa 412 series. But Iam absolutely 100% sure on 212 series.

[xxxSHyXAxxx]

burkert solenoids are quality products that last a long time.

[oldpunk78]

The victor is my favorite the Linde is a close second

[maknwar]

Originally Posted by Bettatail

They are all good regulators and metering valves, but the solenoid runs hot.

pick the one you like the look or the price you can afford.

The solenoid running hot does not mean anything. Only solenoid that doesnt run hot is the clippard mouse solenoid that you put on all of your setups you sell.

All the regulators have stainless steel diaphragms, are dual stage and are high quality. No real difference besides looks, manufacturer and size/color.

[herns]

Originally Posted by xxxSHyXAxxx

burkert solenoids are quality products that last a long time.

+1. A great combination w/ IDeal Neddle V.

[btimmer92]

edit: nevermind

[shrimpNewbie]

I like the way the linde looks =p

[btimmer92]

get one that has a 60 psi gauge

[oldpunk78]

^ I wonder why you've recommended a 60psi low pressure gauge?

[Mr. Fisher]

Originally Posted by Bettatail

They are all good regulators and metering valves, but the solenoid runs hot.

There is no correlation between the heat given off by a particular solenoid and quality/durability.

[btimmer92]

Originally Posted by oldpunk78

^ I wonder why you've recommended a 60psi low pressure gauge?

I used to not pay attention to what the LP gauge range is, but then I realized that it does make it a little easier to adjust. Of course I mean how high the regulator goes, assuming that the gauges matches pretty close. I have a 30 psi myself, so I never used anything high until I started building some.

I do not think that it makes that big of a difference, but all of the regulators you have for sale right now look like great quality, so I was just throwin that out there about the gauge as a tie breaker. I am not saying there is anything wrong with the 200psi models you have. What do you think about it?

[btimmer92]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fisher

There is no correlation between the heat given off by a particular solenoid and quality/durability.

Are you sure about that? I thought that's why old clippards had a history of failing, something about the heat being designed to be dissipated by the flow rate of the fluid, which in our case is not high enough to do the job.

[maknwar]

Originally Posted by btimmer92

Are you sure about that? I thought that's why old clippards had a history of failing, something about the heat being designed to be dissipated by the flow rate of the fluid, which in our case is not high enough to do the job.

Listening to bettatail I see. The old clippards were awesome, rock solid. Its not until some people started to get the new ones that they had problems with them. bettatail just says the heat is bad cause he gets the mouse solenoids for so cheap and he can make more profit out of them. Never trust a salesman, do research yourself.