CO2 needle valve question

[norbot]

Hi I'm just setting up pressurized CO2, I have 20lb co2 tank and a nice dual guage regulator, and I was wondering if I can just get a needle valve from BORG?

I'm only doing manual setup for now, I've read it's fine to leave it on 24/7, I've got drop checkers too.

Any advice? If possible would like to avoid ordering online, I like cash

Thanks

[norbot]

My Tank:

Cycled 55 gal
2 x 54w t5HO 4500k and 6500k
giant hairgrass, micro sword and java fern
excel, comprehensive, potassium, (about to start nitrate)
Eco-complete and flora max substrate with laterite underneath near plants
eheim pro 3e and eheim classicw/ peat. horizontal spraybars for gas exchange
currently about 4 gal of diy yeast co2 and still not enough
rex grigg style reactor on seperate line with pump
2 currently bluish green diy drop checkers
11 happy cardinals
a tiny bit of thread algae

Im on well water, which is great for chlorine but my kh is at least 250 ppm. Current ph 6.8, hoping this will lower a bit with pressurized.

I want to install this co2 system but am unsure if I can use any old needle valve like from home depot, or do I need a fancy aquarium type gizmo.

I welcome any input anyone may have for a beginner

Thank you

[blink]

I was using a Watts brand needle valve from Home Depot and it sorta worked but I could never get it to dial in and stay dialed in. I'd honestly not recommend it unless you really want to give it a try with the expectation that it may not work.

Maybe try checking for an Ideal Valve or Fabco dealer near you?

[Darkblade48]

I agree; the needle valves that you can obtain from the local hardware store are not suited for our needs in the aquarium. They are unable to provide enough control to provide the low flow rate that we require.

[norbot]

Right that's about what I expected. Is there any way to tell the quality of a needle valve by looking at it?

There's a local supply I will try tomorrow that specializes in brass fittings.

Those ideal valves seem nice, may end up ordering and waiting.

Thanks for the input

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by norbot

Right that's about what I expected. Is there any way to tell the quality of a needle valve by looking at it?

There's a local supply I will try tomorrow that specializes in brass fittings.

Those ideal valves seem nice, may end up ordering and waiting.

Thanks for the input

With a specification sheet, sure. Just by looking at outer appearances? No.