DIY paintball

[Aleeeeeezy]

So, I'm completely new to fish keeping along with plants, but I have a 20 gal I'd like to begin to plant. I really don't have enough money for a CO2 commercial system (still in high school, no job) but I'd rather not deal with the inconsistencies of a yeast producer. I've been looking at the paintball tank method, but I read in one article that someone's tank exploded because of build up, or something? Also, I can't find one of the ASA On/Off Valves. So if anyone could link me to a regulator or something that would prevent explosions, and a link to a valve, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

[discgo]

It's a long, hard read but you're young and have more time than money so it may work out.

Paintball Co2 Injection DIY Setup with Tons of Photos

[Aleeeeeezy]

But wouldn't that have a chance of pressure building too high and possibly be dangerous?

[discgo]

The pressure doesn't build too high, it starts out that high. Co2 in a bottle runs anywhere from 800psi and up. The hotter the temp the bottle is stored at the higher the pressure inside it will go. It's really not that big of a deal for aquariums that are in a climate controlled environment. I would be careful not to leave a full co2 bottle in your car on a hot day.

Your first step will be to get the co2 down to a workable pressure so you don't blow up other equipment hooked up down line. A co2 regulator does this. Some have gotten away with just a needle valve to control it but you are using one tiny valve to go from 800psi to 1-2 bubble per second. The risk of something not going right is a lot higher and you are lucky to have 130 pages of past experience to glean through in the provided link. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask more ?'s

Also, click the link in my signature for how I built my regulator.

[Wicket_lfe]

Once you find the right post, its pretty simple. just get the on/off paintball valve, then a needle valve from a hardware store, and a nut to close the other hole, or get a pressure gauge. The trickier part is stopping leaks.

[xev11]

Originally Posted by Wicket_lfe

Once you find the right post, its pretty simple. just get the on/off paintball valve, then a needle valve from a hardware store, and a nut to close the other hole, or get a pressure gauge. The trickier part is stopping leaks.

Do u know of a hardware store locally that has needle valves? I know the homedepots dont.

[Wicket_lfe]

Originally Posted by xev11

Do u know of a hardware store locally that has needle valves? I know the homedepots dont.

I thought I got mine at Home Depot, but I also went to Loews so I may have gotten it there.

Locally in terms of Manhattan is another story. They have a very limited plumbing section compared to Long Island.

[Wicket_lfe]

here's a quick pic instead of looking through the original thread.

[IMG][/IMG]