Paintball CO2 Setup - Confusion

[Mumford]

Ok so I've been trying to do some homework hit I'm still a little lost. The plan as of now is a 20 gallon long tank.

I'm going to do a paintball tank for my CO2 and have trying to piece together what I need. As of now I'm thinking the following two items:


CO2 tank: http://www.punisherspb.com/jt-ivt-co...ator-20oz.aspx

Regulator:

AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini:Amazon:Pet Supplies

AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini:Amazon:Pet Supplies

And then I need some tubing and a diffuser right?


- Mumford

[hisxlency]

Mumford

I am building basically the same setup you are. Several things for you to consider.

The tank you list is over priced. I play paintball and they can be had for $10 -$20 used on Craigslist and about $22ish new with free shipping. Check amazon as well. I also would try thr local paintball supply store. I play so its not too hard for me to find a few tanks cheap. Also note there is a 24 oz available. I dont know why everyone is keen on the 20oz when you can get 4 more oz' at a nominal up charge.

The Aquatek is the one im getting too. The only thing I think we are missing is the diffuser and a check valve. I dont know which is the preferred one but thats next on my list to identify for purchase. Otherwise your choices look good

[Mumford]

Originally Posted by hisxlency

Mumford

I am building basically the same setup you are. Several things for you to consider.

The tank you list is over priced. I play paintball and they can be had for $10 -$20 used on Craigslist and about $22ish new with free shipping. Check amazon as well. I also would try thr local paintball supply store. I play so its not too hard for me to find a few tanks cheap. Also note there is a 24 oz available. I dont know why everyone is keen on the 20oz when you can get 4 more oz' at a nominal up charge.

The Aquatek is the one im getting too. The only thing I think we are missing is the diffuser and a check valve. I dont know which is the preferred one but thats next on my list to identify for purchase. Otherwise your choices look good

The tank is a little more expensive BUT it has a display on the side of the tank that will show you when you're getting low. It's a feature I haven't seen on any other one.

And yes the check valve is a good call (forgot about that one)

Have you thought about diffusers?

- Mumford

[sarahspins]

You can pick up a tank at most sporting goods stores too - a lot of them will do your first fill for free when you buy one, so it's not worth it to save a few dollars ordering online when you make up the difference the first time you fill it. I think I paid about $24 each for my 24oz tanks but the 18 and 20oz tanks were cheaper. It doesn't cost much more to fill a 24oz tank.

The aquatek mini comes with tubing (but it's not great) and a bubble counter/check valve. I'd recommend a better check valve, CO2 proof tubing, and a diffuser. I actually like the aquatek diffusers.. I've gotten very consisten fine bubble output with them, unlike some of the glass ones I've had.

[Mumford]

Originally Posted by sarahspins

You can pick up a tank at most sporting goods stores too - a lot of them will do your first fill for free when you buy one, so it's not worth it to save a few dollars ordering online when you make up the difference the first time you fill it. I think I paid about $24 each for my 24oz tanks but the 18 and 20oz tanks were cheaper. It doesn't cost much more to fill a 24oz tank.

The aquatek mini comes with tubing (but it's not great) and a bubble counter/check valve. I'd recommend a better check valve, CO2 proof tubing, and a diffuser. I actually like the aquatek diffusers.. I've gotten very consisten fine bubble output with them, unlike some of the glass ones I've had.

But the other ones probably didn't have the meter that tells you how full it is right?

I'll have to look at the aquatek diffusers, I didn't think to look there. Where did you get your better check valves and co2 proof tubing?


- Mumford

[TwoTacoCombo]

Don't bother with a meter.. you know it's getting empty when the pressure starts to drop. You can also gauge it with a cheap shipping scale. BTW, There's a seller right now on fleabay shipping the PB regs out of Los Angeles for $10 less than amazon, with free shipping.

[hisxlency]

Originally Posted by sarahspins

You can pick up a tank at most sporting goods stores too - a lot of them will do your first fill for free when you buy one, so it's not worth it to save a few dollars ordering online when you make up the difference the first time you fill it. I think I paid about $24 each for my 24oz tanks but the 18 and 20oz tanks were cheaper. It doesn't cost much more to fill a 24oz tank.

The aquatek mini comes with tubing (but it's not great) and a bubble counter/check valve. I'd recommend a better check valve, CO2 proof tubing, and a diffuser. I actually like the aquatek diffusers.. I've gotten very consisten fine bubble output with them, unlike some of the glass ones I've had.

good info. Ill toss the tubing and get a better vavle. Does the AquaTek come with the diffuser? Thought it was an add-on item? If so, which specific one did you buy?

[Mumford]

Originally Posted by TwoTacoCombo

Don't bother with a meter.. you know it's getting empty when the pressure starts to drop. You can also gauge it with a cheap shipping scale. BTW, There's a seller right now on fleabay shipping the PB regs out of Los Angeles for $10 less than amazon, with free shipping.

Can you send a link?


I'd be interested in which diffuser is the best from aquatek at well!


- Mumford

[mttaz1005]

thought i would toss my 2 cents in but this is what i did and works really well for me.

i have a 20 Gallon long tank and i use

U.P. Aqua Simple Regulator

U.P. Aqua Simple Regulator

$19.00

AQUATEK CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter

AQUATEK CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter

$16.99

Empire 20oz CO2 Tank

Empire 20oz CO2 Tank

$17.40

eBay - S5 CO2 Diffuser Aquarium Glass Carbon Dioxide Reactor $6.59

just thought i would throw that in

[Mumford]

Originally Posted by mttaz1005

thought i would toss my 2 cents in but this is what i did and works really well for me.

i have a 20 Gallon long tank and i use

U.P. Aqua Simple Regulator $19.00

AQUATEK CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter $16.99

Empire 20oz CO2 Tank $17.40

eBay - S5 CO2 Diffuser Aquarium Glass Carbon Dioxide Reactor $6.59

just thought i would throw that in

I think I'm going to upgrade the regulator but that's a good model! Working alright so far?


- Mumford

[Mumford]

Then again the Deluxe AQUATEK CO2 Regulator with Integrated Solenoid (R-76-4) looks nicer: http://aquatek-california.com/co2-regulator-solenoid/


- Mumford

[mttaz1005]

Originally Posted by Mumford

I think I'm going to upgrade the regulator but that's a good model! Working alright so far?


- Mumford

ya i have not had any issues, been using it for close to a month now.

also there is someone selling an AQUATEK CO2 Regulator for $75 shipped and its new, might want to check it out.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=245994

[Mumford]

Yeah I saw that but they're selling the one version on that page I wouldn't want :P

[sarahspins]

Also, it's worth noting that the $16 paintball adapter will adapt any standard regulator to use paintball tanks.. if you don't want to deal with larger CO2 tanks

[sepulvd]

dont forget a drop checker so you cna see what your CO2 levels are at and be able to adjust your bubble rate. i got mine form aquatic magic