[nodim]

So I have a milwaukee regulator running CO2 for my 75 gal tank. I currently do not use either a pH controller or drop checker. I only use a bubble counter. I'd like to step up my approach a little bit to maintain better conditions for my plants and fish.

Is either a drop checker or controller a better option?

thanks

nodima

 

[[email protected]]

From what I've read Milwaukee regulators are notorious for end of tank dumps. A ph controller would prevent that.
Jimbo

 

[reel1090]

I also have a Milwaukee regulator but am still on my first co2 tank with it and have not had any problem with it. I also have a ph monitor and a drop checker. I think you need both. A drop checker will indicate the amount of CO2 in the water. Since ph and co2 content are related, the ph monitor will hold the co2 constant because it is keeping the PH constant.
Jim

 

[Smitty06]

I would say the better buy would be a drop checker. Should your kh go up for no apparent reason, then you will gas your fish.

 

[kevmo911]

Well, for the price of a pH controller, you could buy a solid used single or dual stage regulator, and you'd never have to worry about EOTD.

You'd also have a jumpstart on upgrading from the Milwaukee, which, if you keep with the hobby, you'll almost definitely upgrade from over the next year or two in any case.

I'm not a pH controller hater, but I've never owned one, and have never seen a good reason to. The one benefit, aside from preventing an EOTD with a crappy regulator, that I will acknowledge, is that as you dramatically increase or decrease plant mass, CO2 will be consumed at a slightly different rate, and a pH controller will deal with that change. Whereas, without a controller, you'd have to manually change your flow rate via a needle or metering valve. However, if you keep your CO2 on the high end to begin with, this is a moot point.

 

[nodim]

thanks for the feedback - i have been at it for years, and have had the pressurized CO2 for at least 3 or 4 years now. I may look into a better regulator, as the one i have has dumped once.

Any suggestions on where to look? I don't mind buying new - but am unsure what else to package together in terms of solenoid or bubble counter to hook up to it. Can I just get a regulator and then go a la carte, or is a pre packaged model the best bang for the buck?

 

[[email protected]]

I would contact Orlando at Greenleaf aquariums. If it wasn't for him I might of given up on the whole co2 thing. I highly recommend him and his regulators.
Jimbo

 

[Darkblade48]

It is possible to pick a regulator, and then go a la carte as you have suggested. Many people pick parts and then assemble their own pressurized CO2 setups. For more information regarding this, please take a look at my guide to pressurized CO2 that I have written (linked in my signature).

Alternatively, Green Leaf Aquariums (GLA) makes good pressurized CO2 setups as well, albeit a little on the expensive side.

 

[[email protected]]

Darkblade, I read your guide about co2 and all I can say is wow! I wish I would of run across that months ago. Thanks for taking the time to do that. I will be watching to see what you have to say about things from now on!
Jimbo