[Guns286]

The time is rapidly approaching when I'm going to come into a small amount of money. With this money I plan to buy a CO2 system. I can get the tank locally, but I need advice on the rest of the set up. I am not comming into a large amount of money so I want to keep the price reasonable. Here are 2 links to full systems I found. One is cheaper then the other but it seems like the more expensive one has more options (go figure :icon_wink. Let me know what you think:

www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18478/si1431674/cl1/red_sea_co2_pro_system_standard?&query=cp2+system&queryType=0&hits=12&offset=

and

www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935

You guys are the experts so please HELP ME

 

[jjp2]

I wouldn't recommend either. I haven't heard good reviews of the clippard needle valve and the Red Sea regulator is so-so.


I would go with on of these and make a DIY bubble counter.

http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/nature-beast-regulator.html
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/ideal-2-co2-regulator.html

I have that same regulator, solenoid and have used both needle valves.

 

[WarDaddy]

I just picked up the second one you listed used for $50. Worst case I change the needle valve.

Check out the salt water sites, they are always selling CO2 parts, going rate is about $50 on used regulators, that is with the bubble counter and solenoid, see them on crags list and ebay too, but the prices are a bit higher on those.

 

[jjp2]

You may find items on Craigslist or eBay. If you are handy, you can also pick up components and assemble your own system.

 

[hbosman]

I've used the Redsea for a couple of years. Kind of flimsy plastic but it does work. The Redsea probably has a better needle valve than your second choice. That being said, I would take your second choice because you probably will be able to reuse some of the fittings if you upgrade the regulator in the future. Considering the price difference, you could buy a fabco needle valve for the second choice and break even on price and have a better setup overall.

 

[Guns286]

OK hbosman, you're saying that the Dr. Foster and Smith choice is a good one, it just needs a needle valve upgrade. Could you suggest a site that I could buy the "fabco" valve? I'm fairly handy and cant imagine it being too difficult to replace the valve.

 

[Postal Penguin]

http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html

Can get the regulator with Fabco needle valve already installed for $155.

 

[hbosman]

http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html

Can get the regulator with Fabco needle valve already installed for $155.

If you can get it with the Fabco at that price, that would be the way to go. That's a much better regulator. Otherwise you can buy the fabco needle valve and other fittings from,

http://oregonaquadesign.vstore.ca/index.php/cName/co2/osCsid/0d29e66e054811e1414e4835d83ffee2

 

[hbosman]

When I bought the Fabco from Oregon Aqua Design, it came with two hose barbs so I used hose to connect it to my Draught Technologies Regulator (Ebay). I bought the reducers, check valve and 1/4 inch hose barb from OAD as well. I put the 1/4 hose barb on the output of the regulator and connected hose, check valve and bubble counter (also Ebay) to an inline diffuser (where else, Ebay). The bubble counter and fabco are attached to the side of the cabinet. All and all, you can get the bestaquarium regulator for not much more than I spent. :hihi:

 

[Left C]

I wrote the item numbers of some CO2 equipment yesterday that were decent deals on ebay yesterday. I'm not going to purchase any of it and I thought that I would share it.

170389126827
180414198751
220485381804
220485380942
260484708225

The kit at DrsFosterSmith.com is a decent deal now. It is hard to find a good deal on the Azoo regulators now. The Drs have them listed for $99.99. They are almost $100 including shipping on ebay. Several years ago you could get them for a little over $40.

The Azoo regulator is a very good "first" regulator. It has a preset working pressure. This way you can't blow the low pressure gauge because the working pressure wasn't turned down before the CO2 cylinder was opened. The Milwaukee and Cornelius regulators could be damaged because of this mistake. The little Azoo regulator is tough too. The only problem is the needle valve and that is easily corrected.

 

[hbosman]

I wrote some item numbers of some CO2 equipment yesterday that were decent deals on ebay yesterday. I'm not going to purchase any of it and I thought that I would share it.

170389126827
180414198751
220485381804
220485380942
260484708225

The kit at DrsFosterSmith.com is a decent deal now. It is hard to find a good deal on the Azoo regulators now. The Drs have them listed for $99.99. They are almost $100 including shipping on ebay. Several years ago you could get them for a little over $40.

The Azoo regulator is a very good "first" regulator. It has a preset working pressure. This way you can't blow the low pressure gauge because the working pressure wasn't turned down before the CO2 cylinder was opened. The Milwaukee and Cornelius regulators could be damaged because of this mistake. The little Azoo regulator is tough too. The only problem is the needle valve and that is easily corrected.

Do you by chance know the working pressure of the AZOO? I have my working pressure set to 12 lbs so the fabco isn't quite so sensitive.

 

[SwooshManDM]

It's a common misconception that the azoo regulators are not adjustable. I own one and they are in fact adjustable. That being said i'm very happy with it and i would jump on one for $50. In case anyone wants to know how to adjust it, there is a nut on the front, its just a cover for the adjuster. After taking off the nut, adjust the reg with an alan wrench. Very quick and easy.

 

[Left C]

Do you by chance know the working pressure of the AZOO? I have my working pressure set to 12 lbs so the fabco isn't quite so sensitive.

Their working pressure was set a little high. It was near 40 psi if I remember correctly.

 

[Guns286]

First of all, thanks for all the great advice. You guys certainly know your stuff. But, here's my problem; I dont know crap about this stuff. I get the idea of buying the componants seperatly to lower the overall cost. But, being new to this, I think I would rather buy a complete set, except the tank and possible upgrading the needle valve. So, keeping my borderline idiotness in mind, what complete system will give me the most bang for my buck and what additions/changes would I have to make to it to transform it into a good system? Would doing something like hbosman said be the best idea? Or just getting a completed system, like Postal Penguin said, be the best option?

 

[hbosman]

To get up and running, and piece of mind; I would go with Postal Penguin's suggestion. The cost difference isn't that great. I DIYed my "second" co2 setup since I felt comfortable with doing it. I had to research for awhile to find fittings since the Lowes and Home Depots in this area don't carry to much and the closest Ace Hardware is 20 miles away. Yep, to many of us white collar types here I guess. LOL
Anyway, if you diy or modify, Oregan Aqua Design will save you time.

 

[Guns286]

Postal Penguin it is. Thanks hbosman. When the day comes that I get alittle more comfortable with all this, I'll write you back and really bother you

 

[Juicy19]

I was in your shoes about 6 months ago. I decided on this regulator.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/primo-co2-regulator.html

I'm not sure how much you're planning on spending, but this was a great full package that I haven't had any issues with yet.

 

[whickerda]

Guns,

I'm new to planted tanks and to this forum but I've kept reef tanks for over 15 years. In case you havn't figured it out, Aquarium NUTS tend to be very DIY oriented. If you really want an out-of-the-box, set-it-and-forget system go with one of greenleaf's setups. You will not find a better company to do business with. I have no affiliation with the company btw. Orlando's customer service is second to NONE.

 

[Guns286]

OK, thank you whickerda. I like the greenleaf set-up that Juicy recommended. You've convinced me

 

[inkslinger]

You can built one like this : http://www.sumoregulator.com/PremierLine.html
or but it from Sumo.

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draf...premium_double_gauge_beer_co2_regulator.shtml $51.
or

http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/regulators-pid-642.html $55.
http://www.clippard.com/store/display_details.asp?sku=MME-2PDS-D110 $20.
http://oregonaquadesign.vstore.ca/product_info.php/pName/fabco-needle-valve/cName/co2 $22.

There are some better Needle Valves:
http://www.swagelok.com/search/find_products_results.aspx?RPR=100
http://www.idealvalve.com/