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Getting ready to set up CO2 system

1352 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  jrman83, 
T
I have all parts needed; an Aquatek "premium" single stage (though I wish I had a double stage) regulator with solenoid (thank you, Amazon), a 20 lb tank, diffuser, bubble counter, hose and CO2 counter-thingamabob that goes inside tank to measure amount of co2 going into tank.

Are there any step-by-step instructions out there that I can follow? Any pitfalls I need to watch out for? :eek: I've watched so many youtube videos and nothing goes into showing a really nervous novice step-by-step instruction.

Thanks so much!

Correction - it's a 5 lb tank!


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O
Green leaf aquariums Has a pretty good how to video series.
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B
tntfox said:
I have all parts needed; an Aquatek "premium" single stage (though I wish I had a double stage) regulator with solenoid (thank you, Amazon), a 20 lb tank, diffuser, bubble counter, hose and CO2 counter-thingamabob that goes inside tank to measure amount of co2 going into tank.

Are there any step-by-step instructions out there that I can follow? Any pitfalls I need to watch out for? :eek: I've watched so many youtube videos and nothing goes into showing a really nervous novice step-by-step instruction.

Thanks so much!
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Make sure the regulator is closed when you open the tank valve. The rotation is opposite and counter clockwise closes it... notice the little sticker and turn it all the way to Lo.
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Darkblade48
Have you taken a look at my Primer to Pressurized CO2 (linked in my signature below)? It has some additional information on how to setup and start using your pressurized CO2 system, and you may find the information helpful in addition to what you have already seen.
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T
I think that's what I was looking for yesterday and couldn't locate it. Thank you!


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austin.b
BraveBuc said:
Make sure the regulator is closed when you open the tank valve. The rotation is opposite and counter clockwise closes it... notice the little sticker and turn it all the way to Lo.
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This might be a dumb question, but im willing to risk it to prolong the life of my regulator :help:

What do you mean when you say regulator? Did you mean the working pressure knob or the needle valve on the reg? Or a dial on the co2 tank?
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austin.b said:
This might be a dumb question, but im willing to risk it to prolong the life of my regulator :help:

What do you mean when you say regulator? Did you mean the working pressure knob or the needle valve on the reg? Or a dial on the co2 tank?
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I mean the working pressure knob needs to be closed all the way when you first open the knob on the co2 tank. When you open the tank, it is kind of on or off. So, if the working pressure knob is not closed, you'll get a sudden burst of pressure that will blow things like your working pressure gauge. Once the tank is open, you can slowly open the regulator and forget about it until refill. I'm in the no question is stupid camp btw.

+1 on Darkblade's primer.
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S
You didn't mention having a one way valve. These are a good idea to put into your CO2 tubing to prevent the tank water from backing up into the regulator. They are sometimes built into the lower end of the bubble counter. If it is not already on your regulator try blowing through it from the top or examine it closely, or read the specs/instructions that came with it. If not then you should invest in an in line valve.
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austin.b
BraveBuc said:
I mean the working pressure knob needs to be closed all the way when you first open the knob on the co2 tank. When you open the tank, it is kind of on or off. So, if the working pressure knob is not closed, you'll get a sudden burst of pressure that will blow things like your working pressure gauge. Once the tank is open, you can slowly open the regulator and forget about it until refill. I'm in the no question is stupid camp btw.

+1 on Darkblade's primer.
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Ahhh thats much clearer. Thank you!
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T
I have not yet set up my system as I just got the tank filled. We're getting ready to go out of town and the only thing being done to the tanks while we're gone will be to turn on and off the lights and feed the fish every couple of days. Rather than have the system on and unattended, should I just wait until we get back to get it up and running? :help:

Thanks!
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J
I would not set it up if you are leaving. You will want at least a few days to monitor and adjust before leaving it, IMO.
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