inexpensive setup for co2 just for your info

1010 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by jrman83, May 18, 2014

morelight

Discussion Starter · May 17, 2014

here is what i use and it's been working for about 6 months setup this way:
Harbor Freight regulator
$35

WIC solenoid valve model 2PCK-1/8 12vdc-g
pressure: vacuum to 115 psi
$16 on EBay free ship

Premium Aquatics needle valve
$20 free ship.
total $71 for a dual gauge regulator system.

tank you can shop around. I found a 20lb on Craigslist for $20 full
good luck.

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PlantedRich

· #2 · May 17, 2014

I'm always willing to look at things that seem to work and not cost as much. I tend to get skeptical when I hear Harbor Freight but I know that is not always a problem. Can you tell us more about how you are finding it works as well as what you are using it on? I'm not shy about using a single stage reg. You're aware of the difference in dual gauge and dual stage regs?
I would think your system is okay and will work but then whether it is really better may depend on your outlook. The cost of their pre- built Milwaukee will be nearly the same when a bubble counter, check valve and fittings are figured into the total. But you will be able to move away from having the bubble counter directly over the reg, etc. which can be a hazard when the check valve fails.
Overall, can I give it a "like" but with restrictions? The thing I like best is that you have a setup which will work for a reasonable amount of money and it does have some real merit on down the line. One big thing for me is that you can use it and not be tied to replacing the whole thing if one minor part fails. Maybe it lasts longer than you need but if not, you can easily replace anything that needs it. And then you do get a big cheer for the CO2 find!

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jrman83

· #3 · May 18, 2014

I don't see how this inexpensive setup is much different from many other inexpensive single stage setups all ready to go. Just my opinion. Is it's reliability any better than any other single stage?

All I care about is reliability in the delivery of CO2. I think you did good by building it yourself. Why not build a dual stage for maybe $20 more? Not knocking anything you did.

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prestonp

· #4 · May 18, 2014

jrman where can I find a dual stage regulator for around $50-60? I'm checking a popular online auction site, but I have a lot of anxiety picking one out. I don't know which are actually dual stage and safe for co2. Do you have any recommended brand models?

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jrman83

· #5 · May 18, 2014

I paid $55 for one of mine off of evilbay. This was a chrome plated shiny one but the brass ones are easier to come by and cheaper. Read through some of the regulator build threads and there is much discussion about picking ones up off the bay.

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PlantedRich

· #6 · May 18, 2014

The problem I find with dealing with the auction is that the regs are not usable in some cases. Whether it is due to crooks or just careless sellers, we still get stuck with losing the shipping when it goes wrong. I don't like dual stage enough to want to risk a used item. I find dual stage to be more than I need if I operate with any amount of caution. I run 75 and 125 gallon tanks which would seem to use CO2 far quicker than smaller tanks and even with the size, I have more than a week to notice the gas running lower. I am able to get a refill easily in a weeks time. One doesn't get EOTD if we don't let the tank go dry, so I much prefer a smaller, cheaper reg that is new and guaranteed to work. I find walking into the local homebrew place and picking one up is nice. I can look at it, ask questions and bring it back if it doesn't work. They also don't have the hassle/ expense of getting an old fitting switched out to the correct CGA 320.
It's a $50-60 new versus $50-60 used that may not work question to me.

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jrman83

· #7 · May 18, 2014

I guess there is always risk when buying something used. Sometimes new ones can be had for not all that much more. But, for an extra $20 or so the risk is fairly light, referring to the info above. I have only bought 2 used off of the bay but both were tested good and work great. All the above parts could have been used.

I used single stage, even a MA957, for over two years and never had a problem on 3 separate tanks. I did have an EOTD on a 4th smaller, 2.5lb CO2 tank, during a time when I had a migraine for 3 consecutive days and it killed all 10 fish. It was also a MA957. After that I shut it down and never used again.

I usually watch my tanks closely, but sometimes life gets in the way. Now with all dual stage regs those instances should never occur, no matter what happens. To me, cheap insurance. Sort of like putting a controller on your heater so it never can cook your fish from a failure.

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jeffkrol

· #8 · May 18, 2014

IF you want to pay a "premium" at least it is a company..

http://www.allstatessurplus.com/listitem.jsp?item=101999#

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alaskajeff

· #9 · May 18, 2014

PlantedRich said:
The problem I find with dealing with the auction is that the regs are not usable in some cases. Whether it is due to crooks or just careless sellers, we still get stuck with losing the shipping when it goes wrong. I don't like dual stage enough to want to risk a used item. I find dual stage to be more than I need if I operate with any amount of caution. I run 75 and 125 gallon tanks which would seem to use CO2 far quicker than smaller tanks and even with the size, I have more than a week to notice the gas running lower. I am able to get a refill easily in a weeks time. One doesn't get EOTD if we don't let the tank go dry, so I much prefer a smaller, cheaper reg that is new and guaranteed to work. I find walking into the local homebrew place and picking one up is nice. I can look at it, ask questions and bring it back if it doesn't work. They also don't have the hassle/ expense of getting an old fitting switched out to the correct CGA 320.
It's a $50-60 new versus $50-60 used that may not work question to me.

I agree 100% ! I'll never pay more for a dual stage regulator. I don't see the point....what's the problem ? Can't people take the time to read a gauge ???? If your not looking at that once in awhile how well are you taking care of your tank overall ?

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jrman83

· #10 · May 18, 2014

alaskajeff said:
I agree 100% ! I'll never pay more for a dual stage regulator. I don't see the point....what's the problem ? Can't people take the time to read a gauge ???? If your not looking at that once in awhile how well are you taking care of your tank overall ?

You mean like how some buy a second filter for their planted tanks because they work so much they may not have much time for their tank? I get what you mean. Like most things individual pref, I guess.

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PlantedRich

· #11 · May 18, 2014

I can see that many might be too busy to do a water change when needed. Those may take 30 minutes or more. But to say one is too busy to look at a pressure gauge while feeding is pretty close to making excuses. If one is so busy that he can't look at a gauge once a week, let's hope they never have kids cause they sure don't have their act together!

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jrman83

· #12 · May 18, 2014

I agree. Also a little off to imply someone may have, want, or even suggest a dual stage because it means it relieves them of some usual responsibilities. If I want to get a Cadillac regulator that leaves near zero chance of mishap that is my choice. It wouldn't be the first or the last time I have/will spent a little extra on my tank because I wanted something better.

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