[Fishstein]

I need another regulator with a bubble counter. Can anyone comment on this CO2 Adjustable Flow Pressure Regulator from Milwaukee Inst.
Now Only: $89.99 from That Fish Place:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/212799/product.web

That's a good price but I don't know how to evaluate the quality.

"Professional construction includes solenoid diaphragm valve with 1.5 meter power cable and bubble counter including micro adjustment needle valve."

 

[footbeat]

I've had one of these for three years without any trouble whatsoever. It is not the highest quality, but you get your money's worth, and it does the job.

 

[Fishstein]

Thanks. In what way is it not high quality? Not very accurate needle valve? Bad solenoid?

 

[Fishstein]

Does anyone know how it compares with the JBJ regulator which I've seen for about the same price (think the JBJ was $3-5 cheaper).

 

[Left C]

JBJ and Milwaukee regulators are an odd sort. There's been bad ones and good ones. This is mostly a QC problem, I believe. There's been customer service issues too. Many people have shied away from them for those reasons. Some people really like them and some people really don't.

You may be able to get Rex Grigg to build you one for your specific purpose. If you don't need a solenoid and a bubble counter; you can have a very good regulator and the needle valve of your choice at a good price. His needle valves vary from very good to excellent. You can DIY a bubble counter or buy one that is not attached to the regulator.

 

[fishtastic]

I need another regulator with a bubble counter. Can anyone comment on this CO2 Adjustable Flow Pressure Regulator from Milwaukee Inst.
Now Only: $89.99 from That Fish Place:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/212799/product.web

That's a good price but I don't know how to evaluate the quality.

"Professional construction includes solenoid diaphragm valve with 1.5 meter power cable and bubble counter including micro adjustment needle valve."

Ive had one for almost 2yrs, and the only gripe i have about it is the needle valve( real touchy). For the price though Im altogether happy about it. Now the ph controller, thats a whole other story...

 

[rich]

I bought that exact model, I'm pretty sure. Put it on the bottle and followed the instructions it works like a charm so far. I set the regulator to 10PSI and used the needle valve for control. Seems to produce a solid bubble rate and I use the solenoid on its own timer to go on an hour before high light and off just before the lights go off for the night.. should save a bit of gas. So far I'm happy with it... beats DIY for convenience and consistency.

-Rich

 

[footbeat]

Thanks. In what way is it not high quality? Not very accurate needle valve? Bad solenoid?

The guages are a bit flimsy. I easily knocked the plastic cover off of one of them when pulling my cannister filter and the hose brused against it. Other than that, there is nothing wrong with it.

It would be like comparing a Cadillac to a Maybach. I would love to have a Cadillac, but compared to a Maybach, I would say the Cadillac is not as high quality.

Take a look at Swagelok or Scott regulators and you'll see what I mean. They have regulators alone (without the guages and all the other goodies) that cost more than an entire pressurized CO2 system.

So when you put the Milwaukee or the JBJ on the scale of what is available, they fall on the lower half of the scale. But this is perfectly adequate for the purposes for which they are employed.

As for comparison between Milwaukee and JBJ, they look quite the same to me, except the JBJ does not have the high pressure regulation knob. I guess it is preset. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[Rex Grigg]

More like comparing a Yugo to a Maybach.

The Yugo has all the basic car parts. And most of the time most of them work. It will normally get you to work and back.

 

[rich]

So what does that make DIY?

-Rich

 

[footbeat]

So what does that make DIY?

-Rich

Two weeling with a Huffy.

With that said, I'm still satisfied with my Yugo (actually for me it was a 1996 Hyudai Excel) and my Milwaukee, and I'd still recommend them for what they're worth.

 

[spypet]

Now Only: $89.99 from That Fish Place

or pay about $15 less on ebaY: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280116135791

 

[Khandurian]

You can get it at aquacave for $78.95 http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=4

 

[Fishstein]

Thanks for the heads up.
How do you all like the fine needle valve on the Mil? Can it be replaced with a better needle valve from Rex or another supplier?

 

[rich]

You probably want to stick with the needle valve it has or just go completely for rex's setup (for not much more money I might add). Half the battle with a needle valve will be the needle seat. I had no real difficulties setting up the bubble rate.. took a few tries, but it levelled off to the right setting using a pH and KH test - it's been running a solid 30ppm for 10 hours over the last few days. A lot of people just use the solenoid and a pH controller to save the headache of constant needle adjustment, but I don't have the money for that piece of kit quite yet, but it seems like a very good idea if you can afford it

-Rich

 

[Fishstein]

Hi Rich,

Maybe I don't remember right but I think Rex's system is much more expensive. It may be higher quality, but I've never tried it (I can say Rex offers great advice and information and I've heard good things about his equipment). The Mil system with solenoid, needle valve and regulators can be had for less than $80. I think Rex's system with solenoid is $140. I'm looking for a good system with a built in bubble counter and solenoid. I'm not a fan of hang-on-tank bubble counters, which can be an eyesore. I prefer to keep the bubble counter out of sight with the regulator.

 

[Left C]

...I'm looking for a good system with a built in bubble counter and solenoid. I'm not a fan of hang-on-tank bubble counters, which can be an eyesore. I prefer to keep the bubble counter out of sight with the regulator.

You can mount the bubble counter inside your cabinet.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AQ7557
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=DE1131

Anywhoo....Here's two regulators that meet your criteria, but not your price range.

AquariumPlants.com's "The Best": http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUARIUMPLANTS_com_s_Co2_Regulator_The_BEST_p/co2-1.htm

AquaBotanic.com's "The ultimate CO2 regulator". Go to CO2 Systems and equipment: http://www.aquabotanic.com/abstore/index.html

 

[rich]

Yeah.. unfortunately quality comes at a price. The milwaukee one was the one I went with and I'm pleased with how it's working, but I've heard lots of stories of them being broken right out of the box, poor needle valve quality, leaky solenoids or not maintaining pressure on the output handle:

http://forum.aquatic-gardeners.org/viewtopic.php?p=2860&sid=652003fa9410286f08a99c990e93f118

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/75

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/45/cat/57

-Rich

 

[crazy loaches]

I got the all in one JBJ setup for $65 here, I forget from where though, it was abotu 3 years ago. The needle valve is a bit 'touchy' but never had any problems with it yet and once you set it every time I've checked it it hasnt moved. The only time I even touch it is if I go away on vacation I turn it down, otherwise its been set and forget. I've been debating on getting some nicer parts when I go to my multi-tank co2 setup but havent decided yet. I'll probably sell my whole setup and get all new.

 

[Fishstein]

Hi Left C,

Of these two regulators, which do you think is best? Have you used either?

AquariumPlants.com's "The Best": http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUARI...ST_p/co2-1.htm

AquaBotanic.com's "The ultimate CO2 regulator". Go to CO2 Systems and equipment: http://www.aquabotanic.com/abstore/index.html

I do believe in buying quality for longevity, safety and ease of use - I've been burned sometimes by saving upfront when buying lower quality. I may go with one of your good suggestions.