[Little Soprano]

I've been putting together a plan for my smaller tank, and looking at pressurized CO2. I have found a few good seperate parts I could put together and make a decent CO2 system with, but it would make my life easier to buy one fully assembled.

I found on ebay, a Milwaukee MA957 CO2 Regulator, Solenoid, and Bubble Counter (has needle valve as well), brand new, for $99 shipped. Are Milwaukee CO2 products reliable?

 

[Little Soprano]

Are there any pre-built regulator sets that you can recommend? I do want an electronic solenoid and I've read the thread about building your own regulator, but it seems so overwhelming. Don't want to screw it up.

 

[Little Soprano]

Thanks for the responses! I have no problem checking up on it constantly as the big tank is currently running one of those little 45g disposable CO2 systems, that needs to be turned on/off by hand and is a real PITA. I may get it just for the ease of an easy first time system. I do think I could get all the parts for a dual stage regulator kit (just looking on ebay) for about $150-200, but putting it together is way outside of my skill level.

 

[Little Soprano]

I feel what you're saying, but I don't think you would have issue. There are so many here that do it and are willing to help walk you through it. It is much easier than you think. I am in the middle of gathering parts to do my own.

I took engineering courses in high school and have built robots and other machines from scratch, but neither of those had to hold back CO2 lol. So it scares me XD. I'm pretty good with technical stuff, but again CO2 scares me in ways. I just know I want to try the real pressurized stuff. Even with two bubblers going in our big tank, with the addition of CO2 4 days ago, my moss is actually starting to pearl. as in huge bubbles floating up from it. Would love to see that in my tiny tank!

 

[Little Soprano]

Even starting planted tanks is scary at first. There are leak test threads to walk you through to make sure your built reg. is good to go and what to do to correct. Its a leap of faith for yourself.

Lol to be honest I'm just confused with all the parts you have to use to put everything together. I found a dual stage regulator on ebay for a good price, solenoid, needle valve, etc but alas still confused.

I know you said that milwaukee equipment can be faulty, but would it be easy to buy their set, and just change out the regulator for a better one? Or are there solenoid, needle valve and bubble counter bad as well?