[StaleyDaBear]

seriously not stickied yet? all info = useful, if not mandatory for planted tanks.

 

[Gatekeeper]

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/board-problems-suggestions/107595-sticky-request.html

 

[Darkblade48]

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/board-problems-suggestions/107595-sticky-request.html

Thanks for the link, I didn't even notice the other thread before!

 

[jargonchipmunk]

tried reading through the replies and didn't notice anyone else mention...

You listed a bell diffuser as a means of dissolution, but you didn't add Misting (either via fractioning/needlewheel impellor pump, or via venturi) seems that it was more of a flash in the pan compared to the inline reactor, but certainly more popular than the bell diffusor at this point. :thumbsup:

 

[phangtonpower]

First post
Darkblade thanks for the write up. Very informative.

One question though. I've been wanting to put my own regulator together myself, but the problem is I live in Japan. I noticed that you do as well. My Japanese is not that good and finding a regulator here is difficult, so all my research are for regulators back home. I was wondering if you or anyone else knows of an adapter to use a US regulator on the CO2 tanks here in Japan?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[Darkblade48]

Unfortunately, I had the same problem as you; I do not believe that you can purchase a US-Japanese adapter (at least not retail in Japan); the only luck I had was off a website, of which I longer have the URL, unfortunately...

 

[phangtonpower]

I don't mind researching more and ordering an adapter from the US. If you have any leads or remember how you searched and found the website that would be awesome. I mean I've been searching all week and that's what lead me to your awesome tutorial. Or are you back in the states?

I may have just found an adapter
http://mizukusa.shop-pro.jp/?pid=15018711

now I just have to get a friend to verify this is what I need.

Actually found it on an English website for brewing beer in Japan.

 

[Darkblade48]

I am actually from Canada, not the US, however, the same standard applies to North America.

The particular website you linked to looks like it may work; it says that it is a "CGA320 to standard adapter". I assume by "standard" they refer to the Asian standard.

 

[OverStocked]

Do you have any information to support this? As far as I know, there are no seals (at least rubber seals) inside a Swagelok metering valve.

Also, CO2 (the gas) would only be corrosive if there was moisture inside the metering valve, at which point, you would have other things to worry about before the CO2.

Finally, I believe there are many people that use other needle valves that do not have these Vitron seals, and they have lasted for more than 3 years.

old post.... but http://www.swagelok.com/downloads/webcatalogs/EN/MS-01-142.pdf clearly shows orings inside the swagelok valves

All but the HP valve have it.

 

[Darkblade48]

Taking a look at the chemical resistance database, Buna N (the standard material for Brass metering valves from Swagelok, according to the above PDF) has excellent resistance against CO2 (both wet and dry).

http://www.coleparmer.ca/techinfo/chemcomp.asp

 

[OverStocked]

Taking a look at the chemical resistance database, Buna N (the standard material for Brass metering valves from Swagelok, according to the above PDF) has excellent resistance against CO2 (both wet and dry).

http://www.coleparmer.ca/techinfo/chemcomp.asp

Yes. For instance fabco offers the option of Buna N and you should always choose it. Lasts a long time.

 

[Darkblade48]

I think the issue I had was that Vitron was recommended over the standard Buna N, which was unnecessary, I felt.

 

[phangtonpower]

I am actually from Canada, not the US,

Sorry my mistake

Yeah I got an that it is an adapter, but there really isn't much information about it even in Japanese. Although I don't know why they would have it in Japan, it could be an adapter to use a Japanese regulator on a North American Tank. I guess that's where a friend comes in to email them to get more info.

 

[phangtonpower]

The adapter is to connect it to a 74 gram cartridge!! Why would you make an adapter for a full size regulator to a small canister, but not one for a full size can:/
Anyway they said that I would have to buy that adapter and another for a full size adapter. Do you think it would be an ok Idea to use two adapters for the regulator?
Or do you remember any leads or ways of searching for this adapter. I read somewhere on a Homebrew forum where an American stationed in Okinawa found an adapter, but he only gives directions there from his base, so they definitely exist.

 

[Darkblade48]

I was wondering if you or anyone else knows of an adapter to use a US regulator on the CO2 tanks here in Japan?

The adapter is to connect it to a 74 gram cartridge!! Why would you make an adapter for a full size regulator to a small canister, but not one for a full size can:/

I am not sure what the problem is. I thought you were looking for an adapter that would allow your US regulator with a CGA320 connector to fit the Japanese "Standard" (which is probably the strange 74 gram cartridge)?

Anyway they said that I would have to buy that adapter and another for a full size adapter. Do you think it would be an ok Idea to use two adapters for the regulator?

There should be no problem using multiple adapters.

I read somewhere on a Homebrew forum where an American stationed in Okinawa found an adapter, but he only gives directions there from his base, so they definitely exist.

Perhaps you should ask him where he managed to find his adapter?

 

[phangtonpower]

The 74 gram cartridges are similar to the ones they sell for the ADA cartridges, so besides the threading being a lot smaller than the standard, the cartridge would be smaller than the regulator.

I tried signing up on the beer forum, but you have to pay. Plus it seems like a small store somewhere in Okinawa.

Guess I'll just have to get the two adapters since there should be no problem.

Thanks for replying

 

[bluecheese]

Thanks for this. I'm posting here so I can look this guide up for future reference. Quick question: you may have mentioned this, but what kind of diffusor do you use?

 

[Darkblade48]

I currently use a glass diffuser with a ceramic disc in my 2.5 gallon nano.

 

[bluecheese]

I currently use a glass diffuser with a ceramic disc in my 2.5 gallon nano.

Ok. Do you think a diffuser would work on a larger tank, say a 30 gallon? Or would I need to get a reactor? Thanks.

 

[Darkblade48]

An appropriately sized diffuser would work in a 30 gallon tank, but would still not be as efficient as a reactor.