Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems

[pwallace@u.washington.edu]

Susan:

Sounds like your current setup is complicated and unpredictable.  What you 
should be doing is leaving the CO2 tank on, leaving the needle valves set and 
turning the supply on/off down stream.  Ideally the regulator will stay at 
10-30 psi (they get fussy <10 psi, would account for hose popping off) and you 
should have a check valve (the higher initial pressure to "clear the lines").

So in order of cost:
*Run 24/7 (set and forget, check tank pressure to limit end-of-tank-dump risk)
*2nd valve.  One valve is simple on/off and the other is fine control.  Setting 
the fine control every day is, well, painful and needle valves simply are not 
designed for on/off use.
*Solenoid as an electronic on/off.  Set on same timer cycle as the lights.
*Solenoid with SMS122 pH controller to maintain pH (and thus CO2 levels) to 
minimize wasted gas.

If you are looking for a vendor, I recommend Clippard components.  In 
particular I recommend a hobbyist in Oregon (email me for URL, Gets a PG-13 for 
language).  He will sells quality needle valves, check valves, solenoids (low 
power consumption), and manifolds from 3-12 ports (for multiple tanks).  He is 
even selling complete units for those that are adverse to building their own.

There are good reasons to use "CO2 tubing" instead of standard aquarium fare.

-Paul

On Sun, 18 Feb 2007, Susan Welenofsky wrote:

> I have June O's CO2 regulator, and I think the brass things are needle
> valves. The trouble is when I have more that one connection, it's all
> screwy. I shut the valve off at night. When I turn it on, it is high
> pressure, sometimes blows the silicone hoses. Then I have to adjust the
> pressure valve. Then the pressure goes way down after awhile, and I have to
> readjust. Then adjust all the needle valves. Then move the hoses. Then the
> CO2 pours out or doesn't come out all. Then fiddle with the needle valves
> again. Then there was the time all the gas escaped into the apartment.
>
> This thing is driving me crazy. It seems like I can only run one tank
> successfully, when I'd like to do two or three, like June. However, I would
> like to turn it off at night, right? Does anyone here know of a good system
> or can direct me to someone or someplace that does? I see that it may cost
> $322 at Drs. Foster and Smith for a complete package that has an Azoo
> regulator. I've heard the JBL regulators on Ebay are no good and Milwaukee
> is, and of course ADA is the most expensive money can buy.
>
> Susan

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Alumni 2005
University Of Washington
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