Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems

["SUSAN WELENOFSKY" <welenofsky@comcast.net>]

Hi Paul:

That's what I have been doing, turning the main tank valve off. When I turn
it back on again, the pressure clocks the needle, so I have to adjust to
compensate for that, then readjust after the pressure goes down. June kept
it at 20 psi, so that's what I've been doing. I have check valves on all the
lines, but they are closer to the needle valves than the diffusers. 

Susan

-----Original Message-----
From: gsas-member-bounces@thekrib.com
[mailto:gsas-member-bounces@thekrib.com] On Behalf Of
pwallace@u.washington.edu
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 11:49 AM
To: Greater Seattle Aquarium Society member chat
Subject: Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems

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

***************************
Alumni 2005
University Of Washington
***************************

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