Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

The level of oxygen and CO2 are essentially independent of each other, so 
turning off the CO2 does not actually change the oxygen level.  It just 
lowers the CO2 level.

Saving on CO2 refills is a valid concern, though I think we're talking 
something like $20 every 3-6 months here.  A solenoid will probably run 
you $50-100.

I don't know if turning the valve on and off is "hard" on the regulator 
(as in causing long-term damage to it), but it is most likely hard on 
the stuff downstream of the regulator, especially that tubing.  If you 
search the Aquatic Plant Digest http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants 
and the forums for "end of tank dump", you'll see some of the dangerous 
effects this has had on peoples' tanks.

The solenoid usually sits between the regulator and the needle valves.  It 
is quite different than turning off the tank, because it turns off the 
flow downstream of the regulator.

  - Erik

On Mon, 19 Feb 2007, SUSAN WELENOFSKY wrote:

> The plants don't take in CO2 at night and I want to keep the oxygen level up
> for them and fish, plus save on CO2. But it looks like if I keep turning the
> tank valve on and off, I will have to spend more money on a more
> sophisticated system.
>
> Is that hard on my regulator turning it off and on? Isn't that what a
> solenoid does?
>
> Susan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gsas-member-bounces@thekrib.com
> [mailto:gsas-member-bounces@thekrib.com] On Behalf Of Erik Olson
> Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 2:21 PM
> To: Greater Seattle Aquarium Society member chat
> Subject: Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems
>
> Sounds like the infamous "tank dump" effect where at low supply pressure
> the regulator gives up and stops regulating, dumping everything it can at
> the needle valve.  Usually this happens at the end of the tank, but my
> guess is that turning off the tank every day will have the same effect.
>
> Is there any particular reason you want/need to turn it off at night?
>
>   - Erik
>
> On Mon, 19 Feb 2007, SUSAN WELENOFSKY wrote:
>
> > I only use about 1" of silicon tubing to connect to the check valve then
> > another 1" or less to connect to the adapter for the narrow airline.
> >
> > June tied some wire around the one main needle valve barb. Maybe I should
> > bring the regulator to the meeting Thursday to show you.
> >
> > Susan
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: gsas-member-bounces@thekrib.com
> > [mailto:gsas-member-bounces@thekrib.com] On Behalf Of Erik Olson
> > Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 7:54 AM
> > To: Greater Seattle Aquarium Society member chat
> > Subject: Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems
> >
> > Are you also using June's needle valves?  The downside of those is that
> > they use hose barb instead of a screw fitting, and cannot easily be built
> > into a manifold.  On the other hand, I have had no problem with them
> > popping off.  You should be able to drive multiple tanks with the
> > regulator set at 10-15 PSI and the needle valves regulating flow.
> >
> > Maybe consider using vinyl airline tubing instead of silicone?  You can
> > also get little plastic clamp thingies for that size tubing, maybe at
> > Lowem-Depot.
> >
> > You should also be able to add a solenoid downstream to any regulator
> > without problem.   I still never see the point of it though...never used
> > one in 15 years now.
> >
> >   - Erik
> >
> > On Mon, 19 Feb 2007, John wrote:
> >
> > > Fittings, Inc will take the time to help you design exactly what you
> > > need.
> > > Graingers may have something on the shelf that would work.
> > > They are both just south of downtown. Probably closed today.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Feb 18, 2007, at 10:01 PM, 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
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GSAS-Member mailing list
> > > GSAS-Member@thekrib.com
> > > http://lists.thekrib.com/mailman/listinfo/gsas-member
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >  
> > >  
> > > Dr. John F. Ruhland
> > > The Natural Health Medical Clinic
> > > 4002 - 25th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98108
> > > 206-723-4891
> > > www.drruhland.com
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GSAS-Member mailing list
> > > GSAS-Member@thekrib.com
> > > http://lists.thekrib.com/mailman/listinfo/gsas-member

--
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com

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