Re: [GSAS-Member] CO2 Systems

["Robert Jones Jr" <emmagatorone@gmail.com>]

I run a LPR (low pressure regulator) between my regulator and needle valve.
My tubing just goes to a bubble ladder.  I leave it on all the time.  Never
had any problems.  I got the LPR and needle valves from Clippard.  I got my
regulator at the home brew shop on Rose Hill.

On 2/19/07, Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com> wrote:
>
> 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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>


-- 
Sincerely,

Robert Jones Jr
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