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Re: CO2 setup
1)Describe your CO2 setup
A. Victor (brand) dual gauge regulator from a local welding shop ($65). Nupro valve,($40) cheapo
solenoid, DIY bubble counter, Sandpoint reactor, 5# CO2 bottle also from local shop, and a check
valve.
B. Victor (brand) dual gauge regulator from a local welding shop ($65). ARO NO1 valve($10),
Sandpoint Solenoid, 5# CO2 bottle also from local shop, and a check valve. (no reactor, no bubble
counter) The CO2 is injected into a bell jar in a 20 gallon tank. I've also tryed injecting the
CO2 into the power filter.
2)How long have you been using this setup?
About 5 years for both setups.
3)Have you experienced any problems with this setup?
Both solenoids have quit working. Both are stuck in the on position and the CO2 runs 24-7. I've
had some minor leaks, a kinked hose, etc, but no catastrophic equipment failures. Note: If you
have a leaky connection, in addition to wasting the CO2, it makes adjusting the output very
tricky. The solenoids also produce more heat than I would have expected.
4)If you could change something(s) with your setup, what would it be?
I'd forget the solenoids. I'm surprised to see that George is using them. He's probably using
them in conjunction with a high-dollar controller. He once advised me to just let the CO2 run
night and day. I agree with that now, and I'd just forget about the solenoids.
Also, buy at least a 10# CO2 tank. As far as the needle valves go, I like both of them. The NuPro
is definitely of a higher quality feel.
The ARO folks told me to crank the input pressure up to 100 psi for better control. I did this
and it seemed to help. For others experiencing a problem with ARO valves, you might try that.
5)What bubble rate and psi settings do you use?
Slightly less than 1 per second. I let my tanks run all the way empty usually before refilling. I
don't have any problems with dumps.
The CO2 simply stops bubbling.
Pat Bowerman