Carbon doser Regulator
- Thread starter Dennio
- Start date
tom obrecht
Active member
It’s the one I use. Very stable and happy with it.
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
another option would be to build your own. A lot of reefers have had good success with building their own
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2461771&highlight=regulator
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2461771&highlight=regulator
The carbon doser is a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. You can get other regulators that will work, but you will not find one that works as well, is as consistent, or takes less maintenance than the carbon doser. I've been running mine non-stop for a few years and never had a single issue.
LQT
Active member
CarbonDosers no doubt have their loyal following. But so do the Alanle style custom dual stage lab grade DIY regulators that will last a lifetime and can often be built for less if you're patient and into the DIY thing. Here's my all stainless dual stage Alanle style regulator that I built and I'm sure will last well beyond my lifetime. Plus, it's damn sexy looking! 
Victor SGT160B
Victor SGT160B
McPuff
New member
If you want a cheaper option, with excellent quality, you can try the CO2 art regulators. I've had one for a few years and it's been excellent. It's dual stage so you don't get end-of-tank-dump. Very nice controls and the solenoid seems to be really nice too. I think I paid about $130 including shipping from the UK (where they're made). co2art.eu
The only thing I changed is the bubble counter... I use a different brand. The ones that come from co2art make tiny bubbles so the rate is harder to calculate in my opinion. Anyway, VERY happy with my decision.
The only thing I changed is the bubble counter... I use a different brand. The ones that come from co2art make tiny bubbles so the rate is harder to calculate in my opinion. Anyway, VERY happy with my decision.
thanks everyone for your feedback . Those AlanLe style regulators look good, but when i did a bit of research it seems like it can get pricey, the carbon doser is $300. I'll PM Alan since hes local
Please keep the suggestions and photos coming! some real nice regulators i see so far.
Please keep the suggestions and photos coming! some real nice regulators i see so far.
Building your own true dual stage regulator is the way to go and will be cheaper than $300. I built mine for about $175 total and it’s rock solid. The swagelok low flow needle valves give you rock solid consistency and are super easy to dial in. The dual stage regulator makes sure you don’t have end of tank dump of co2. My dual stage regulator compared to my Milwaukee regulator is a night and day difference. Even the feel and size is 100% noticeable.
Building one similar to a carbon doser would be pretty easy as well. It’s basically a pot controlling the timing on a timer IC that’s output controls a solenoid. About $40 in components and some type of single stage regulator.
Building one similar to a carbon doser would be pretty easy as well. It’s basically a pot controlling the timing on a timer IC that’s output controls a solenoid. About $40 in components and some type of single stage regulator.
Buy a CarbonDoser.
Having built a few nice Dual-Stage regulators myself now, and also having re-built a broken CarbonDoser, the CarbonDoser is just easier. If you're DIY inclined, and like to off the deep end, then by all means, build a dual-stage CarbonDoser with the same high-cycle valve that CD uses, but if you're not DIY inclined, and would rather not be messing around (not to mention sourcing the right parts, making sure the parts you get work well, etc.), I would just stick with tried and true CarbonDoser.
I'm really frustrated that the $100 needle valve that I got for $50 used might cause some inconsistency in bubble rate because it could have a bent needle valve (?!?!). I have it dialed in rock-solid now, but still, it was frustrating in the beginning to diagnose and get dialed in. With CarbonDoser, it's set it, test, and forget it. Minor tweak, simple turn of the knob, and you're done. No worries that parts could be malfunctioning or other frustrations.
Also, building one from used parts won't be cheap, it won't be easy, and you'll always be second-guessing the quality of the used parts, unless you're an expert at gas regulation, which you aren't, because you're asking us to begin with
Having built a few nice Dual-Stage regulators myself now, and also having re-built a broken CarbonDoser, the CarbonDoser is just easier. If you're DIY inclined, and like to off the deep end, then by all means, build a dual-stage CarbonDoser with the same high-cycle valve that CD uses, but if you're not DIY inclined, and would rather not be messing around (not to mention sourcing the right parts, making sure the parts you get work well, etc.), I would just stick with tried and true CarbonDoser.
I'm really frustrated that the $100 needle valve that I got for $50 used might cause some inconsistency in bubble rate because it could have a bent needle valve (?!?!). I have it dialed in rock-solid now, but still, it was frustrating in the beginning to diagnose and get dialed in. With CarbonDoser, it's set it, test, and forget it. Minor tweak, simple turn of the knob, and you're done. No worries that parts could be malfunctioning or other frustrations.
Also, building one from used parts won't be cheap, it won't be easy, and you'll always be second-guessing the quality of the used parts, unless you're an expert at gas regulation, which you aren't, because you're asking us to begin with
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
^^^ great advice there
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manateemark
New member
I am always a fan of paying for quality when it is going to be cheaper in the end. It seems like maybe a used carbon foster would be the best bet.
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