cheap c02 tanks & regulators, are these ok?

[CBehr]

Found this place online, cheapest equip I've found so far. I'm sure the tank would work, what about the regulators?

http://www.wholesaledraft.com/catalog.php?styleID=69&brandID=13

http://www.wholesaledraft.com/catalog.php?styleID=72&brandID=14

 

[Creetin]

I would think they would work. The regulator would need a needle valve though. Dont cheap out on that one though. IMO

 

[Creetin]

Also no solinoid on it either.

 

[jtma508]

IME the regulator is the weak link in the whole Ca Reactor system. You can buy the biggest bestest Ca Reactor but if you use a cheap regulator you will quickly lose your mind. I moved from a Milwaukee to an AquariumPlants electronic. It made all the difference in the world.

 

[CBehr]

Wow, those electronic regulators are $$ I don't know that I can drop that kind of money right now...

 

[coryjac0b]

i think in this hobby its better to wait and save up some $$, rather than buying cheap junk and just having to re-buy it later.

 

[CBehr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14280600#post14280600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coryjac0b
i think in this hobby its better to wait and save up some $$, rather than buying cheap junk and just having to re-buy it later.

So you guys think the $100 Milwaukee or $150 Reef Fanatic regulators are junk?

If these $285 LCD ones are really the route to go then I'll do it...but I just don't know.

 

[coryjac0b]

im not referring to the milwaukee and others as junk, but the one you listed, the "beer" co2 regulators probably are. I don't know, i haven't use any of them. i was just stating that lots of equipment in this hobby that is cheap/inexpensive turns out to be you get what you pay for. most equipment, not all.

 

[jnb]

i am not having fun with my RF reg - working pressure is 27 pounds and not having all that much fun tweaking BPM

 

[HornetMech242]

I just put my RF regulator to use yesterday. I was wondering about that operating pressure. But anyways, i easily got my bubble count to 32BPM with no issues at all. U just have got to have the velvet touch and turn the knob very slow.

Chris

 

[TheH]

CBehr you don't really need the aquariumplants electronic regulator with lcd screen. They sell the same thing without the lcd screen for $100 less.

 

[jnb]

yea - I could easily get to 30bpm but following recommendations from someone I started slower and that was hard dialing it in - plus I am trying to tune the ca system so the controller does not go off and on much - I ordered a more sensitive valve to put in line and am confident that it will make it very very easy

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14473691#post14473691 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HornetMech242
I just put my RF regulator to use yesterday. I was wondering about that operating pressure. But anyways, i easily got my bubble count to 32BPM with no issues at all. U just have got to have the velvet touch and turn the knob very slow.

Chris

 

[Frozn]

Hmm.. That Co2 tank is nicely priced..

A Co2 tank is a Co2 tank right?

I was going to buy used, but depending on the price might just grab this one...