Rogger Castells
New member
Do you know of anyone that stocks locally check valves for co2 lines, Let me know. TIA
Co2 check valve
- Thread starter Rogger Castells
- Start date
chrisaggie
Premium Member
Be careful with the beverage quality chack valves. They add a lot of backpressure to the CO2 line and can cause an irregular bubble count.
Rogger Castells
New member
Jeff, the check valve is for the line that goes from the solenoide to the reactor inlet, this prevent the water to back flow into the solenoide when it stops
Rogger Castells
New member
I know, that is why I was looking for a hobby kind valve
jeffbrig
Premium Member
Is a check valve always necessary? I'm setting up my reactor soon, and on mine the CO2 is injected on the top. I didn't see any need for a check valve, since water should never go up into the line. I'm also planning to run the reactor with a peristaltic pump drawing water through the reactor, so there wouldn't be any positive pressure to push the water.
Please let me know if I'm overlooking something....
Rogger Castells
New member
Yes, A check valve is important on the Co2 tubbing, in my case at least the co2 inlet at the reactor does have a slight positive pressure, enough to drive water out.
If this line does not have a check valve you risk the chance of having salt water into you solenoide and possibly damaging it in the process
If this line does not have a check valve you risk the chance of having salt water into you solenoide and possibly damaging it in the process
chrisaggie
Premium Member
No, a check valve is not always neccessary. I do not run a check valve on my setup. A check valve is/can be a good thing to have though. In order for water to go bacwards throw the CO2 tubing it will need to happen when the solenoid is closed. The CO2 left in the tubing between the solenoid and the reactor will then need to be displaced. I get away without having a check valve by adding some extra CO2 tubing. This allows the water to travel backwards a small ways without reaching the solenoid. Be careful with the large check valves. They can (and most likely will) put backpressure on your line. This can (and most likely will) cause the bubble count to be irradic. If you use a pH controller this is not as big of an issue, but for people like me who use a pH monitor it is a very bad thing.
Rogger Castells
New member
Again, it may not be always necessary for some people, but if you read the manufacturers recommendation for your valve/solenoid it clearly states that all warranty will be voided if there is corrosion damage due to salt water back flowing into the system, they highly recommend the use of a check valve in the line to avoid this.
My Deltec reactor and all Deltec calcium reactors come fitted with a check valve, unfortunately I lost mine.
Chris, the fact you choose not use one does not make it unnecessary, I clearly stated that "in my case" it is a must, this is because I have seen the water go back in the tubing about 3/4 of the way when the solenoid shuts off, I don't know about you but I have had every accident that could happen in this hobby happening to me, I am not about to gamble a $150 valve/solenoid or even worst screw up my tank chemistry for a $10 valve.
So let me retract my words, IMO a check valve is an absolute necessity in a co2 system period!
My Deltec reactor and all Deltec calcium reactors come fitted with a check valve, unfortunately I lost mine.
Chris, the fact you choose not use one does not make it unnecessary, I clearly stated that "in my case" it is a must, this is because I have seen the water go back in the tubing about 3/4 of the way when the solenoid shuts off, I don't know about you but I have had every accident that could happen in this hobby happening to me, I am not about to gamble a $150 valve/solenoid or even worst screw up my tank chemistry for a $10 valve.
So let me retract my words, IMO a check valve is an absolute necessity in a co2 system period!
Rogger Castells
New member
I guess no one knows were I can get on! 
No options but to order from deltec :C
No options but to order from deltec :C
chrisaggie
Premium Member
Rogger, I have seen the cheap ones at several stores including Big Als and Eco Reef. What type are you looking for exactly?
chrisaggie
Premium Member
Rogger Castells
New member
I have never tried those that marinedepot sells, but for $18 they better do a great job!
I will call Deltec tomorrow to place an order for a few of theses bugarroos, I will let you know when I get one and you can try them to see if they work any better for you.
I will call Deltec tomorrow to place an order for a few of theses bugarroos, I will let you know when I get one and you can try them to see if they work any better for you.
