CO2 regulator drop in bubble count

[wjgeese]

Don't know if this is the right forum, but I'm having problems with my CO2 reg that I just cant solve. Every time I adjust a given bubble count it eventually slows down or stops altogether. The CO2 tank is full and the electricity is on. Anyone ever see this? It's a relatively new reg too, maybe 1 yr old. It's a blue line CO2 reg from Champion.

thanks,
Bill

 

[bergzy]

it is somewhat common for regulators to drift in bubble count (for me anyway). this is especially observed if i set my regulator to a very slow bubble count...say 10 bubbles per minute. this has happened with all my regulators: reef fanatic, M3 and jbj. it is especially noticed when co2 tank pressure is nearly the end. be careful as 'co2 dumping' has been observed sometimes when co2 tank pressure gets low enough and just dumps its remaining co2 into your reactor (bypassing the regulator).

to solve irregular bubble count, i just (finally) put my co2 solenoid on the pH controller i use for a pH monitor (ironically, i have three pH controllers...go figure ).

if you dont want to use a pH controller and want the most accurate bubble count around...then i have heard of good things from this regulator:

http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm

like with anything, the best usually costs the most!

 

[wjgeese]

thanks for the info. I dont think it's a CO2 tank issue b/c this has happened with several full tanks. Guess it's time to buy ANOTHER reg...this one is barely a year old!