CO2 regulator

sulcata1619

sulcata1619

New member
Looking for a co2 reugulator. Any suggestions on brand and where to buy. I want a good one that will hold it's setting. I've heard some of the ones that come with the cheaper reactors tend to go crazy.
 
I've had good luck with something built out of the same parts he uses... Easier to just order it from him though.. I had a spare regulator and just ordered a solenoid and needle valve.. My regulator holds its count perfectly.. IF you move it from somewhere extrememly cold to really warm you should adjust the needle valve to account for expansion and contractionn in the brass of the needle valve..

http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/co2.html

A lot of people have problems with the cheaper regulators because they have the frontside pressure set too low.. On the milwaukee's the pressure right before the solenoid and needle valve should be set between 15-20psi most closer to 20psi to keep a consistent bubble count.. Good Luck with whatever you get..
 
The m3 is one of the best hobby regulators out there---this is what user jdieck replied when I asked him about this one. He appears to be one of the most knowledgable on the boards when it comes to CO2 set ups (and most other things). They are the ones sold by Marine Depot as deluxe or econo. I have one and it seems to work fine but I have nothing to compare it to.
 
I searched marine depot and found alot of regulators but didn't see anything by the name of M3. Still looking though. Thanks for the input everybody. Can't wait to get it running. You wouldn't believe the amount of home made 2 part I am using daily.
 
That's right-I think the only diff between the econo and deluxe is that the deluxe comes with a solenoid and the econo is just the regulator and needle valve. I use a controller so have never had to make sure I have a super exact adjustment.
 
Definitely don't get the Milwaukee, unless you plan to run it with a solenoid and controller. They are very susceptible to temperature fluctuations affecting their needle valves. As are a lot of other, cheaper, regulators.
 
I will say though that mine does fluctuate with temperature. Mine is outside and when it gets hot the bubbles slow down. Not sure if this is indicative of poor performance or something that can't be avoided with relatively extreme temperature changes.
 
most regulators have that temp fluctuations. There is a dual regulator (not just a dual guage one) that keeps a constant line side flow. I have not seen one for sale, just read that one such regulator would overcome that temp issue. But from what I read they are very expensive. I don't know personally as I am lazy and use a cheap regulator and rely on our controller to take care of it for us. Even with a spot on regulator, you are still better off with a controller and solenoid as a fail safe.

HTH :)
 
Mike go down to Piner road at that Gas place and get yourself a nice industrial grade one, its not that expensive and is very reliable.
 
Reefugee, I bought the one from aquariumplants about 4 months ago to replace my crappy Milwakee, and it works perfectly for me. Easy to dial in, and totally stable. It also come with 3 years warrantee, which I do not see anybody else offering.
 
I would say that with a controller and solenoid it doesn't really matter... but it does. I had to rebuild our Milwaukee a couple of years ago as it leaked like a sieve. Since then it has been pretty reliable, but not so "stable" as to ever think I could get away without using a controller :)
 
Guys, I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. I did a search and found this thread. I strongly recommend against the M3 Deluxe regulator that Marine Depot sales. 1. The needle valve is one of the hardest I've seen to adjust for an accurate bubble count. 2. Mine popped a seal after only seven months of use. The U.S. distributor, Monolith Monster Marine, is no longer in business. Marine Depot gets them directly from Taiwan. Since they only have a six month warranty, I can't get mine replaced and have no way to repair it. That's not a good return on your money. I'm buying the one Aquariumplants.com sells.

Geary
 
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