How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[peterpun]

I'm still looking for suggestions on where to pick up the Burkert solenoid kit.
I sent an email to a Aquarium Plants a few days ago about the ones they offer and have yet to hear back.

If you are not set on a Burkert, checkout the clippard mouse solenoid. Does not get hot and probably much easier to buy. There's a bunch in ebay.

 

[WombatReefer]

Not sure if this is what your looking for as an adapter:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CO2-Tank-22mm-to-21mm-Adapter-Converter-for-CGA-320-cylinder-paintball-Regulator-/271065626542

but may be worth a look

 

[WombatReefer]

Oops wrong way, sorry about that

 

[WombatReefer]

Alright after my last failed attempt to find a solution, may have stumbled onto something in my research.

It appears that British BS341 No. 8 and Australian AS2473 Type 30 are the same thread standard : Nut 0.860"-14 Right Hand / and the nipple having a "Type A" flat at the nut end and 1/4" NPT at the end connecting to the regulator.

The US uses CGA320 : Nut 0.830"-14NGO Right Hand / and the nipple having a "Type A" flat at the nut end and 1/4" NPT at the end connecting to the regulator.

See attached link that I am referencing from:
http://www.genstartech.com/sites/default/files/cylinder_connections.pdf

This leaves me to believe you can simple replace the nipple and nut from the regulator to the cylinder, or possibly just the nut, but I am not sure if there is a difference between nipple shaft diameters.

Quick call to BOC or another welding supplier should be able to confirm if the threaded end of the nipple is indeed 1/4" NPT.

 

[alanle]

How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

This is the smallest dual stage regulator (Victor hpt100). It can fit nicely in your palm. The solenoid is also small. This setup is great for nano tanks where space is limited.

Next to a typical 2.5" gauge. Look how small it is.

 

[d2mini]

Now that's cute.

 

[alanle]

Here is a really nice regulator.
311390576412

 

[Aqualund]

So, I purchased a Swagelok SS-4MA Stainless Steel 1/4" Angle Pattern Metering Valve and *assumed* the 1/4" tube thread would be fine and fit into a 1/4" threaded female elbow i was using to connect to the solenoid.

Of course it does not.

So, any of you parts gurus know of a stainless steel part that can go from the 1/4" male tube fitting down to the 1/8" male NPT fitting?

Thanks for your help

 

[Bpb]

Thought I'd post mine on here. I won't take 100% credit for the build...but I at least commissioned and paid for it. Gotta count for something lol. Thanks Alan! Shipping was super fast and well packed.

Concoa 312 regulator, dual stage, chrome plated brass body with stainless steel diaphragm
SS hoke needle valve
SS Burkert 6011 solenoid
SS check valve

 

[ct_vol]

So, I purchased a Swagelok SS-4MA Stainless Steel 1/4" Angle Pattern Metering Valve and *assumed* the 1/4" tube thread would be fine and fit into a 1/4" threaded female elbow i was using to connect to the solenoid.

Of course it does not.

So, any of you parts gurus know of a stainless steel part that can go from the 1/4" male tube fitting down to the 1/8" male NPT fitting?

Thanks for your help

You'll need a few parts. A lot of the eBay metering valves are missing the ferulles and tube adapter cap. Then you'll need the 1/4 tube to 1/8" NPT adapter.

 

[Aqualund]

You'll need a few parts. A lot of the eBay metering valves are missing the ferulles and tube adapter cap. Then you'll need the 1/4 tube to 1/8" NPT adapter.

Could you link a PN# or picture of an example of what you are talking about?

I have the ferrules and tube adapter cap...but I can't find anything thats a tube to npt adapter...or maybe I have and I just dont know what it looks like?

 

[ct_vol]

Could you link a PN# or picture of an example of what you are talking about?

I have the ferrules and tube adapter cap...but I can't find anything thats a tube to npt adapter...or maybe I have and I just dont know what it looks like?

SS-4-TA-1-2

http://www.swagelok.com/search/find_products_home.aspx?part=SS-4-TA-1-2

 

[Aqualund]

Hey thanks for your time. Got everything I need now

 

[ct_vol]

Happy to help. :thumbsup:

 

[alanle]

How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

Hey guys here's how you can build a brand new dual stage co2 system for $210.73 (or even less). It will out perform and leave all of the commercial systems in the dark.

CGA320 nipple and nut - $11.49
191599413687

1/4 male npt hex nipple - $4.45
151702965933

1/4 female x 1/8 male elbow - $14.24
400628585893

1/4 tube x 1/8 male elbow - $6
271331098467

SMC VDW31 series solenoid $45
I have one extra.

24vdc Power adapter for the solenoid - $5
181350892506


Swagelok M series with vernier handle needle valve - $39.60 or best offer
201379746031

Brand new dual stage Concoa 412. The seller will accept $75 offer. He has 3 available - $84.95
171842113895

By the way who has more than 10 tanks in here? Here is a 12 output systems I built a while back.

 

[janes_mw]

Hey guys here's how you can build a brand new dual stage co2 system for $210.73 (or even less). It will out perform and leave all of the commercial systems in the dark.

CGA320 nipple and nut - $11.49
191599413687

1/4 male npt hex nipple - $4.45
151702965933

1/4 female x 1/8 male elbow - $14.24
400628585893

1/4 tube x 1/8 male elbow - $6
271331098467

SMC VDW31 series solenoid $45
I have one extra.

24vdc Power adapter for the solenoid - $5
181350892506


Swagelok M series with vernier handle needle valve - $39.60 or best offer
201379746031

Brand new dual stage Concoa 412. The seller will accept $75 offer. He has 3 available - $84.95
171842113895

By the way who has more than 10 tanks in here? Here is a 12 output systems I built a while back.

LOL Alanle - that is one heck of a manifold!!

My system you helped me set up is awesome. I have set it once and it is rock solid and never changes. I also run the masterflex pump and between the two, I have a system that does not require anything other than to monitor the pH.

Don't even think twice about doing this if you run CaRx, it is well worth it.

mike

 

[Bpb]

One heck of a manifold indeed, though I think you'll need bigger than a 5# tank if you're injecting into that many different displays lol. I'm sure it's just for photo purposes. Alan's grow out farm tanks in his garage look 10x nicer than my planted display I work so hard at. Dude knows his stuff. This thread has been the savior of the reef community, bringing us out of the dark ages of single stage cheap regulators

 

[alanle]

It will work with a 5# tank but with 12 outputs and the amount of co2 you are diffusing, you will definitely need a 20#+ lol.

 

[africangrey]

what kind of adapter do I need if I already have a co2 requlator from aquariumplants.

 

[Bpb]

Lol work yes, just seems like you'd be refilling it weekly