How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[DANNY G2004]

Is it my solenoid or what but my Burkert 6011 run so hot that I think I can make coffee out from it. I have an adapter to run it at 24 DC.

I think it's normal mine is the same way

 

[Jlentz]

I think it's normal mine is the same way

Me to.

 

[Jlentz]

Here is one from eBay same one I have 271920634351

Thanks Danny. Offer made. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Right now my reactor ph is between 6.46 and 6.49 so I'm pretty happy. I just want more control. All my control seems to be from the reg right now and I can't really slow it up. I'll try the different valve and we can see how it goes.

 

[DANNY G2004]

Thanks Danny. Offer made. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Right now my reactor ph is between 6.46 and 6.49 so I'm pretty happy. I just want more control. All my control seems to be from the reg right now and I can't really slow it up. I'll try the different valve and we can see how it goes.

Use an Apex if you have one

 

[Jlentz]

Use an Apex if you have one

That's how I know what the exact numbers are.

I ordered a new valve. Hopefully this will give me more control.


The goal is for the apex to ever turn off the burkert.

 

[DANNY G2004]

Yea it is mine is just a fale safe

 

[mic209]

Finally finished my build, everything was purchased on eBay with the exception of the burkert 6011 that came from an RC member and the CGA-320 that I got from my local airgas. I opted for brass on the CGA as I couldn't justify spending $30-50 for that piece. Without further ado here it is. I'll post up the eBay items I used later today.

 

[d2mini]

FYI, mine has been rock solid these past couple months!
Even changed my co2 tank with a fresh one this week and when i hooked it back up i just opened the main valve on the reg till the pressure on the low range gauge was back to where it was before and BAM... reactor ph went right back to where it was supposed to be.

 

[africangrey]

That brass CGA fitting is such an eye sore on such a beautiful stainless steel reg, change it out.:spin2:

Finally finished my build, everything was purchased on eBay with the exception of the burkert 6011 that came from an RC member and the CGA-320 that I got from my local airgas. I opted for brass on the CGA as I couldn't justify spending $30-50 for that piece. Without further ado here it is. I'll post up the eBay items I used later today.

View attachment 329812View attachment 329813View attachment 329814

 

[mic209]

That brass CGA fitting is such an eye sore on such a beautiful stainless steel reg, change it out.:spin2:

Lol, send me one and I'll gladly swap it out. Or how about I just rattle can it silver?

 

[ssdawood]

Dennis I know you are using hoke needle valve. How you like that.
Is It very sensitive so you can easily manage bubble count.

FYI, mine has been rock solid these past couple months!
Even changed my co2 tank with a fresh one this week and when i hooked it back up i just opened the main valve on the reg till the pressure on the low range gauge was back to where it was before and BAM... reactor ph went right back to where it was supposed to be.

 

[ssdawood]

You might not have the right needle valve the one you need should be slow flow if the one you are using is medium you will not be able to control the bubble rate

That needle valve was suggested by Alan himself.

 

[ssdawood]

^^^ I agree it's the medium flow. I didn't think of it much because it was listed by Alan.

I think I have to go shopping again for a low flow.

 

[ssdawood]

Anyone interested in selling their regulator. If you have extra or don't need it any more please pm.

Doesn't have to be too expensive. I can build another one but if I am spending 250 again I want to try the aquarium plants carbon doser.

 

[mic209]

Finally finished my build, everything was purchased on eBay with the exception of the burkert 6011 that came from an RC member and the CGA-320 that I got from my local airgas. I opted for brass on the CGA as I couldn't justify spending $30-50 for that piece. Without further ado here it is. I'll post up the eBay items I used later today.

View attachment 329812View attachment 329813View attachment 329814

As promised, here are the parts I used, links for items still available on eBay and what I paid with shipping.

Parker Regulator $109.95

Parker Metering Valve $30.00

Hoke® 1/4" Tube OD x 1/8" NPT Male Pipe Thread 90° ELBOW $7.95

Swagelok 1/4" SS Port Connector Assembly $7.30


Superlok 1/4" X 1/8" Reducing Street Elbow $19.00

Burkert 6011 (From rimless75g) $48.00

Brass CGA-320 (Purchased at my local airgas) $8.00

Swagelok Pipe Hex Nipple,1/4 in. Male NPT SS-4-HLN-2.00 (No longer availbable on ebay) $8.00

For a grand total of $238.20 and I still need a $5-10 adapter. I was hoping to keep it under $200, but this should be well worth it in the long run.

 

[d2mini]

Dennis I know you are using hoke needle valve. How you like that.
Is It very sensitive so you can easily manage bubble count.

It is a bit sensitive, I think it's a medium flow.
But it's fine. I adjust the valve so it's close, then I make fine adjustments with the big regulator knob. Right now it's sitting at about 8 psi. By making slight adjustments i can easily change my reactor ph to whatever I want.
If I did it again, I'd look for a less sensitive valve but I'm not having a problem with this one.

And btw, I was using the aquarium plants carbon doser before this.
Never had a problem with the AP, but this setup is obviously at a whole other level of quality and just as easy to regulate.

 

[JMMJ13902]

Anyone know what this piece called? Been searching on eBay but couldn't come up with a correct part. Circle in red below. Thanks for your help.

 

[DANNY G2004]

It's just an elbow looks like 1/8

 

[rimless75g]

It's a 1/8 x 1/8 elbow.

 

[jimmy007]

Found this on EBay is this the same as the Concoa 432 that the OG post recommended.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONCOA-CYLI...-Steel-Body-/271981445631?hash=item3f535b81ff