I have a VCR regulator and did not use any face seals or VCR fittings, just standard fittings and Teflon tape, it's been 3 months and my 5lb bottle is still showing full pressure. My friend that showed me this thread used the same Parker VCR regulator and standard fittings with Teflon and also has no leaks.
How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.
- Thread starter alanle
- Start date
I have a VCR regulator and did not use any face seals or VCR fittings, just standard fittings and Teflon tape, it's been 3 months and my 5lb bottle is still showing full pressure. My friend that showed me this thread used the same Parker VCR regulator and standard fittings with Teflon and also has no leaks.
The leaks are probably at very small level that you can't tell with soapy water test. Try unplug the solenoid and close the tank valve and let the regulator hold the pressure for a bout a day. You will see the low pressure gauge drop.
I did this for 2 days and the pressure did not drop at all. I don't think the face seals and VCR fittings are necessary even though the pros on here keep saying it will leak. I just wanted to pass it on to the people who don't want to spend an extra $50-100 for the VCR fittings.
I understand your point. What I'm trying to say is the VCR ports and standard NPT ports are not the same. Using teflon to stop the leak might seem to do the job but it's not the right way.
Alan here a picture of the seal and regulator. Do I need to add teflon on the VCR side?
No teflon is needed.
naterealbig
Premium Member
you need need to use the right vcr washer only, i have a part number, just need to find it, is it a parker reg?
if it is a parker reg, and it uses vcr seals, when you look down were the fitting goes, there should a raised radius in the reg, the parker vcr seal will have a mactching groove in it, so will your fittings.
this is a link to the seal part number http://www.parker.com/portal/site/P...vgnextcat=GVG&vgnextdiv=938256&vgnextpartno=4
they are about 6-7 dollars each, i ordered from a parker dealer near me,
if you are not sure about the reg, post a pic of inside of the ports
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jimmy007
Member
Ok thanks.
just checked the part is correct for the vcr seal,
parker part number 4GVG-SS 1/4 vcr face seal
http://www.parker.com/portal/site/P...&vgnextdiv=938256&vgnextpartno=4 GVG-SS&Wtky=
parker part number 4GVG-SS 1/4 vcr face seal
http://www.parker.com/portal/site/P...&vgnextdiv=938256&vgnextpartno=4 GVG-SS&Wtky=
jimmy007
Member
Thanks for the part #; will contact them.
That regulator will work. The price is high. Consider you have to spend another ~$200 bucks for the CGA 320 nipple, fittings, solenoid, needle vavle, bubble counter. I would not pay more than $70 for the reg.
naterealbig
Premium Member
Duplicate post
naterealbig
Premium Member
Ok thank you! This is very helpful. I'll keep looking.
Would anyone who has built a best bang for the buck chime in with what they built, how it's working and what it cost? I'm interested and as pretty as stainless is, I'd rather save the money and get the minimum needed to work (but work well). It'd be great to see more budget builds. I don't care if it's ugly!
ReefInterest
Member
I think the most important thing to consider in a regulator is supply pressure effect. For whatever regulator yoiu buy, make sure you get the spec sheet (and that you aren' going to gas all your fish).
