How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

made an offer for $17.30, was all I had left in paypal, and it was declined. Put in another offer for 25 bux and it was accepted.

looks like they have 9 left and 4 sold in one hour
 
Thanks for all the infos, alanle.

Just to answer my own question. The CO2 tank pressure is a matter of temperature, not amount of CO2 in tank. At room temperature it should be about 850 PSI. A 2000psi gauge should put the needle in the sweet spot.

Two, I bought a 5lb tank. Its tiny compared to the regulator which just got in today. Get at a bigger tank if you can, it looks like its weighty enough to topple it over.

I can't figure out the part or parts that connects the tubing to the Hoke valve. I'll probably just get a bubble counter to make the connection.

As you stated, eBay was good for the Wika forged gauges. Bought those today.

Thanks again, I was almost about to buy the Milwaukee regulator,,, glad I found this thread. I think this pro level set up will complement the Vertex RX-C well.
 
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That solenoid will work but you will have to find the din connector to connect the wire. They are hard to come by.
 
So I'm between a few regulators. My preference would be to buy one on amazon if possible since I have some gift cards to use up there.

The only one I found on amazon that wasn't super pricey is this one: http://amzn.com/B003GMBT7M

But it would need the CGA 320 connector I know my tank has.

This regulator seems like a good deal on a name brand brass unit: http://r.ebay.com/2YEzvH

This guy seems like stainless and possibly nicer, would love an opinion:
http://r.ebay.com/dQ6scI

This brand wasn't mentioned in the article so I'm unsure.

Another AGA:
http://r.ebay.com/zTbdtT

I think it is worth it to try and get a regulator with a CGA 320 connection already on it, as that connection will cost around $20 from my adminittedly short shopping.

I also am going to be needed a ph controller. I don't think I want a full reef controller, so how I would I hook up this guy: http://r.ebay.com/lqfO4d to a Milwaukee MC122 or similar.

I already found that hoke 1300 series metering valve listed on Ebay that was given here, that should be here in a few days.

All in cost for all of this will be $313 assuming $100 dollars for the regulator. Should I just buy the fittings (like elbows etc) at a local welding supply shop? I live in Houston so I'm sure there are a few around.

BTW I really liked the article, it was what pushed me away from investing in a dosing system and deciding to build my own reactor from various used bits.
 
dnh828 said:
So I'm between a few regulators. My preference would be to buy one on amazon if possible since I have some gift cards to use up there.

The only one I found on amazon that wasn't super pricey is this one: http://amzn.com/B003GMBT7M

But it would need the CGA 320 connector I know my tank has.

This regulator seems like a good deal on a name brand brass unit: http://r.ebay.com/2YEzvH

This guy seems like stainless and possibly nicer, would love an opinion:
http://r.ebay.com/dQ6scI

This brand wasn't mentioned in the article so I'm unsure.

Another AGA:
http://r.ebay.com/zTbdtT

I think it is worth it to try and get a regulator with a CGA 320 connection already on it, as that connection will cost around $20 from my adminittedly short shopping.

I also am going to be needed a ph controller. I don't think I want a full reef controller, so how I would I hook up this guy: http://r.ebay.com/lqfO4d to a Milwaukee MC122 or similar.

I already found that hoke 1300 series metering valve listed on Ebay that was given here, that should be here in a few days.

All in cost for all of this will be $313 assuming $100 dollars for the regulator. Should I just buy the fittings (like elbows etc) at a local welding supply shop? I live in Houston so I'm sure there are a few around.

BTW I really liked the article, it was what pushed me away from investing in a dosing system and deciding to build my own reactor from various used bits.
Click to expand...

I would opt in for the Airgas regulator on Ebay. It's a better regulator than the one on Amazon. It comes with the CGA320 nipple. You save $25 on this part alone. However, it's a used unit and has a chance of internal leak. You should do a leak test (mentioned earlier in this thread). Seller is taking returns, so you don't have to worry if it leaks. You will also need the Burkert solenoid and power adapter. Contact me if you can't find it. I have a few extra.

Here are the fittings you will need for the assembly:
1) 1/4 x 1/4 hex nipple
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brass-Pipe-Hex-Nipple-Fitting-1-4-NPT-Air-Fuel-Water-3325x4-/121521157890?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item1c4b39b702&vxp=mtr

2) 1/4 female NPT x 1/8 male NPT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swagelok-Brass-Reducing-Street-Elbow-1-4-Female-NPT-x-1-8-Male-NPT-B-4-RSE-2-/400628585893?pt=Pneumatic_Hydraulic_Valves_Parts&hash=item5d475315a5

3) 1/8 female NPT x 1/8 male NPT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231452971272?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D231452971272%26_rdc%3D1


4) Swagelok reducer 1/4 tube x 1/8 NPT (this parts connects CO2 tubing to the needle valve)
http://www.swagelok.com/search/find_products_home.aspx?part=B-400-R-2&item=20b6dcb5-5a04-42f1-9df7-a5d3fd3672c3

Other parts:

1) Bubble counter (this inline Fluval bubble is what I use at home. Very easy to refill the water).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluval-CO2-Bubble-Counter-3-1oz-/380777984913?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a822f391

2) Check valve (connect this check valve between the bubble counter and the needle vale to prevent water from entering your needle valve.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-Way-Stainless-Steel-Check-Valve-For-Aquarium-Co2-System-Air-Pump-I962-/151229950326?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233601e976

-Alan
 
Farkwar said:
Thanks for all the infos, alanle.

Just to answer my own question. The CO2 tank pressure is a matter of temperature, not amount of CO2 in tank. At room temperature it should be about 850 PSI. A 2000psi gauge should put the needle in the sweet spot.

Two, I bought a 5lb tank. Its tiny compared to the regulator which just got in today. Get at a bigger tank if you can, it looks like its weighty enough to topple it over.

I can't figure out the part or parts that connects the tubing to the Hoke valve. I'll probably just get a bubble counter to make the connection.

As you stated, eBay was good for the Wika forged gauges. Bought those today.

Thanks again, I was almost about to buy the Milwaukee regulator,,, glad I found this thread. I think this pro level set up will complement the Vertex RX-C well.
Click to expand...


Regardless of the size of your CO2 tank, you should strap it to a corner somewhere. The part that connects the tubing to the needle valve is here:
http://www.swagelok.com/search/find_products_home.aspx?part=B-400-R-2&item=20b6dcb5-5a04-42f1-9df7-a5d3fd3672c3
 
There is only 1 Hoke 1300 series left on Ebay. The seller still had more than 10 units a few days ago. Looks like the fellow reefers snatched them :)
 
alanle said:
There is only 1 Hoke 1300 series left on Ebay. The seller still had more than 10 units a few days ago. Looks like the fellow reefers snatched them :)
Click to expand...

I grabbed one of them =).. $20 shipped

Is the Burkett solenoid you have that much better than the ones that come on Milwaukee regulator's? I have a new Milwaukee that I can strip it off of if that's the case, if not I may need to get one from you..
 
How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

Dapg8gt said:
I grabbed one of them =).. $20 shipped

Is the Burkett solenoid you have that much better than the ones that come on Milwaukee regulator's? I have a new Milwaukee that I can strip it off of if that's the case, if not I may need to get one from you..
Click to expand...


The Burkert 6011a solenoid is made of stainless steel. It's designed for automation or laboratory use. The on/off life cycle is rated at 1 billion. You can pass it down to your grandkids lol.
You can read more about it here
http://us.burkert.com/products_data/datasheets/DS6011-Standard-US-EN.pdf
 
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