How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[solitude127]

here's my finished product with a slight modification. On the outlet, I had to use a ss-4-hln-2.00 because there's a knob underneath the regulator that was hitting the solenoid. In the picture, it has the ss-4-hln-1.50 and it's too short. Another thing I'd change is the CGA connection. I went with the 2" version but because this reg has large gauges, the know for the CO2 has like 1/4" clearance.

 

[Happyboy423]

Been reading this thread and want to give building a regulator a try. Would this one work to keep the regulator setup as small as possible? https://www.ebay.com/itm/263025892584

 

[Lyscer]

I have been using the check valve on my GEO reactor (came with it) but I find it is really hard to fine tune my bubble rate (swagelok SS-SS4-VH) meter valve. I use the corner of the nut on the valve as my turn locator so I know how many notches I turn the knob. Seems like I slowly tick it up 1 notch a day then it all of a sudden spews bubbles or has nothing coming out (in the bubble counter) think this is a check valve issue?

 

[salty joe]

Been reading this thread and want to give building a regulator a try. Would this one work to keep the regulator setup as small as possible? https://www.ebay.com/itm/263025892584

IDK for sure, but I think that's a single stage regulator. You want dual stage.

 

[Happyboy423]

I think you're right. I'll keep looking

 

[solitude127]

I have been using the check valve on my GEO reactor (came with it) but I find it is really hard to fine tune my bubble rate (swagelok SS-SS4-VH) meter valve. I use the corner of the nut on the valve as my turn locator so I know how many notches I turn the knob. Seems like I slowly tick it up 1 notch a day then it all of a sudden spews bubbles or has nothing coming out (in the bubble counter) think this is a check valve issue?

At the beginning, was everything working correctly then over time, this started happening? And is the solenoid working properly? If so, then it sounds like a check valve issue.

 

[Lyscer]

Everything appeared to work fine for 9 months or so then this started happening; I think that the solenoid is working (When I power cycle it the bubbles will slowly stop as the pressure in the line lowers (which is the other reason I think that this may be a check valve issue)

 

[solitude127]

Everything appeared to work fine for 9 months or so then this started happening; I think that the solenoid is working (When I power cycle it the bubbles will slowly stop as the pressure in the line lowers (which is the other reason I think that this may be a check valve issue)

here's the check valve that I'm using and have heard nothing but good things about it
https://www.marinedepot.com/Dennerl...or_Aquariums-Dennerle-DE1111-FICOCACV-vi.html

 

[LQT]

For those using an integrated bubble counter / check valve on their regulators, what is the preferred brand?

 

[solitude127]

For those using an integrated bubble counter / check valve on their regulators, what is the preferred brand?

this is the one I've seen most people recommend
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ISTA-Profes...386348&hash=item3cfe5b1fc2:g:2SIAAOSwm8VU1UMA

 

[LQT]

Thank you! Although after doing a bunch of mental gymnastics, I may just go with the Dennerle check valve to thebubble counter on the GEO.

 

[solitude127]

Thank you! Although after doing a bunch of mental gymnastics, I may just go with the Dennerle check valve to thebubble counter on the GEO.

That's what I'm using. So far so good.

 

[greengeco82]

What size are the threads on the metering valve are people using? 1/8 or 1/4"? I want to make sure a bubble counter screws right onto it.

 

[LQT]

What size are the threads on the metering valve are people using? 1/8 or 1/4"? I want to make sure a bubble counter screws right onto it.

In reading earlier in the thread, it looks like you'll need 1/8" mnpt to screw into the base of the bubble counter.

 

[solitude127]

What size are the threads on the metering valve are people using? 1/8 or 1/4"? I want to make sure a bubble counter screws right onto it.

my metering valve had a tube adapter and it need a fitting to become NPT. The part number is SS-2-TA-7-2. My metering valve is SS-SS2-A-SL

 

[greengeco82]

Thanks LQT and Solitude. Things just got a little more complicated when photobucket pulled all of the pics and I'm 1/4 way into my build.

This should work right?
https://www.swagelok.com/en/catalog/Product/Detail?part=B-SS2-A
Low flow. 1/8" NPT. I just need to get a 1/8 to 1/4 adapter to go into the burkert?

 

[solitude127]

Thanks LQT and Solitude. Things just got a little more complicated when photobucket pulled all of the pics and I'm 1/4 way into my build.

This should work right?
https://www.swagelok.com/en/catalog/Product/Detail?part=B-SS2-A
Low flow. 1/8" NPT. I just need to get a 1/8 to 1/4 adapter to go into the burkert?

Yes, that valve will work. It's the same as mine but in brass. And yes, you'll need to reduce down to 1/8". I reduced at the elbow. Part number is SS-4-RSE-2

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Zaffor]

On the hunt for 2 SS regulators for me and a friend. Give me a shout out if you run across one pls. I have been scouring ebay and there is a whole bunch. Im trying to single out SS dual stage only by cross referencing part numbers on airgas or other websites.
Thx!

 

[Chris155hp]

can anyone help me fine a SS dual stage regulator. having trouble finding one that would work well for a Ca Reactor

 

[greengeco82]

On the hunt for 2 SS regulators for me and a friend. Give me a shout out if you run across one pls. I have been scouring ebay and there is a whole bunch. Im trying to single out SS dual stage only by cross referencing part numbers on airgas or other websites.
Thx!

can anyone help me fine a SS dual stage regulator. having trouble finding one that would work well for a Ca Reactor

This is one I wish I would have bought, instead I have been piecing together one.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Swagelok-Stai...3A7d38d8c815d0aa471f9c6dd0fff9a796%7Ciid%3A12