Ok... so confirmed that my regulator output is at 50PSI. Is that what others are running? Also, I have my apex set to shut the solenoid off at 7.1ph. However it drifts down and is now at 7.0ph. Just wondering how concerned I should be about trying to remedy or just leave it alone and put the setpoint in apex .1 higher. It just seems weird to me that something isn't working the way it should as I assume the solenoid should not let any new CO2 in when in the of state and the feed pump is pulling tank water with a higher PH. Just stumped as to why it drops lower.
How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.
- Thread starter alanle
- Start date
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
50 PSI seems like a lot. I'm running mine at 10.
I honestly wouldn't worry about .1. if the tank is doing fine, just let it be.
Yeah, 50PSI might be high, I will try lowering it see if that does anything.
I found 2 Co2 regulators on ebay: AIRGAS Y12-244D580 and AIRGAS Y12-244D350 on ebay. Both of them are 2 stage 3500PSI IN 100PSI and they look alike on pictures. D580 is a little bit more expensive. Do you know what are the differences b/w them and which one is better for aquarium plant using? Thanks!
Does anyone know the difference between a clippard solenoid and these solenoids:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/produ...MIyYnLtMGj2gIVCpe9Ch11sw1rEAQYBCABEgL4QvD_BwE
I have the latter....connected to a ph controller....the solenoid clicks on/off (based on my ph parameters) however continually gets stuck in the on position allowing Constant CO2.....it's annoying.
http://www.aquariumplants.com/produ...MIyYnLtMGj2gIVCpe9Ch11sw1rEAQYBCABEgL4QvD_BwE
I have the latter....connected to a ph controller....the solenoid clicks on/off (based on my ph parameters) however continually gets stuck in the on position allowing Constant CO2.....it's annoying.
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
I don't know much about the Clippard solenoid but the Burkert 6011 is rated for like a million cycles.
Here's one on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Burkert-60...737559?hash=item41de6fb717:g:q1sAAOSw3K1auyTa
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solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
If you're patient and find good deals, it can be. But for me, I just bought what I needed when I needed it. In the end probably spent more than a carbon doser but I'm pretty sure mine will outlast a carbon doser
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pandimus
Active member
Thanks.. I actually have tons of time.. don't even have a reactor yet.. guess I'll put a list together and a few google alerts /eBay searches and see what comes up..
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salty joe
Active member
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
One of the biggest ways to save money is with brass fitting and a brass regulator. If it's going outside your stand, you'll be just fine with brass. But if inside the stand, SS might be the way to go but more costly. If you have any questions, please ask away.
pandimus
Active member
It's most likely going in my stand. I think i'll scope out the regulator first and build off of that...
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
A SS reg is probably the most expensive individual part. Keep an eye on ebay but be cautious of the used ones with no return policy.
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
Size. SS2 is 1/8" and SS4 is 1/4". Make sure you get a low flow metering valve
pandimus
Active member
Roger that.. Any advantage on the different size's? Or no difference, just gotta use appropriate adapters?
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
I don't think for our application, there's an advantage/disadvantage. For my setup, I used mostly 1/4" fitting and then I reduced to the 1/8" for my solenoid.
Here's what my final parts list was
CGA-320 Nut & 2.5" Nipple - Chrome Plated
Airgas Y12-215D580 Nickel Plated Brass Dual Stage Regulator
SS-4-HLN-2.00
SS-4-RSE-2
Solenoid (Burkett 200a)
SS-2-SE
SS-2-TA-1-2
SS-SS2-A (metering valve)
SS-400-R-2
pandimus
Active member
Thanks for all your help Mike
