How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[LQT]

let me know if you want to try some good components, I will show you the links on ebay.

Metering valve selection

Much appreciated! I've actually helped over a dozen members on here and other forums with their builds as well. I have a library of eBay links in my favorites list. In fact, I will be documenting a build here soon for a member who bought all the parts that I recommended to him. I will put it together for him for Acro frags in trade and will document it step by step on this thread.

 

[alanle]

Hey Guys! I've been a bit busy with family and life. I'm also busy with my other hobby. See the below pix for yourself!

I am here, Alan.

Hey Bettatail!! Nice to see you're back to the forums. Lets build some crazy regs like the old days.

[MENTION=296993]alanle[/MENTION] curious... after all these years and building these, what is your current setup and how long have you been using it? Or do you just keep switching around like new cars for fun?

I built a 2 regs for myself. A Swagelok reg and a Matheson reg. I sold the Swagelok because I only needed 1 reg. I built the Matheson reg back in 2014 after I got the Brooks needle valve from Bettatail. It's still running on my planted tank today. Still strong!!!

I recently got this one from Alanle locally. Thank you!

Looking good bro!

I just want to chime in...I followed alane's advice and couldn't be happier! While the quality parts are not dirt cheap, compared to the cost of a high quality reactor setup, it's a bargain. I set the bubble rate and a month later it's still the same. Nice.



I had a reactor with cheap/junk parts. What a hassle.



Thank you alane!

Yes these custom regs will outlast you in the hobby.


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[bettatail]

is it a 2.4watt 3 ports MAC solenoid in the first picture? you can use it on the co2 system too...

and for the second picture, all these years I thought I had the most expensive co2 system in the hobby, now I know there is a good match all these time, lol.

I update my metering valve selection thread a couple weeks ago, and will complete it with the research that I did in the last 4 month, the thread pretty much covers all the industrial grade mechanical valves that are good for precision flow control.
when you have time to work on co2 system again, let me know, I will send you some new parts so the actual flow volume of co2 can be adjusted/monitored, it is not a new method but a new category of components to add to our pressurized co2 systems.

let's build some more nice co2 systems, you and your friends take care of the saltwater hobbyists in this thread, I will focus my time in TPT.

this is once consider most expensive co2 system, lol. bad quality picture though.

The backup one since 2012, but never use it...

 

[alanle]

is it a 2.4watt 3 ports MAC solenoid in the first picture? you can use it on the co2 system too...

and for the second picture, all these years I thought I had the most expensive co2 system in the hobby, now I know there is a good match all these time, lol.

I update my metering valve selection thread a couple weeks ago, and will complete it with the research that I did in the last 4 month, the thread pretty much covers all the industrial grade mechanical valves that are good for precision flow control.
when you have time to work on co2 system again, let me know, I will send you some new parts so the actual flow volume of co2 can be adjusted/monitored, it is not a new method but a new category of components to add to our pressurized co2 systems.

let's build some more nice co2 systems, you and your friends take care of the saltwater hobbyists in this thread, I will focus my time in TPT.

this is once consider most expensive co2 system, lol. bad quality picture though.

Yes it's a MAC solenoid. It's used with the turbo boost controller. I was thinking of throwing in a Burkert solenoid with Swagelok compression fittings and hard lines. Automotive people are still using brass fittings and silicon tubings. Maybe I should introduce them to Swagelok and Parker fittings ;-). The parts are not widely available like in the past. I guess we scooped up everything lol. I still have a new Matheson 3810 and Concoa 332. I'll probably build it in the next few days.

 

[Mache62]

Please help. I bought this metering valve but can't figure out how to connect it.

Swagelok Brass Low Flow Angle Pattern Metering Valve, 1/8" Tube, B-SS2-A

I also got the Berkert 6011 solenoid to complete the build.

I don't see how to fit them all together.

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[LQT]

If you’re connecting it to the 1/8” female end of an elbow, then you’ll need a Swagelok B-2-TA-1-2

https://www.swagelok.com/en/catalog/Product/Detail?part=B-2-TA-1-2

Then you’ll need a fitting to step up the 1/8” outlet of the metering valve to 1/4” so that you can connect the flexible CO2 tubing, which is a Swagelok B-400-R-2

https://www.swagelok.com/en/catalog/Product/Detail?part=B-400-R-2

I specified brass parts as you’re using a brass metering valve.

 

[LQT]

let me know if you want to try some good components, I will show you the links on ebay.

Metering valve selection

Wow... :eek1: Just got a chance to look at your list if metering valves. Super insightful and much appreciated!

 

[Mache62]

Thanks LQT. I had to order them directly from Swagelok as amazon didn't carry them.

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[LQT]

Did you try EBay? For the different parts required for these builds, I find eBay to be the best, most economical choice.

 

[Mache62]

Did you try EBay? For the different parts required for these builds, I find eBay to be the best, most economical choice.

I did actually. I was able to find the one, but the other wasn't available. I'm going to try calling Swagelok this morning.

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[Mache62]

I called Swagelok yesterday morning and talked to a nice fellow by the name of Sam. He found both of my orders...they had been sitting in their system but for some reason he never saw them. Hopefully we got it straightened out and I'll see the fittings in the mail tomorrow or Friday.
Keeping my fingers crossed.

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[Mache62]

So I believe I have all the parts now. Is this the pattern I should connect everything together?

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[LQT]

First, switch around the solenoid... “P” is the inlet side and “A” is the outlet side. Also, depending on the size of the elbow female thread fitting size (I’m gonna guess it’s 1/4”, you’ll also need a 1/8” mpt x 1/4” mpt reducing hex nipple to attach the elbow to the solenoid.

 

[LQT]

Also, just noticed you’ll need another threaded hex nipple to join the second female elbow to the solenoid as well...

Guessing the second elbow is a 1/8” female elbow and that you’ll need a 1/8” mpt x 1/8” mpt hex nipple fitting. Please correct me of I’m guessing the wrong thread sizes!

 

[Mache62]

Ok now I'm really confused....so I attach the elbow to the regulator and have reduced the end of the elbow to 1/8. I have 1/8 nipples for either side of the solenoid.

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[Mache62]

But how am I attaching the valve??

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[Mache62]

So the Swagelok tube adapter can go directly to the other end of the solenoid....but I'm still not sure how the valve attaches to that.

 

[LQT]

Ok now I'm really confused....so I attach the elbow to the regulator and have reduced the end of the elbow to 1/8. I have 1/8 nipples for either side of the solenoid.

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Oh, I didn’t see those threaded nipples in the initial picture that I was responding to... based on the layout in that initial picture, you should be able connect everything just fine with the nipples shown.

 

[LQT]

So the Swagelok tube adapter can go directly to the other end of the solenoid....but I'm still not sure how the valve attaches to that.

Yes, the threaded tube connector can go straight into the solenoid. Then attach the tube to the metering valve. Insert the tube into the hole on the retaining nut on the metering valve, press it in firmly and give the nut a 3/4 turn (for 1/8” tube fittings), see this video for reference...

 

[Mache62]

Ok I'll watch that. Thank you for being patient! Lol

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