How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[wishntoboutside]

can someone tell me where is a good place to buy some of the valves that are shown in the above pictures.

Thanks in advance.

 

[LQT]

can someone tell me where is a good place to buy some of the valves that are shown in the above pictures.

Thanks in advance.

Check your PMs, but eBay will be your best bet.

 

[amps]

here is another system that I built recently, I used a Key instruments(now belongs to brooks) high precision flow meter on the system, it is for oxygen but I calibrate the co2 flow rate under different pressure, I can provide the calibration data if you need it. The valve on the flowmeter is low flow needle valve, the capacity of fine adjustment is between a swagelok S series and a M series.

This flow meter is still available in good quantity, you can get it while they are still available, really cheap because normal price is into the $300 a piece, search key word is "adjustable Oxygen flow meter 100 psig"
good luck.

I wound up ordering one of these flow meters to pair to a CO2 Art regulator. What I'm clueless about is what type of fittings I need to connect it to the solenoid that came with the regulator. Are most fittings simple 1/4" NPT? In that case once I remove the included needle valve, do I just use a 1/4" nipple and some teflon tape to connect the two ports?

Thanks!

 

[bettatail]

The key instruments flow meter is both 1/8 female NPT outlet/inlet.

inlet on the bottom, outlet on top.
you can see the top post on this page, it is the exact flow meter on a co2 system.

 

[bettatail]

if you need co2 calibration data for this flow meter, let me know

 

[Jamsoury]

Hey guys! Trying to find a leak. It seems to be in the first stage. If I lock the air in the first chamber, and all the joints pass the soapy water test, does that usually mean an internal leak? The second gauge doesn’t spike at all

 

[Tony24]

Thanks

 

[alanle]

Hey guys! Trying to find a leak. It seems to be in the first stage. If I lock the air in the first chamber, and all the joints pass the soapy water test, does that usually mean an internal leak? The second gauge doesn't spike at all

Does your low pressure gauge rise? Do soapy water test on those small holes around the reg. I had a regulator that was leaking around the soldering joint inside the gauge.

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[tjsreeftank]

Co2 regulator.

Co2 regulator.

What is the minimum pressure regulator we can use ? Is a 25 psi airgas regulator ok to use ?

 

[alanle]

What is the minimum pressure regulator we can use ? Is a 25 psi airgas regulator ok to use ?

You can run 10-25 psi. It also depends on the distance from the reg to the reactor and the size.

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[JGao]

Went into the deep end on learning about regulators as I’m planning to set up a calcium reactor for my saltwater tank. Any recommendations on which two stage for around $200-$300?

 

[LQT]

The 2 stage regulators featured in this thread are DIY. So cost will depend on how much you will be able to source parts on eBay for.

 

[bettatail]

There are some high precision Parker metering valves available on ebay.

They are the HR3 series, part number 2F-H3A-BN-B-TC.
and 1/8 female npt port, angle pattern, easy to connect with NPT fittings.

the same seller has HR5 version also, but the minimum flow control range of H5A is high, get the HR5 if use a ph controller.

new Parker precision metering valves with turn counter handle are about $350 each,
good luck.

 

[Stickboy97]

I have this same solenoid on a set-up Alan built for me years ago. Can someone tell me what it is? I think it is stuck closed or broken because I am not getting any flow out of my CaRx. I noticed today that my PH was the same in my CaRx as my display and started looking for issues. Bottle has pressure, no knobs have been turned. When I open my needle valve all the way, no CO2 comes out, so that tells me the solenoid is stuck. Any ideas?

[MENTION=151249]betat[/MENTION]ail I have a flow meter laying around. Hope I didn't throw it away. I was thinking of testing it and see how sensitive it is but this corona thing is setting me back. By the way do you have any extra fittings to mount the 1/8 tube needle valve?

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[LQT]

That looks like a Clippard solenoid. When you turn the power to the solenoid on and off, do you hear any audible noise of the solenoid opening and closing?

 

[Stickboy97]

No, thats why I think its dead. Any way to manually open it?

Any suggestions on a new solenoid? Great time to have one go out, right before a 4 day weekend!

 

[alanle]

I have this same solenoid on a set-up Alan built for me years ago. Can someone tell me what it is? I think it is stuck closed or broken because I am not getting any flow out of my CaRx. I noticed today that my PH was the same in my CaRx as my display and started looking for issues. Bottle has pressure, no knobs have been turned. When I open my needle valve all the way, no CO2 comes out, so that tells me the solenoid is stuck. Any ideas?

Send me a message I'll replace it for you.

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[alanle]

No, thats why I think its dead. Any way to manually open it?

Any suggestions on a new solenoid? Great time to have one go out, right before a 4 day weekend!

By the way check your power adapter and see if it's not dead.

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[Stickboy97]

Thanks Alan, wasn't looking for a freebie, but that is awesome. Sending you a pic and a msg!

 

[Stickboy97]

Here is a pic of the one I have. The power adapter has the green light lit, so I assume it is working fine.