co2 regulator help

PapaKlix · 07/14/2009, 09:30 PM

i bought a calcium reactor setup used from another RC member, not sure how old. i was able to set it up fine and get a consistent bubble count but after having this running for like 3 weeks, the tank is empty. i didn't notice any kind of noticeable noise. the right gauge seems to sit at 90 psi.

as best i can tell, it's the generic marine depot regulator. at first i assumed that i hadn't threaded the thing on tight enough to the tank but that now seems unlikely.

is this thing a lost cause that i need to replace?

MSX-Jeff · 07/14/2009, 10:24 PM

Try spraying some soap and water solution around ANYWHERE that air could be leaking...that will tell you in short order if there is a leak or not.

PapaKlix · 07/23/2009, 08:52 PM

for people who may have come across this thread with a similar problem, here's what a nice guy from the welding supply place told me: my seal was likely bad between the regulator and the tank because i used teflon tape. apparently, that can mess with the seating of the washer. i just put it on there out of habit. he also said the washers are only good for a few tanks so i replaced that as well.

he replaced the right side gauge with a much better one that has a 1psi - 15psi scale ($15 for the gauge). i've been able to quite easily dial in the pressure with this setup and so far so good.

07/14/2009, 09:30 PM	#1
PapaKlix Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 374	co2 regulator help i bought a calcium reactor setup used from another RC member, not sure how old. i was able to set it up fine and get a consistent bubble count but after having this running for like 3 weeks, the tank is empty. i didn't notice any kind of noticeable noise. the right gauge seems to sit at 90 psi. as best i can tell, it's the generic marine depot regulator. at first i assumed that i hadn't threaded the thing on tight enough to the tank but that now seems unlikely. is this thing a lost cause that i need to replace?

07/14/2009, 10:24 PM	#2
MSX-Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: On the Web Posts: 319	Try spraying some soap and water solution around ANYWHERE that air could be leaking...that will tell you in short order if there is a leak or not.

07/23/2009, 08:52 PM	#3
PapaKlix Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 374	for people who may have come across this thread with a similar problem, here's what a nice guy from the welding supply place told me: my seal was likely bad between the regulator and the tank because i used teflon tape. apparently, that can mess with the seating of the washer. i just put it on there out of habit. he also said the washers are only good for a few tanks so i replaced that as well. he replaced the right side gauge with a much better one that has a 1psi - 15psi scale ($15 for the gauge). i've been able to quite easily dial in the pressure with this setup and so far so good.