How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor. - Page 53

huseMN · 03/21/2018, 09:28 AM

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.

solitude127 · 03/21/2018, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huseMN

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.

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.

huseMN · 03/21/2018, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

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.

david4773 · 03/27/2018, 10:52 AM

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!

Dross · 03/27/2018, 04:36 PM

The last 3 digits represent the CGA cylinder fitting. You will need to replace either one with a CGA 320 for CO2. That is the only difference. Can order fittings on-line.

Editour2 · 04/05/2018, 10:07 AM

Does anyone know the difference between a clippard solenoid and these solenoids:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/produc...CABEgL4QvD_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 · 04/05/2018, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Editour2

Does anyone know the difference between a clippard solenoid and these solenoids:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/produc...CABEgL4QvD_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.

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-601...sAAOSw3K1auyTa

alanle · 05/08/2018, 06:08 PM

Here’s a 6 outputs system. This one is designed for planted tanks. For saltwater you will need 6 solenoids.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pandimus · 05/08/2018, 08:51 PM

Are these cheaper to build yourself??

solitude127 · 05/08/2018, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

Are these cheaper to build yourself??

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

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

pandimus · 05/08/2018, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

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

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

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 · 05/09/2018, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

Are these cheaper to build yourself??

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanle

Hi All,

I'm new to the reef community. I have been building custom CO2 systems for planted tanks. I want to start off by sharing my knowledge with you guys on how to build a quality CO2 system to use with the calcium reactor. There are commercial CO2 systems that anyone can purchase. However, there is a DIY route. We can build a high quality industrial grade CO2 system with a few parts for the same price.

So, maybe not cheaper, but better. Way better.

solitude127 · 05/09/2018, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

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..

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

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 · 05/09/2018, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

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.

It's most likely going in my stand. I think i'll scope out the regulator first and build off of that...

solitude127 · 05/09/2018, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

It's most likely going in my stand. I think i'll scope out the regulator first and build off of that...

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.

pandimus · 05/09/2018, 08:02 PM

Whats the difference between the ss2 and ss4 metering valves?

solitude127 · 05/10/2018, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

Whats the difference between the ss2 and ss4 metering valves?

Size. SS2 is 1/8" and SS4 is 1/4". Make sure you get a low flow metering valve

pandimus · 05/10/2018, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

Size. SS2 is 1/8" and SS4 is 1/4". Make sure you get a low flow metering valve

Roger that.. Any advantage on the different size's? Or no difference, just gotta use appropriate adapters?

solitude127 · 05/10/2018, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

Roger that.. Any advantage on the different size's? Or no difference, just gotta use appropriate adapters?

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 · 05/10/2018, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

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

Thanks for all your help Mike

solitude127 · 05/10/2018, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

Thanks for all your help Mike

No Problem. I enjoyed building my reg. It was a fun little project.
Also, the only reason why I went with a 2.5" CGA adapter was because of my larger gauges. a 2" would be sufficient.
Same with the SS-4-HLN-2.00, I have a funky valve on the bottom of my regulator and I needed the 2 inches to get around it. I think the SS-4-HLN-1.50 would be plenty of room. Maybe even the SS-4-HLN-1.00

pandimus · 05/30/2018, 08:50 AM

Wow, the pics are fixed

solitude127 · 05/30/2018, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandimus

Wow, the pics are fixed

wow, that's pretty awesome that someone fixed this thread. I never get sick of looking at custom regs.

pandimus · 05/30/2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

wow, that's pretty awesome that someone fixed this thread. I never get sick of looking at custom regs.

Lol regulator pron

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GraviT · 07/09/2018, 04:30 PM

My turn! I snagged a NIB Air Products e12-215D and a Swagelok SS-SM2-S2-A for about $110 on eStray this afternoon. After pulling the trigger, I can’t find much information on the regulator, so hope that its a decent buy. Its dual stage, and the pressure ranges seem to be right (even though it could probably use a gauge upgrade).

All told, with a Burkert 6011 SS and other bits, I’ve still spent less than the AP setup. Here’s hoping I bought a decent regulator and the right stuff!

04/05/2018, 10:07 AM	#1306
Editour2 Frank Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Suffolk County, NY Posts: 1,907	Does anyone know the difference between a clippard solenoid and these solenoids: http://www.aquariumplants.com/produc...CABEgL4QvD_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. __________________ Frank Current Tank Info: 215 gal DT, 125 gal sump, 40 gal refugium w/ATS, 20 gal frag tank, reeflo orca skimmer, Knop HD calc reac w/2nd chamber, BRS dual reac, dart rtn pump, 2x tunze 6105's on seasweeps, 2x jebao PP20's, 30gal QT, LED/T5 Ltg, 1/2 hp aqualogic chiller.

05/08/2018, 08:51 PM	#1309
pandimus Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Palmdale Posts: 2,556	Are these cheaper to build yourself?? __________________ ~SFVR Member~ 125 Gal Long/50 Gal sump, 2xMP40QD,Aquamax CONES CO-03/Speed Wave dc return 4x AI Sol Blues/Director + 2 80w T5 retrofit/Apex Controller Current Tank Info: 125 gal 72X18X22

05/09/2018, 08:02 PM	#1316
pandimus Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Palmdale Posts: 2,556	Whats the difference between the ss2 and ss4 metering valves? __________________ ~SFVR Member~ 125 Gal Long/50 Gal sump, 2xMP40QD,Aquamax CONES CO-03/Speed Wave dc return 4x AI Sol Blues/Director + 2 80w T5 retrofit/Apex Controller Current Tank Info: 125 gal 72X18X22

05/30/2018, 08:50 AM	#1322
pandimus Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Palmdale Posts: 2,556	Wow, the pics are fixed __________________ ~SFVR Member~ 125 Gal Long/50 Gal sump, 2xMP40QD,Aquamax CONES CO-03/Speed Wave dc return 4x AI Sol Blues/Director + 2 80w T5 retrofit/Apex Controller Current Tank Info: 125 gal 72X18X22

07/09/2018, 04:30 PM	#1325
GraviT Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 420	My turn! I snagged a NIB Air Products e12-215D and a Swagelok SS-SM2-S2-A for about $110 on eStray this afternoon. After pulling the trigger, I can’t find much information on the regulator, so hope that its a decent buy. Its dual stage, and the pressure ranges seem to be right (even though it could probably use a gauge upgrade). All told, with a Burkert 6011 SS and other bits, I’ve still spent less than the AP setup. Here’s hoping I bought a decent regulator and the right stuff! __________________ Member of DFWMAS Current Tank Info: Custom 162g, 40g sump/fuge, black box LEDs, Skimz Octa SC165i, Skimz Ca reactor, a real CO2 regulator, 2016 Apex

03/21/2018, 09:28 AM	#1301
huseMN Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 73	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.

03/27/2018, 10:52 AM	#1304
david4773 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 1	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!

03/27/2018, 04:36 PM	#1305
Dross Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 44	The last 3 digits represent the CGA cylinder fitting. You will need to replace either one with a CGA 320 for CO2. That is the only difference. Can order fittings on-line.

05/08/2018, 06:08 PM	#1308
alanle Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 307	Here’s a 6 outputs system. This one is designed for planted tanks. For saltwater you will need 6 solenoids. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk