Researching and pricing a C02 system

[sairving]

One of my tank projects and goals is to add a co2 system to my tank. Preferably without breaking the bank.  I was going to try a citric acid and baking soda but then I started thinking maybe I should look into an actual co2 system. I'm considering either a regular tank or a paintball tank system.  I was on ebay this morning and found a listing for a used Milwaukee MA957.

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/185277291352?hash=item2b23631b58%3Ag%3ATvEAAOSwMhRh-IeE&LH_ItemCondition=3000

Is buying a used regulator worth it? Thoughts? 

   

[Mmiller2001]

Hey, how's it going? I took a look at the regulator and I see that it's not a dual stage regulator. When it's single stage, you could experience end of tank dump. That's a sudden release of all the last bits of CO2 from a near empty tank. This could cause a disaster.

If you want to stay on the cheaper side, I would look at fzone, CO2art or GLA(Green Leaf Aquariums).

Fzone and GLA have an option for both tank or paintball canisters. CO2art has an all in one packag that's hard to beat. They are also a great entry level regulator. GLA is a bit more premium but offer a quality product and have tank included kits.

All of these are dual stage.

FZONE Aquarium CO2 Regulator Mini Series V3.0 Dual Stage with DC Solenoid and Bubble Counter Check Valve Compatible Paintball Tank CGA320 CO2 Cylinder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P5FKQDT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_M35XHE4BDS58ZMHKAM8X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Complete kit no tank.

https://www.co2art.us/collections/complete-kits/products/pro-se-series-complete-aquarium-co2-system-with-in-tank-flux_-diffuser

GLA just regulator (premium budget) make sure to select all the options

https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/gla-mini-ds-aquarium-co2-regulator-dual-stage.html

And lastly GLA, tank and all kit 

Mini series

https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/gla-mini-ds-1-dual-stage-co2-system-modular.html

Larger series (2 gauges)

https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/gla-pro-ds-1-aquarium-co2-system-dual-stage-modular-1.html

If you have other questions, please ask. Also, there are some big dollar regulator options and DIY.

@gjcarewuses a budget regulator that's really worked well for him, I just can't remember which one. You might reach out to him and see what he uses.

Edited February 2, 2022 by Mmiller2001

[sairving]

@Mmiller2001 yeah, decided not to go with the Milwaukee regulator. Based on the reviews, it appears to have some quirks.  Needle valves needing to be replaced seems to be the big one. I think I've looked at most of the regulators in the links above. Today, I started researching DIY options.  Could be fun project and I'm always ready to learn new things. 

Locally, I can get paint ball canisters refilled at Dicks. There is a liquor store in the area that sells brewing supplies and refills regular co2 tanks for $6-$14 depending on the size. There's a few welding supply stores too that will refill tanks. I may go for a regular tank.  

[Mmiller2001]

On 2/2/2022 at 3:09 PM, sairving said:

@Mmiller2001 yeah, decided not to go with the Milwaukee regulator. Based on the reviews, it appears to have some quirks.  Needle valves needing to be replaced seems to be the big one. I think I've looked at most of the regulators in the links above. Today, I started researching DIY options.  Could be fun project and I'm always ready to learn new things. 

Locally, I can get paint ball canisters refilled at Dicks. There is a liquor store in the area that sells brewing supplies and refills regular co2 tanks for $6-$14 depending on the size. There's a few welding supply stores too that will refill tanks. I may go for a regular tank.  

I know a lot of people go the DIY route, and I think there's a store where you can buy the individual components but I just can't remember, but I know it's out there.

[sairving]

Think I found my regulator. I've been looking at regulator listings for the last few hours. There are a bunch of single stage Matheson listings on ebay and then I found this one. It a 2 stage co2 regulator from Uniweld.

Uniweld RHT8013 Medium/Heavy Duty Two Stage CO2 Regulator with CGA320 Inlet

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363701596126?hash=item54ae4defde:g:t7MAAOSwDNRh7drH

 

Regulator purchased

Edited February 2, 2022 by sairving

[Mmiller2001]

Report back with how it does.

[sairving]

On 2/2/2022 at 4:59 PM, Mmiller2001 said:

Report back with how it does.

I'll start a build thread once I get the regulator and start ordering the rest of the parts.  Need to spend the next few days coming up with a parts list.