why is my timer not working for co2 injection timing?

[martinmin]

I started to inject co2 into my fish tank with a timer and set it the same with the light. however, it can control the light timing well, but co2 injection is 24 hours always, even if I unplug the power of the co2 system. I use the same timer to control the light and the co2 system. And the timer I have is:

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Mechanical-Intervals-Decorations-46211/dp/B07YQKNC4D/ref=asc_df_B07YQKNC4D/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385182567079&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15723195180227362869&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031936&hvtargid=pla-889759243567&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=80210700644&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385182567079&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15723195180227362869&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031936&hvtargid=pla-889759243567

 

Since the timer is good with the lighting, it must be due to something else. Why does a pressurized co2 system release gas even if the power is off?

[Ninjoma]

I'm not sure exactly why, but it can take some time for the co2 to wind down after the regulator is turned off. Have you checked to see if co2 has stopped several hours after the timer turns off? 

[martinmin]

On 5/10/2023 at 6:40 PM, Ninjoma said:

I'm not sure exactly why, but it can take some time for the co2 to wind down after the regulator is turned off. Have you checked to see if co2 has stopped several hours after the timer turns off? 

Yes I waited overnight but still the same.

[Ninjoma]

On 5/10/2023 at 9:49 PM, martinmin said:

Yes I waited overnight but still the same.

Hmm interesting. What regulator are you using?

[martinmin]

On 5/10/2023 at 10:00 PM, Ninjoma said:

Hmm interesting. What regulator are you using?

I got a used co2 system and don't know the brand. I searched and it said it might be due to solenoid valve.

[nabokovfan87]

There should be an indicator LED on the solenoid that you can use to verify the switch is working. There also should be a switch on the timer itself.

I would highly recommend for your own sanity to use the kasa plugs (Amazon has a 4 pack that's extremely affordable or they have the power strip version).  They make it easy and it's much more.... Much easier to use day to day because it's literally just a plug and an on/off button. The entire schedule you can monitor and verify over the app on your phone.

I use that with my CO2 but I also have the mechanical ones as well.

There is a little switch that you might need to turn on to ensure it works (there was on mine) and you would see the little bumps under the dial lift an arm, that arm is controlled by that switch.

If the switch is lifted than the little mechanical time is always on I believe.

Hopefully that helps. I'm sorry you're having issues with it. Definitely weird.

[Pepere]

The electricity controls a solenoid that controls a valve to block or release the gas flow from the regulator  to the needle valves.  
 

if gas flows through the needle valves and bubble counter with the electricity unplugged, you have a bad solenoid. It needs to be replaced.

bearing in mind of course that once the solenoid shuts off, the pressure in the lines from the solenoid to the diffusor is still at your working pressure and needs a short amount of time to dissipate to the point that co2 gas will stop passing through the diffuser into the water column.

 

The only thing the timer does is allow electricity to the devices to be on or off.  If it is shutting off power to the lights, it is also shutting off power to the solenoid.  The problem is that the solenoid is still allowing gas to pass through it withoutbeing energized.

[Andy's Fish Den]

Sounds like the solenoid is not working properly. If you put your hand on the solenoid and plug it into an outlet and then unplug it, you should be able to feel and possibly even hear a click as it opens and shuts.

[martinmin]

On 5/11/2023 at 3:08 AM, Andy's Fish Den said:

Sounds like the solenoid is not working properly. If you put your hand on the solenoid and plug it into an outlet and then unplug it, you should be able to feel and possibly even hear a click as it opens and shuts.

Let's forget about the timer first. When the co2 system is unplugged from the power, should it still be able to release gas when the switch is on? If yes, then what's the purpose of plugging into the power outlet? 

[Andy's Fish Den]

If there is no power to the solenoid, then no gas should be released. The only time any gas should be able to flow out of the regulator is when power is turned on to the solenoid. 

Edited May 14 by Andy's Fish Den

[martinmin]

I changed a solenoid valve and it seems the problem is fixed. Thanks