How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor.

[bettatail]

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.

[amps]

I'm new to this but I've read through most of this thread 3 times.

I want to build a basic dual stage regulator to use on my 180g tank and I guess I still just don't know what I'm looking for on ebay. Can someone help point me at a few active listings so I can have a good reference to work from?

If it helps, I'm in Ontario.

[oreo57]

Originally Posted by amps

I'm new to this but I've read through most of this thread 3 times.

I want to build a basic dual stage regulator to use on my 180g tank and I guess I still just don't know what I'm looking for on ebay. Can someone help point me at a few active listings so I can have a good reference to work from?

If it helps, I'm in Ontario.

Being in Canada changes things..
Anyway just an example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harris-Mode....c100010.m2109

Things to note.. 1)Ignore gauge numbers.
This part reg has a max output pressure of 50psi. Hard to see but w/ zoom it's on the body label. Some may state it but BEST to know the body sticker.
some sellers just state a gauge number.
Victor regs usually use gauges on the low pressure side that have max scale of 2x the real limit for example.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Harris-9296-....c100005.m1851
2)Inlet is not for CO2. Unless you are lucky most aren't
One w/ CO2 inlet BUT max outlet pressure is low.. Fine if one doesn't use atomizers..15psi max..
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Victor-Model...IAAOSwTWZblyaX
Little bit beat up but ..well..
victor models use an A,BC,D scale going from low to high pressure output.
As you can see "A" is 15psi.
New..for fun:
https://www.airgas.com/p/VIC0781-3569

3)General condition or age. Hard to detrmine w/out knowing models and years made.
4)Many regs are just re-branded.
5) There are 2 types of CGA threads if you need to replace them. Most common is 1/4npt. Try not to get a reg w/ the other one..

Your shipping customs are a bit odd. Not sure you can get regulators through if shipped from the US.
Rarely see one from Canada to Canada either..

[alanle]

Originally Posted by amps

I'm new to this but I've read through most of this thread 3 times.

I want to build a basic dual stage regulator to use on my 180g tank and I guess I still just don't know what I'm looking for on ebay. Can someone help point me at a few active listings so I can have a good reference to work from?

If it helps, I'm in Ontario.

This one is good for a basic regulator.


152755455860


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[oreo57]

Originally Posted by alanle

This one is good for a basic regulator.


152755455860


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Really? Replaced gauges, arrow on nut and nut showing def. used..
Seller states "can't tell if its new or used"
Max pressure out 25psi..
CGA's been changed.. per PTFE tape on it..
Can be returned at buyers cost (shipping would be equal to the cost of the unit)


Granted could be just fine. All used is a crapshoot.

I know you can do better..

Oh yea.. shipping from US to canada adds about $40 Canadian to most of them.
Used Toronto zip code for fun.

[bettatail]

Originally Posted by amps

I'm new to this but I've read through most of this thread 3 times.

I want to build a basic dual stage regulator to use on my 180g tank and I guess I still just don't know what I'm looking for on ebay. Can someone help point me at a few active listings so I can have a good reference to work from?

If it helps, I'm in Ontario.

don't know if you are still looking for a pressure regulator.
there is one from canada, condition look ok.

254289681388

good luck.

[ajhudson15]

Originally Posted by alanle

This one is good for a basic regulator.


152755455860


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Hi Alan. Water dog from clay-boa sent me over here to possibly purchase a dual stage co2 regulator from you and I wanted to get in touch on that if possible. My number is (812) 606-1638 if you would line to text Me

[bettatail]

Alan,

[alanle]

Originally Posted by bettatail

Alan,

This is a nice collection bro. You didn’t get the Chell mechanism valve?


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[bettatail]

chell mechanism valve is at the bottom row, third from the left. It has two names, modern is Chell.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[amps]

Originally Posted by bettatail

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

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

[alanle]

Originally Posted by tjsreeftank

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?

Originally Posted by alanle

@betatail 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?