How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor. - Page 60

alanle · 03/25/2019, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psidriven

Can I connect the needle valve to the upper elbow? Also, can I connect
RO line to the needle valve instead of airline hose?

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Yes you can remove the solenoid and attach the needle valve to the upper elbow. You will need this fitting. eBay item # 321826671180

Why do you want RO line? Anyways yes you can use 1/4” OD RO tubing. You will need to use new ferrules. 183043238899
You can also use a check valve and connect the air line to the RO line.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

psidriven · 03/29/2019, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanle

Yes you can remove the solenoid and attach the needle valve to the upper elbow. You will need this fitting. eBay item # 321826671180

Why do you want RO line? Anyways yes you can use 1/4” OD RO tubing. You will need to use new ferrules. 183043238899
You can also use a check valve and connect the air line to the RO line.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

thanks for the reply. the fitting link 'eBay item # 321826671180' doesn't seem to work. also, will the 1/4 ferrules work for the airline hose you use or is that another part number?

the reason for the ro line is pacsun calcfeeder uses ro fittings on its co2 solenoid.

zip70 · 04/02/2019, 06:54 PM

Finally I finished mine. checked leak but no leak. how come my LP could not stay at 1 spot for few hours? I set at 5 psi and 3 or 4 hours later it dropped to 4 or 3? how come?

LQT · 04/02/2019, 08:04 PM

Sounds like you still have a leak. Do you have other tube connections? I’m thinking / guessing that the tube connection between the elbow coming from the solenoid to the metering valve is not properly tightened (based on our prior conversation involving the CO2 tubing connection). If the tube fitting is 1/4”, then like the CO2 tubing conception, you must give that nut a hand tightening and a 1-1/4 turn with a wrench. If it’s a 1/8” tube fitting, then it needs a 3/4 turn with a wrench. Of course without any pictures, I’m just guessing here.

When you say you have no leaks, did you follow Alanle’s leak test procedure in post #12 after you completed the build?

zip70 · 04/02/2019, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQT

Sounds like you still have a leak. Do you have other tube connections? I’m thinking / guessing that the tube connection between the elbow coming from the solenoid to the metering valve is not properly tightened (based on our prior conversation involving the CO2 tubing connection). Like the CO2 tubing conception, did you give that nut a hand tightening and a 1-1/4 turn with a wrench? Of course without any pictures, I’m just guessing here.

When you say you have no leaks, did you follow Alanle’s leak test procedure post #12 after you completed the build?

Thank you LQT.
Yes I did follow leak test with soap water. No leak. I might need to re-tighten everything again. Let me take a picture then.

LQT · 04/02/2019, 08:36 PM

When you did the leak test, beyond the soapy water leak test part, was the lower pressure gauge able to hold pressure for more than 6 hours? The below is pasted from Alan’s leak test procedure in post #12...

E . Do a soapy water leak test around the low pressure gauge and shut off valve joints to make sure you have zero leak. Record the final PSI reading and wait for 6 hours. If there is no change in the final reading, your regulator is good to go.

zip70 · 04/02/2019, 08:39 PM

here is mine.......

LQT · 04/02/2019, 08:45 PM

Very pretty!

Make sure the tube compression fittings on either side of the metering valve are cinched down properly. Looks like 1/4” fittings to me, so after a hand tightening, use a wrench and go 1 - 1/4 turns.

zip70 · 04/02/2019, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQT

Very pretty!

Make sure the tube compression fittings on either side of the metering valve are cinched down properly. Looks like 1/4” fittings to me, so after a hand tightening, use a wrench and go 1 - 1/4 turns.

Thank you. I need to do a leak test 1 more time. Last night i thought I nailed it but it drop down again. it held steady for overnight then it dropped a little after work. I bought a VCR metering valve by mistake, that's why I had to buy 2 adaptors on both sides. not looking good but hope it does the job.

nycluis718 · 04/04/2019, 03:00 PM

opinions on Parker stainless steel solenoid vs SS Burkert 6011 ?

nycluis718 · 04/04/2019, 06:59 PM

Alan good talking to you today .. Looking forward to the C02 Regulator.

zip70 · 05/04/2019, 06:15 PM

Please advice. why my LP needle kept changing?. I set it 10 psi and overnight it went down to 8 or 7. I had to keep adjusting the needle valve. what am i missing here. I did soap test and there is no leak.
Thank you

solitude127 · 05/04/2019, 08:38 PM

is the solenoid constantly turning off/on?

zip70 · 05/04/2019, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

is the solenoid constantly turning off/on?

No . maybe. because it happened at night. my PH controller set at 6.48 off and 6.68 on.

FISHGUY4250 · 05/13/2019, 10:06 AM

Here is mine , i have to send out a huge thank you to Water Dog for al lthe help and advise he gave me on this , i think it turned out great ! now to leak test it

LQT · 05/13/2019, 10:17 AM

Nice job... looks great!

yellojello · 05/13/2019, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip70

No . maybe. because it happened at night. my PH controller set at 6.48 off and 6.68 on.

Operating pressure is lower than what u set at (open solenoid and open metering valve.) Leak test is solenoid closed so no air to calcium reactor.

FISHGUY4250 · 05/16/2019, 07:47 AM

Im hoping someone can help me ???? The problem im having is this : after confirming both leak test and pressure tests are good i move on to dialing in ... now when the solenoid is OPEN and my needle valve is open i do NOT get any flow thru to my bubble counter , that is because the small Knob at the 7:00 position under the larger main Knob is closed ( clockwise ) now if i open that smaller knob slightly or even all the way i will get flow however when the solenoid shuts off ( closed ) i still get bubbles thru my bubble counter ???? and yes this is still after a few minutes of being closed ..... Thinking it must be the solenoid i switched them out and same issue , different regulator same solenoid and no problem ??

Now if this small knob is closed i will hold pressure but no Co2 flow ? Yes my direction of solenoid and fittings are the correct direction of flow , if that smaller knob stays open it will continually be flowing Co2 and drain my tank quickly however if it is closed i get zero flow ???

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG ??

Psionicdragon · 05/27/2019, 10:56 AM

Anyone knows if this unit will work?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VICTOR-HIGH....c100005.m1851

LQT · 05/27/2019, 11:23 AM

Looks good to me.

yellojello · 05/27/2019, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISHGUY4250

Im hoping someone can help me ???? The problem im having is this : after confirming both leak test and pressure tests are good i move on to dialing in ... now when the solenoid is OPEN and my needle valve is open i do NOT get any flow thru to my bubble counter , that is because the small Knob at the 7:00 position under the larger main Knob is closed ( clockwise ) now if i open that smaller knob slightly or even all the way i will get flow however when the solenoid shuts off ( closed ) i still get bubbles thru my bubble counter ???? and yes this is still after a few minutes of being closed ..... Thinking it must be the solenoid i switched them out and same issue , different regulator same solenoid and no problem ??

Now if this small knob is closed i will hold pressure but no Co2 flow ? Yes my direction of solenoid and fittings are the correct direction of flow , if that smaller knob stays open it will continually be flowing Co2 and drain my tank quickly however if it is closed i get zero flow ???

WHAT AM I DOING WRONG ??

I’m not familiar with the knob on regulator, but typically people put a more precise metering valve after the solenoid. I’m not sure how precise that small knob is as a full 8 psi is a ton of co2, that’s why it depletes so fast. With a metering valve, you get it down to 1/100 of that (I’m not sure if exact calculation but just an idea). Also, are you checking the bubble count too?

LQT · 05/27/2019, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellojello

I’m not familiar with the knob on regulator, but typically people put a more precise metering valve after the solenoid. I’m not sure how precise that small knob is as a full 8 psi is a ton of co2, that’s why it depletes so fast. With a metering valve, you get it down to 1/100 of that (I’m not sure if exact calculation but just an idea). Also, are you checking the bubble count too?

He actually got the problem solved... it was the orientation of one of the fittings. His regulator is now up and running!

Psionicdragon · 05/27/2019, 09:10 PM

https://www.valinonline.com/products/4a-nla-v-ss-k would that work for the metering valve?

LQT · 05/28/2019, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psionicdragon

https://www.valinonline.com/products/4a-nla-v-ss-k would that work for the metering valve?

No, that looks like a high flow valve based on the CV of .299. Ideally, you’re looking for a low flow metering valve with a CV of .010 or less.

CornDoggyDogg · 06/02/2019, 06:02 PM

New to CO2 and to the thread. Can someone please tell me if this regulator is a good choice at the price?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Gas-E12...ry!85024!US!-1

04/02/2019, 08:04 PM	#1479
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Sounds like you still have a leak. Do you have other tube connections? I’m thinking / guessing that the tube connection between the elbow coming from the solenoid to the metering valve is not properly tightened (based on our prior conversation involving the CO2 tubing connection). If the tube fitting is 1/4”, then like the CO2 tubing conception, you must give that nut a hand tightening and a 1-1/4 turn with a wrench. If it’s a 1/8” tube fitting, then it needs a 3/4 turn with a wrench. Of course without any pictures, I’m just guessing here. When you say you have no leaks, did you follow Alanle’s leak test procedure in post #12 after you completed the build? __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge Last edited by LQT; 04/02/2019 at 08:15 PM.

04/02/2019, 08:36 PM	#1481
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	When you did the leak test, beyond the soapy water leak test part, was the lower pressure gauge able to hold pressure for more than 6 hours? The below is pasted from Alan’s leak test procedure in post #12... E . Do a soapy water leak test around the low pressure gauge and shut off valve joints to make sure you have zero leak. Record the final PSI reading and wait for 6 hours. If there is no change in the final reading, your regulator is good to go. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

04/02/2019, 08:45 PM	#1483
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Very pretty! Make sure the tube compression fittings on either side of the metering valve are cinched down properly. Looks like 1/4” fittings to me, so after a hand tightening, use a wrench and go 1 - 1/4 turns. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

05/04/2019, 06:15 PM	#1487
zip70 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 84	Lp gauge needle not stay. Please advice. why my LP needle kept changing?. I set it 10 psi and overnight it went down to 8 or 7. I had to keep adjusting the needle valve. what am i missing here. I did soap test and there is no leak. Thank you

05/04/2019, 08:38 PM	#1488
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	is the solenoid constantly turning off/on? __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

04/02/2019, 06:54 PM	#1478
zip70 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 84	Finally I finished mine. checked leak but no leak. how come my LP could not stay at 1 spot for few hours? I set at 5 psi and 3 or 4 hours later it dropped to 4 or 3? how come?

04/04/2019, 03:00 PM	#1485
nycluis718 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 31	opinions on Parker stainless steel solenoid vs SS Burkert 6011 ?

04/04/2019, 06:59 PM	#1486
nycluis718 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 31	Alan good talking to you today .. Looking forward to the C02 Regulator.

05/13/2019, 10:17 AM	#1491
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Nice job... looks great! __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

05/27/2019, 10:56 AM	#1494
Psionicdragon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3,727	Anyone knows if this unit will work? https://www.ebay.com/itm/VICTOR-HIGH....c100005.m1851 __________________ Economy sucks bad! Lets pray for the best! in the meantime, liquidation!

05/27/2019, 11:23 AM	#1495
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Looks good to me. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

05/27/2019, 09:10 PM	#1498
Psionicdragon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3,727	https://www.valinonline.com/products/4a-nla-v-ss-k would that work for the metering valve? __________________ Economy sucks bad! Lets pray for the best! in the meantime, liquidation!

06/02/2019, 06:02 PM	#1500
CornDoggyDogg Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 19	New to CO2 and to the thread. Can someone please tell me if this regulator is a good choice at the price? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Gas-E12...ry!85024!US!-1