Questions re regulators

[Unresistible Blue]

I've never looked into regulators for calcium reactors - I'm very familiat with SCUBA regulators, but never messed around with what we're using for this project. In the power buy, there were two regulators mentioned:

Regulators: CO2 Solenoid regulator with Needle Valve - $130,
AquaMedic Regulator $72.50

Additionally, how does a CO2 Selenoid fit into this picture?

Would someone help me out with a little Regulator 101?

Whats the difference in the two? What features should I look for? I'm starting from gound zero on this topic.

Thanks
Russ

 

[fergy]

I'll let someone else reply about these specific ones. I did not buy either one.

However, I use a welding regulator. Rather simple. It's the same idea, sort of, as your primary reg on the SCUBA rig, except this one is easily adjustable. It simple attaches to the CO2 cylinder, and you set the PSI you want via a dial. I think one of the ones offered in the powerbuy was a preset version. The only features you really need, IMO, are two gauges so you can see primary and secondary pressure in the bottle.

If you choose to use a solenoid, it goes between the regulator and the needlevalve/flowmeter. It plugs in, so that if power is removed, the CO2 feed shuts off. You can also use a pH controller to operate it, so that if pH in the reactor gets too low, the solenoid shuts off CO2 supply. I don't bother with this.

Next step is the flowmeter/needlevalve. I prefer the flowmeter, which has better control and gives you a far more accurate reading on how much CO2 you are using than the bubble counter. I use the bubblecounter for quick reference that I have CO2 flowing, and nothing more. All of these "bubbles/min" readings that people give mean nothing. Then, the CO2 enters the bottom of the bubble counter, and is used in the reactor.

All of this make sense?

BRIAN
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Ferrari 625

 

[Unresistible Blue]

Thanks Brian.

Without the solenoid, doesn't the gas keep pumping w/o water flow and therefore crank down the pH in the reactor that will hit the tank when the power comes back on?


You said:
"Next step is the flowmeter/needlevalve. I prefer the flowmeter, which has better control and gives you a far more accurate reading on how much CO2 you are using than the bubble counter. "

Sorry for these incessant questions, but are you saying you like to use a needlevalve and flowmeter conbo RATHER THAN a needlevalve and bubble counter combo?

You're not saying you recommend using a needle valve OR a flowmeter, right? They serve two diff purposes, as far as I understand things.

Russ

 

[fergy]

Yes, in general, if power goes out, you're adding more CO2 to the system, and it can kill the prime of the pump. However, when I lose power, I'm usually aware of it, and either shut off the reactor or CO2 until it's back on. I have a solenoid, it just doesn't work at the low PSI that I have my regulator set at. I don't know how well the hobbyist ones work, but they probably work better than this.

Regarding flowmeters, read: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/short.htm


A flowmeter alleviates the need for a needle valve to control the gas. They do not do separate things.

BRIAN
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Ultram Rehab Forum