CO2 regulator?

[lyquidphyre]

I think the problem with my CO2 canister is in the regulator and since Christmas is around the corner I might as well as for a new one.

So... can I just get a regulator like this:
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/single/641.shtml

or

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/double/642.shtml


Im not sure what I need to look for when it comes to a regulator that doesn't go on a keg!

Also, for those who helped me previously with dosing and Greg Watson, I wanted to say thanks again. That page is bookmarked and after Christmas (when I am permently out of school and have a job to pay for my hobby) Im going to really work on getting my tank up and running plantwise

 

[mr funktastic]

www.rexgrigg.com . he sells a top quality regulator and manifolds if u want to split it up between tanks. its 100 bucks plus shipping or 125 with the solonoid.

 

[lyquidphyre]

Well, what do I need to look for when I buy one? Im going to ask my dad for Christmas and Im sure he knows his fair share of regulators.. I just need to give him specifics.

 

[mr funktastic]

any co2 regulator will work but u will need to also purchase a needle valve since most regulators do not come with them. they are needed to give us that ultra fine bubble adjustment. besides that nothing. if u buy a beer regulator for example u will still need to purchase a needle valve and the adapters to accomadate the valve u may also want to but a solonoid so u can turn it off at night.

 

[lyquidphyre]

I was thinking about buying a new one because my old one might be leaking. Is it possible to use the old parts? or could the old parts be the cause of my leaks?

 

[mr funktastic]

they very well could be. your best bet would be to get a whole new unit then take the old regulator apart or send it to a gas shop and have them rebuild it. then u could sell your old unit. i have heard nothing but good about rex griggs regulators and u could also purchase a manifold from him and feed multiple tanks.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Here's the one I'm using. And I really like it, very reliable.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CO2-REGULATOR-M...ryZ20758QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I was thinking about buying a new one because my old one might be leaking. Is it possible to use the old parts? or could the old parts be the cause of my leaks?

As long as the parts are in good working order, and have the same size fitting and threads, they will work.

 

[lyquidphyre]

Lonewolf- that looks EXACTLY like my regulator. Im pretty sure its the same one. Which also makes me not want to buy a new one, when the first was is so expensive!

Maybe I can just replace some parts on my old one

*pulls out hair* I just have no clue what is wrong with mine.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Where is the leaking. Do you know? If it's between the regulator and the CO2 tank, is there a good plastic seal in there? It usually needs replacing every time you change the tank out when being refilled. Where exactly is the problem located?

 

[lyquidphyre]

Where is the leaking. Do you know? If it's between the regulator and the CO2 tank, is there a good plastic seal in there? It usually needs replacing every time you change the tank out when being refilled. Where exactly is the problem located?

See, I think replacing the washer or whatever might be my problem.

I have NO CLUE where it is leaking. I have checked time and time again and I can't find it. I guess I will replace the washer (if there even is one in there now) and that could fix my problems.

So the washer goes where the regulator is connected to the canister? Sorry to sound stupid!

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Yes, it goes inside the regulator where you screw it on the CO2 tank. If the old one is in there, remove it and put the new one in. Also, remember that it has to go in a certain way, as that washer thing isn't flat on both sides. It's actually called a plastic O-Ring. When you look inside the regulator half, you should be able to tell which way it goes in. I believe the tapered side goes towards the regulator. It should be in the instructions that came with the regulator. I've misplaced mine, so without taking mine apart, I can't remember for sure. Maybe someone on here can give us a definite answer.

 

[Zezmo]

FWIW, you can use a beer or a welding regulator. They work just fine for our type of application. At $38.00 the first one you listed looks like a decent value. You can combine it with a needle valve from Rex Grigg ($14 or so plus shipping).

Edit: The downside of a single guage regulator is it does not show you how much gas is in the tank.

Here is some info I posted on low cost equipment in this thread:
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=43055

Low Cost High Quality Regulator:
http://welding-direct.com/sinstagflowg.html

Low Cost High Quality Needle Valves:
http://www.stcvalve.com/DIMENSION-FV.htm Which sell for $7.37 for an in-line needle valve.

http://www.stcvalve.com/DIMENSION-CV.htm which is $6.17 for a needle vavle with an NPT fitting. This will screw directly into the solenoid.

The second link has a chart, showing the flow rate versus number of turns. Look at the smooth/flat flow curve on the 1/8 npt valve. I have one of these on my main tank and it really gives me some fine control.

Low Cost Ceramic Diffusors:
http://southernaquaculturesupply.com/products/aeration/air-stones.shtml

 

[JRagg]

There are some good dual gauge regulators on eBay right now for fairly cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/co2-Cornelius-P...ryZ57076QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I know nothing of that brand, but for about $34 with shipping included, that could be an easy retrofit. If you find a clippard dealer near you then you can save a good bit over Rex's fitting prices as well. He's got a bit of a markup, but then again, he does all of the work for you so that makes sense.

I'm getting ready to buy a milwaukee right now actually . I decided not to go through the work of putting one together. Picked up a 5lb tank last night.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=110056025155&rd=1&rd=1

There's one ending in 5 hours that's going for real cheap right now.

 

[maxwell1295]

The Beverage Factory regulators are pretty good. You can get them from eBay or directly from their website. I have their standard, run-of-the-mill double gage regulator and it works just fine.

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/double/842.shtml