Building an Alanle style dual stage CO2 regulator

[DCR]

The only reason to have multiple solenoids is if you want different schedules on your tanks. I just have not seen a need for that to justify the cost and complexity. You would also need additional timers. I just use a simple mechanical timer that turns the CO2 and lights on and off at the same time. I know the planted tank people talk about turning the CO2 on slightly before the lights go on and off, but I have not seen any issue with that.

They also recommend expensive fine tuning needle valves, but unless your tank is really small and has a very low CO2 demand (like less than 1 bubble every 3 seconds). I don't think they are necessary over the ones I referenced. I use about 1 bubble every 1-2 seconds on my 60 gallon and I think I could probably even make these work at lower CO2 flows if I had a better 2-stage regulator that would let me reduce the supply pressure. I bought some Swagelok needle valves and used 2-stage regulators but have not found the need to replace my old system with the spider manifold.

I will work up a sketch of my Griggs reactors for you. CO2 with relatively soft acidic water is really essential if you want to have really nice-looking FW planted tank IMO.

 

[aquadise]

For metering valve, I can buy this brand in my country.

FLOW INSTRUMENTS GENERAL CATALOG

www.kofloc.co.jp

I think the code 2412 will be fine. However there is too many codes at page 96 in the above catalog.
Anyone please help me to book the right one?

I promise that the link is to the catalog, without any viruses or something.

Thanks.

 

[alanle]

Here is a stainless regulator I just built.
Regulator is a Matheson 3800 series. Needle valve is a Swagelok S series with vernier handle.

 

[alanle]

For metering valve, I can buy this brand in my country.

FLOW INSTRUMENTS GENERAL CATALOG

www.kofloc.co.jp

I think the code 2412 will be fine. However there is too many codes at page 96 in the above catalog.
Anyone please help me to book the right one?

I promise that the link is to the catalog, without any viruses or something.

Thanks.

I have used that valve before. It's a good valve. Based on the max cv value, you can run .00012 to .016.

 

[aquadise]

The regulator finally arrive after 40 days waiting. It is KHlok, chinese brand. Look like the company produce it for industrial use. I buy it brand new.

Finished my build as the picture. Not yet attach it to the CO2 tank.

Anything may look weird to you guy?

I connect the regulator - magnetic valve - metering valve - one-way-valve.

Thank you.