Building an Alanle style dual stage CO2 regulator

Water Dog · Mar 27, 2020

This thread needs more sexy regulator photos to inspire other potential regulator DIYers! So shout out to everyone who I’ve helped with their regulator builds, please post a picture of your DIY regulators on this thread!

@JerSaint, @Mykesocalreef, @Rob Tillery, @mpsteve, @BOWHUNTER4250, @jjam, @dt3g, @mindwalkr, @Sumo, @Reef dog, @Reefpharmer

JerSaint · Mar 31, 2020

@Water Dog is the man, really made it possible for me to source the parts and get this rig put together!!

Water Dog said:
This thread needs more sexy regulator photos to inspire other potential regulator DIYers! So shout out to everyone who I’ve helped with their regulator builds, please post a picture of your DIY regulators on this thread!

@JerSaint, @Mykesocalreef, @Rob Tillery, @mpsteve, @BOWHUNTER4250, @jjam, @dt3g, @mindwalkr, @Sumo, @Reef dog, @Reefpharmer

Water Dog · Mar 31, 2020

That there is a gorgeous full stainless steel Scott Specialty Gases dual stage regulator. Beautiful work Jeremy!

JerSaint · Mar 31, 2020

Water Dog said:
That there is a gorgeous full stainless steel Scott Specialty Gases dual stage regulator. Beautiful work Jeremy!

Thanks to you!! Now I just need to get it running. I installed my Apex the other day. Going to be researching the necessary programming to run the pH probe for my reactor and get it going in the next few weeks.

Reef dog · Apr 7, 2020

I appreciate all the help building this one, its up and running. Now time to dial in the reactor again!

Water Dog · Apr 7, 2020

That’s an absolutely stunning... gorgeous full stainless steel build!

Marc11 · Apr 10, 2020

This thing is a beast. Finally up and running. Couldn’t be happier. Thanks again Leon.

Marc11 · Apr 10, 2020

Let’s try this again with a straight pic.

Water Dog · Apr 10, 2020

Lookin’ good Dude!

Afm32607 · Apr 22, 2020

I have a question about the solenoid, is there anywhere I can get one that is pre-wired but not used? Not even the manufacturer does that. I'm fine with construction the regulator from parts, but I've never done much with electrical components.

Water Dog · Apr 22, 2020

Afm32607 said:
I have a question about the solenoid, is there anywhere I can get one that is pre-wired but not used? Not even the manufacturer does that. I'm fine with construction the regulator from parts, but I've never done much with electrical components.

PM sent

crusso1993 · Apr 23, 2020

Water Dog said:
PM sent

Hey slick... what's with the secretness? There might be other people interested in your answer. Lol (totally kidding you) (I hope you know this)

Water Dog · Apr 23, 2020

No secrets... I do preface my specific recommendations with warnings of issues I’ve had with purchasing some things through eBay though. Specifically with a solenoid that I’ve recently had issues with, which is what was asked for. As with many things bought on eBay for this type of project, as you alluded to earlier in this thread, make sure there’s a return policy and test your items in a timely manner... caveat emptor!

jlts21 · May 4, 2020

Awesome thread @Water Dog ! I’m definitely going to use this when I build my reg, just have to find one on eBay now. Seems like all of them are either insanely expensive or junk (probably operator error in searching)

Reef dog · May 4, 2020

Yeah finding a good regulator is the hardest part. I'm on my 4th now, 3 were supposed to be new open box. I'm gonna start testing it tonight and see if this is the one!

najer · May 4, 2020

Great thread, I acquired a couple of ex lab use dual stage regulators one of which has a needle valve, this gives me the confidence to test them, thanks.

Billfromtr · May 14, 2020

Hello! I am taking a stab at this project. Are these the right parts so far?

NEW Swagelok Nupro B-2MA2 Precision Metering Valve 1/8" NPT parker hoke

Thanks Water Dog!

Water Dog · May 14, 2020

Billfromtr said:
Hello! I am taking a stab at this project. Are these the right parts so far?

NEW Swagelok Nupro B-2MA2 Precision Metering Valve 1/8" NPT parker hoke

Thanks Water Dog!

The regulator looks like a single stage regulator, so no.

You can tell as single stage regulators have a flat back whereas dual stage regulators have a distinctly protruded backside.

As far as the metering valve goes, what you show is a brass medium flow metering valve. The letter “B” denotes brass and the letter “M” denotes medium flow. While people have used medium flow valves, dialing in lower bubble counts with the medium is not nearly as precise as with the low flow valves.

For brass Swagelok low flow valves, look for B-SS2 or B-SS4. The equivalent in stainless will be SS-SS2 or SS-SS4. Remember also, if you’re using brass compression fittings, you will need the equivalent brass tube fittings as well as brass compression fittings will not properly compress and seal stainless steel tube fittings.