CO2 for calcium reactor backflow valve question

[kris2001]

Wanted to reduce co2 rate but below certain point doesn't push water in tube before the CO2 check valve that I got from BRS. I think it's backflow preventer. It has a 4 psi pressure min to push thru from CO2 tank?

Regulator is cycling frequently because of that....

So what do I do now I cannot go below a certain bubble rate because of this water in the reactor keeps pushing up the carbon dioxide tubing, if I reduce...

Do I remove the carbon dioxide check valve and put a normal valve and see?

There's 2 foot tube for CO2.

Thx

 

[kris2001]

CO2 valve pic

 

[minus9]

Your psi should be 8-15lbs give or take, then you set the bubble count to your desired pH. This is why a good dual stage regulator makes this easy. Also, these check valves fail after a certain period of time and should be replaced. What regulator are you using?

 

[minus9]

 

[minus9]

You need a better regulator, dual stage is needed. Otherwise when you get closer to the end of the bottle it doesn’t dump the remaining co2 all at once.

 

[Borat]

I agree, but just to help you a bit, in case you are still new to the terminology: almost all regulators are dual-gauge (like pictured), but only more expensive regulators are dual-stage (but they are worth the US&A buck as they say in your country).

 

[minus9]

I agree, but just to help you a bit, in case you are still new to the terminology: almost all regulators are dual-gauge (like pictured), but only more expensive regulators are dual-stage (but they are worth the US&A buck as they say in your country).

The OP's regulator is not dual stage though, which will cause problems and make it hard to dial in. @kris2001 can you post a clear picture of your regulator.

 

[kris2001]

Here's regulator

 

[minus9]

I would invest in a dual stage regulator for sure. It will save you a lot of headaches in the future.

 

[kris2001]

Thx all... I'll get a dual regulator for BF sale at BRS.

By the way is there anyone here who doesn't use the backflow CO2 valve and if so how do you prevent water from entering back into the regulator?
Mine doesn't, it only creeps up about 8 inches with or without co2 valve.

 

[minus9]

Thx all... I'll get a dual regulator for BF sale at BRS.

By the way is there anyone here who doesn't use the backflow CO2 valve and if so how do you prevent water from entering back into the regulator?
Mine doesn't, it only creeps up about 8 inches with or without co2 valve.

You should never use co2 without a check valve, regulators don’t do well with saltwater.

 

[kris2001]

You should never use co2 without a check valve, regulators don’t do well with saltwater.

Yikes... Even without them it doesn't cross fully toward regulator.
I think I'll open the co2 valve and clean it with CLR tomorrow....

 

[minus9]

If for any reason your co2 runs out, there’s nothing to stop the water from getting into the regulator. It’s pressure and the check valve that keeps the water from entering the regulator, so if either one fails or if the solenoid turns off and there’s nothing to stop the water, it’s gonna cause problems.

 

[kris2001]

Actually how is this type? Do you recommend this

 

[minus9]

Actually how is this type? Do you recommend this

The carbon doser is probably the most popular regulator sold. I think a lot of reefers like them, but I’ve never used one so I can’t speak to their reliability. I’m sure there are plenty here who will sing its praises.