CO2 Regulators. Do I need a $350 CarbonDoser as a fail safe?

[FoxyFace]

I'm setting up a Ca reactor and I'm torn between the regulators. I have an Apex so do I need the CarbonDoser as a fail safe or can I program for failures with the needle style?

 

[mtfish]

If you are going to spend that much money, I would get a two stage regulator. Carbondoser is a single stage and you will have trouble with "CO2 tank dump" as the pressure gets low in the tank. There is a good thread on Reef Central (and maybe here also). Look up "How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor" by Alanle.

 

[FoxyFace]

If you are going to spend that much money, I would get a two stage regulator. Carbondoser is a single stage and you will have trouble with "CO2 tank dump" as the pressure gets low in the tank. There is a good thread on Reef Central (and maybe here also). Look up "How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor" by Alanle.

I found the article. It's a bit confusing as I don't truly know how these work yet.
Does this meet the requirements?
http://greenleafaquariums.com/products/gla-gro-1-co2-regulator.html

 

[mtfish]

Although that regulator has two "gages", it still looks like a single stage. Here is an explanation of a two stage regulator.
https://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/en/blog/2016/november/two-stage-regulators.aspx
You can find regulators online through ebay or other sellers. Just make sure they have a return policy as used ones can leak through the second stage. There is a way to check for leaks when you get it. Read though the first part of that article a few times, when you are not tired. It looks overwhelming to begin with, but it makes sense. There are other components you will need, like a needle valve (metering valve). I think I built mine for around $200, but that was a few years back. Also, contact Alan Le. He may have one he built that he will sell to you, but the price goes up some versus DIY, of course.

 

[FoxyFace]

Although that regulator has two "gages", it still looks like a single stage. Here is an explanation of a two stage regulator.
https://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/en/blog/2016/november/two-stage-regulators.aspx
You can find regulators online through ebay or other sellers. Just make sure they have a return policy as used ones can leak through the second stage. There is a way to check for leaks when you get it. Read though the first part of that article a few times, when you are not tired. It looks overwhelming to begin with, but it makes sense. There are other components you will need, like a needle valve (metering valve). I think I built mine for around $200, but that was a few years back. Also, contact Alan Le. He may have one he built that he will sell to you, but the price goes up some versus DIY, of course.

Thanks. I'll check it out.
So does the CO2 "dump" come when the tank pressure is too low to keep a valve closed?

 

[rossco]

I have been using a Reef Fanatic regulator for 10 years, it’s a needle style. I can get it dialed in so the reactor pH is steady and the Apex is the failsafe. Just bought another for my frag tank.

Never have any issues when the CO2 tank runs out, just keep an eye on the apex and when the reactor pH starts slowly rising it’s tkmenti change the tank out.

 

[theatrus]

If you want to emulate the valve in the CarbonDoser, it’s a Clippard solenoid valve. I just use a Clippard valve as an active control element with the APEX turning it off and on. Needle valve is there to limit total flow.

Compared to the loud clack from larger solenoid valves the Clippard is silent and you won’t notice it turning on and off every few minutes.