Dual stage co2 regulator for calcium reactor

iani · Oct 25, 2011

Coming originally from planted tanks, I know dual stage regulators seem to be all the rage. Does anyone here have one for their calcium reactor? I am in the process of putting a couple together. I just wanted to see if anyone here had experience with them.

Some info from plantedtank.net
How to build a co2 regulator [56k!]

High end regulators would be perfect for reef use. You can go as far as having all stainless steel parts, including stainless steel regulator bodies. Needle valves to do as little as 2 bubbles per minute.

iani · Oct 25, 2011

No one has one of these on their reef tank?

harlequinreefer · Oct 27, 2011

I just purchased a 2 stage Victor High Purity regulator for my new calcium reactor build, next part will be aquarium plants electronic metering valve (carbon doser). To balance the pressure and keep it consistent between the tank, the regulator & the dosing valve mechanism, you need a 2 stage regulator. Regulators offered by aquatic companies are crap compared to medical grade ones. I picked mine up used for cheap. Regulators can be very confusing because there's so many different types out there. I previously owned a Milwaukee regulator setup, what a mess that was.

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iani · Oct 28, 2011

I would not get an electronic metering valve from aquarium plants. I would get a solenoid and a nice precision needle valve. Price would be about the same or cheaper for better control. For the budget minded, fabco valves are great. If you want to spend a bit more look at ideal valves. Or if you don't mind searching on ebay you may find a nice S series stainless swagelok valve for cheap.

harlequinreefer · Oct 28, 2011

What's inside the AP "carbon doser", is it just electronic selenoid & metering valve? So that dial on the AP is kinda the same thing as the Swagelok metering valve? I've seen killer Stainless setups, I just thought the AP was better. What I'm looking for is a metering valve that will NEvEr stick.

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iani · Oct 28, 2011

If you want a great needle valve. I would get an ideal needle valve with a vernier handle. They come in stainless steel for about 130 shipped. They can meter down to 2 bubbles per minute. They take 20 turns to full open. You would want to get the valve with the smallest orifice size.

harlequinreefer · Oct 29, 2011

Do you know what's inside the AP regulator box?

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iani · Oct 30, 2011

Not 100 percent sure what is inside the box. However, the dial is not that precise. With an ideal valve a full turn of the valve may get you a bubble more per second.

harlequinreefer · Oct 30, 2011

I would build a setup with Burkett 6011, idealvalve, Swagelok fittings but from what I hear it will take a long time for all the parts to show up and it will be costly. I'm going to get the AP Doser and connect it to my victor regulator. Everyone that has or is using the AP loves it so I figure I'll go that route for $170. I still want to know what is inside the black AP box.

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iani · Oct 30, 2011

Ic, you know lead time on most of the stuff isn't bad. I doubt it will take more than a couple weeks to get the all the parts. Cost is about the same as well.

harlequinreefer · Oct 31, 2011

I appreciate your insight, I'll see how the AP doser goes

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VegasRick · Oct 31, 2011

Mostly second chambers are added to reactors which are barely keeping up. I looked into building a regulator when I put mine together but ended up buying an inexpensive one. Everyone who uses the aquariumplants co2 regulator raves about how well it works though.

iani · Oct 31, 2011

VegasRick said:
Mostly second chambers are added to reactors which are barely keeping up. I looked into building a regulator when I put mine together but ended up buying an inexpensive one. Everyone who uses the aquariumplants co2 regulator raves about how well it works though.

I am not talking about a second chamber for calcium reactors, I am talking about a dual stage regulator.

BigJohnWoody · Oct 31, 2011

Good to know that info. I have an aquarium plants regulator and carbon doser and absolutely love it. I had a regular solenoid on my last regulator that failed in the open position so I was happy to hear such good things about the carbon doser. I'm sure there are a lot of other options out there, but I needed one right now and did not have the time to really research it out. What are you using for your effluent drip? That seems to be the hardest to regulate. A link to something of quality would be really appreciated. If its amazing I don't mind paying the money for it. Thanks

VegasRick · Oct 31, 2011

ianiwane said:
I am not talking about a second chamber for calcium reactors, I am talking about a dual stage regulator.

I guess I don't know what a dual stage regulator is

boun11 · Oct 31, 2011

Read the link posted on the OP.

harlequinreefer · Nov 1, 2011

Lol, yeah we're talking about dual stage regulator setups not dual stage reactors. The regulator is the metal valve you connect to the co2 tank.

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NU2REEFIN · Nov 1, 2011

To put it simple, a dual stage regulator allows for more consistent flow (it compensates for the decreased pressure as the cylinder empties) and more gas to be drawn from the gas cylinder.

iani · Nov 1, 2011

Yes you don't get a change in working pressure/bubble count as the pressure in the tank drops.

iani · Nov 1, 2011

BigJohnWoody said:
Good to know that info. I have an aquarium plants regulator and carbon doser and absolutely love it. I had a regular solenoid on my last regulator that failed in the open position so I was happy to hear such good things about the carbon doser. I'm sure there are a lot of other options out there, but I needed one right now and did not have the time to really research it out. What are you using for your effluent drip? That seems to be the hardest to regulate. A link to something of quality would be really appreciated. If its amazing I don't mind paying the money for it. Thanks

For my effluent drip I used a cole parmer masterflex peristaltic pump. I use norprene tubing in the pump. Pumps can be purchase fairly inexpensively on ebay from time to time. Ideally you want one with electronic control and a quick release pump head.