Transforming regulator to use on calcium reactor

[JCSReefing]

I have a regulator i use for homebrewing and have a few of them. I am trying to see if its worth wile to transfer it over to use with my calcium reactor. I will attach a picture. I think all i would need is to replace the C02 out with a needle valve and a soleniod correct?

 

[cracker]

This is interesting, Like to follow

 

[Macdaddynick1]

I have a regulator i use for homebrewing and have a few of them. I am trying to see if its worth wile to transfer it over to use with my calcium reactor. I will attach a picture. I think all i would need is to replace the C02 out with a needle valve and a soleniod correct?

Is that a dual stage regulator? because if it's not, I wouldn't waste money on buying solenoid and a needle valve to convert a single stage regulator into a reactor regulator.

 

[JCSReefing]

Is that a dual stage regulator? because if it's not, I wouldn't waste money on buying solenoid and a needle valve to convert a single stage regulator into a reactor regulator.

What’s the difference between duel and single? Lol

 

[JCSReefing]

Or does anyone know a good regulated for calcium reactor (besides the 300$ carbon doser electric one)?

 

[Macdaddynick1]

What’s the difference between duel and single? Lol

Reliability, dual stage regulator reduces the pressure that is coming from the cylinder, and creates a constant working pressure within the regulator itself with the first stage. Then the second stage reduces that pressure to the output pressure. This prevents End of the tank dump, and you can use every bit of co2 in the tank, up until it runs out.

they are selling a lot of those things on eBay. you can build one for around 150 or so. (needle valve solenoid , regulator body and all) you just need to find the parts for the right price.

 

[JCSReefing]

Reliability, dual stage regulator reduces the pressure that is coming from the cylinder, and creates a constant working pressure within the regulator itself with the first stage. Then the second stage reduces that pressure to the output pressure. This prevents End of the tank dump, and you can use every bit of co2 in the tank, up until it runs out.

Got ya, I really don’t know if it is or not

 

[Macdaddynick1]

Got ya, I really don’t know if it is or not

is it bulky in the back or is it flat right behind the gauges?

 

[Macdaddynick1]

 

[DLHDesign]

Got ya, I really don’t know if it is or not

Most CO2 regulators used in brewing are single-stage (that they are constantly hooked up to a pressurized system (the keg) minimizes the downsides of the single-stage design).

 

[JCSReefing]

Most CO2 regulators used in brewing are single-stage (that they are constantly hooked up to a pressurized system (the keg) minimizes the downsides of the single-stage design).

Thanks!
So what’s a good regulator for my reactor then?

 

[DLHDesign]

Thanks!
So what’s a good regulator for my reactor then?

Never used one, sorry. Given the use-case, however, I suspect that you want (need?) a two-stage regulator. @Macdaddynick1 seems to have suggested some good options (buy used on eBay, etc.).

 

[bblumberg]

I'd buy one from Alan Le. He sells high quality dual stage regulators with excellent solenoids and low flow needle valves.

 

[Water Dog]

This is the Alanle DIY CO2 regulator thread on the other forum. This is an invaluable resource to build a bombproof regulator for your CaRx.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2461771

Using that thread, I built this...

 

[Fishandcars]

Reliability, dual stage regulator reduces the pressure that is coming from the cylinder, and creates a constant working pressure within the regulator itself with the first stage. Then the second stage reduces that pressure to the output pressure. This prevents End of the tank dump, and you can use every bit of co2 in the tank, up until it runs out.

they are selling a lot of those things on eBay. you can build one for around 150 or so. (needle valve solenoid , regulator body and all) you just need to find the parts for the right price.

A carbon dioxide cylinder stays at a fairly constant pressure therefore a dual stage regulator is not necessary. The cylinder is filled with liquid carbon dioxide which then vaporizes into gas in the excess available space of the cylinder. As the gas is used more liquid vaporizes keeping the pressure constant, as long as temperature is also constant.

 

[Water Dog]

A carbon dioxide cylinder stays at a fairly constant pressure therefore a dual stage regulator is not necessary. The cylinder is filled with liquid carbon dioxide which then vaporizes into gas in the excess available space of the cylinder. As the gas is used more liquid vaporizes keeping the pressure constant, as long as temperature is also constant.

Are you familiar with end of tank dump? A dual stage regulator protects against end of tank dump. End of tank dump happens when the CO2 tank pressure drops to a certain point that the regulator can no longer control it so the remaining co2 in the tank is released by the regulator. A dual stage regulator does not allow this to happen.

 

[Macdaddynick1]

Are you familiar with end of tank dump? A dual stage regulator protects against end of tank dump. End of tank dump happens when the CO2 tank pressure drops to a certain point that the regulator can no longer control it so the remaining co2 in the tank is released by the regulator. A dual stage regulator does not allow this to happen.

This

 

[billwill]

All the calcium reactor regulators for purchase are single stage btw, including the carbon doser brand. Dual stage are custom, or available from high end planted tank supply websites. Your home brew regulator is exactly the same and just as good as a standard calcium reactor regulator. It is worthwhile to invest in a good solenoid and needle valve, regardless of the regulator you use.

 

[Fishandcars]

Are you familiar with end of tank dump? A dual stage regulator protects against end of tank dump. End of tank dump happens when the CO2 tank pressure drops to a certain point that the regulator can no longer control it so the remaining co2 in the tank is released by the regulator. A dual stage regulator does not allow this to happen.

If the pressure drops it is because there is no liquid left and therefore it is time to replace the cylinder.

 

[Macdaddynick1]

If the pressure drops it is because there is no liquid left and therefore it is time to replace the cylinder.

That is correct, therefore it’s called - End... of the tank ... dump...