What co2 regulators is everyone using?

bubbaque · Jul 31, 2017

I am looking for a regulator and wanted to know what opinions people had on the regulators they were using.

Dr. Reef · Jul 31, 2017

I have been using the electronic bubble counter regulator made by co2 Carbondoser.
I have been pretty happy.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 31, 2017

I know there are better ones, but I have an aquamaxx and love it.

csb123 · Jul 31, 2017

Carbondoser all the way! It's and investment but give you great control...set and forget.

Budman's Corals · Jul 31, 2017

agreed with the electronic one.. use to use one but went back to 2 part.

lilchris_357 · Jul 31, 2017

I built my regulator with a high end needle valve. Awesome control of your bubble count, plus no electronic parts to fail. I used examples from the "How to build a C02 regulator thread" to build. They can be pricey depending on your taste but I think I spend about $150 to build it. I used Ebay to get most of the parts.

Water Dog · Jul 31, 2017

I'm currently building a DIY custom Matheson regulator from Alanle's "How to build..." RC thread as well. Alanle has been very quick to answer any questions I've had. I'm just waiting on the Burkert solenoid and stainless steel cga-320 fitting to come in. My build will end up being cheaper than the Carbondoser and will be composed of a high end dual stage regulator with industrial and lab grade precision stainless steel parts. Getting this built is definitely a satisfying DIY project for sure. I'll post pictures when I finish it.

Also (shameless plug) if anyone is interested in building their own, I have a spare BNIB Airgas nickel plated brass dual stage regulator ready to be DIY'd.

bubbaque · Jul 31, 2017

Thanks, I ended up purchasing the carbondoser.

bblumberg · Jul 31, 2017

I bought one from Alan Le and also picked up a couple of surplus 2-stage CO2 regulators to DIY for the aquarium. My old Milwaukee regulator still works reasonably well (11 years old), but the adjustment is very tricky and it is not suitable for more than a planted tank. I may upgrade the metering valve on that one, too.

Bruce

Water Dog · Aug 6, 2017

Just put her together today...

CO2 Regulator 1

CO2 Regulator 2[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/WcByF7]

CO2 Regulator 3[/url]

silaug · Jun 19, 2018

hi what is the neddle valv, low flow or medium flow thanks

ca1ore · Jun 19, 2018

Leon, that looks really slick. I've been using the Milwaukee one for close to 20 years. Keep waiting for it to break so I can buy the 'better' carbon doser

. Ironically, I bought the on eI have from aquarium plants (before they had the doser).

Water Dog · Jun 19, 2018

silaug said:
hi what is the neddle valv, low flow or medium flow thanks

That is a low flow metering valve. For Swagelok stainless steel metering valves, you’re looking for part numbers SS-SS4 (1/4”) or SS-SS2 (1/8”).

ca1ore said:
Leon, that looks really slick. I've been using the Milwaukee one for close to 20 years. Keep waiting for it to break so I can buy the 'better' carbon doser . Ironically, I bought the on eI have from aquarium plants (before they had the doser).

Thanks Simon!

It was really fun and quite the learning experience putting it together. I have since been able to walk some people through the process on both here and on RC. I’ve seen your basement support system and your incredible DIY skills first hand so building one would probably be child’s play for you!