Aquarium Co2 Regulators and Flow - The Ultimate Aquarium Co2 Guide - Part 4
Vložit
- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- Let's talk aquarium Co2 regulators and flow. How it works in an aquarium Co2 Setup and all the different parts that make flow work in the system for planted tanks.
Products: (Affiliate Links)
REGULATORS w/ Solenoid
⭐ Co2 Regulator (Cheap) - amzn.to/2NnJz20
⭐ DoubleSun Aquarium Regulator - amzn.to/2NnoCUO
⭐ Premium AQUATEK Regulator - amzn.to/2Nh7X5r
⭐ AQUATEK Paintball Regulator- amzn.to/2NKz6gH
⭐ NilocG Aquatics Paintball - amzn.to/2QFQzpc
REGULATORS w/o Solenoid
⭐ Co2 Omnibus Regulator - amzn.to/2NPGVl4
⭐ Up Aqua Simple Regulator - amzn.to/2Oyp1Ar
⭐ uxcell CO2 Regulator - amzn.to/2xsySjZ
SOLENOIDS
⭐ Milwaukee Instruments (inline) - amzn.to/2Nn5ZAA
⭐ Wyin (inline Made in China) - amzn.to/2QFdUqY
⭐ 1/4" NPT Brass (DIY) - amzn.to/2QC80H3
⭐ EHCOTECH 1/2" (DIY) - amzn.to/2PNrTK7
BUBBLE COUNTERS
⭐ JARDLI Glass (inline) - amzn.to/2xteS0H
⭐ JARDLI Glass Diffuser w/ Counter - amzn.to/2QDI79G
⭐ Co2 Bubble Counter (Brass) - amzn.to/2NPKibI
⭐ Rhinox Bubble Counter (inline) - amzn.to/2NhrqmB
⭐ ISTA Compact V 3 in 1 Co2 Diffuser - amzn.to/2Ovtbcf
CHECK VALVES
⭐ Dr.moss Stainless Steel - amzn.to/2xsANFd
⭐ Pawfly Check Valves - amzn.to/2NoqKfn
PH CONTROLLERS
⭐ Digital pH/ORP 2 in 1 Controller - amzn.to/2PM09p3
⭐ Ph Meter and Value Controller - amzn.to/2pijrac
TOOLS
⭐ Century Mechanical Outlet Timer - amzn.to/2xtCNx2
⭐ Century Digital Timer (Dual Outlet) - amzn.to/2NSjRCc
⭐ Co2 Splitter - amzn.to/2xrNNuB
⭐ Needle Valve (inline) - amzn.to/2QDGJUw
⭐ AIR LINE Co2 Hose 20' - amzn.to/2QFfeKs
⭐ CO2 Paintball to CGA 320 Adapter - amzn.to/2piNG0W
😜 Subscribe for more Aquarium Stuff: goo.gl/mWpNh8
☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK
☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA
☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz
☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4
☑️ On Aquarium Substrates: goo.gl/imBezo
☑️ On Aquascaping: goo.gl/whZ6oN
💡 Join the Water Box FB Community!
/ thewaterbox
👕 Buy Water Box Shirts!
teespring.com/stores/the-wate...
===========================================
Follow me:
Website: thewaterboxaqua.com
Facebook: / thewaterbox
Twitter: / thewaterboxaqua
Pintrest: / thewaterboxaqua
Instagram: / thewaterboxaqua
===========================================
RECORDING EQUIPMENT
Camera:
Canon Vixia HF G40 ► amzn.to/2H2GihG
Panasonic Lumix G7 ► amzn.to/2C84BHk
Audio:
TASCAM DR-40 Digital Recorder ► amzn.to/2EcrMX0
Mic:
TAKSTAR SGC-598 Microphone ►amzn.to/2nNVg37
Shure SM93 Lavalier Microphone ► amzn.to/2EdxxUo
Tripod:
Zeikos ZE-TR201P ► amzn.to/2EemuGD
Lights:
Neewer 160 LED Studio ► amzn.to/2Ee0Yl7
ePhoto Photography Light Kit ► amzn.to/2H0EVQQ
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This help support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
For all thing aquarium related! Covering fish keeping, planted tanks to even marine and salt water reef and coral tanks!
#PlantedAquarium #PlantedTank #ReefTanks
Probably the most comprehensive video on Co2 I have see on CZcams. Thanks a lot.
Glad you enjoyed it!
It is complicated...just that your explanation makes it really easy...thanks a lot ...all topics covered related to CO2
OUTSTANDING!! VERY thorough, VERY well explained, VERY accurate. Thank you for taking the time to share this info with us!
Glad it helped.
The most in depth setup for Co2 on CZcams! Love this whole series/ Co2 guides! Thanks so much! This is why I'm now one of your subscribers.
BUT --- can I put x2, not just x1, lines of Co2 in the same tank with x2 diffusers and without using the Co2 Splitter? It seems feasible, but think it's good to ask since you covered everything else on that here... Of course, you are going to cover Diffusers in the next video, so maybe I've jumped the gun?!
I suppose you can? I'm not sure. I never though of doing it that way. I would us a splitter to do that so i can control the rate going out of each diffuser though.
Excellent explanation, thanks!
Love the way you make things simple & at the same time give loads of information & tips on how to go about things.
Have lots of doubt & queries which got answered after watching your comprehensive video.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge...
Glad they helped! :)
@@TheWaterBox Following your advice have gifted myself Co2 system. It took 2 days of injection after which I finally say pearling (So satisfying).
Keep bubble count very low (at just 1 small bubble per sec) 1st time user and dint know how to handle PH change or loss of live stock.
Thanks Dear...
Glad to hear it!
Thank you so much for this series of videos! I've always been too intimidated to try the whole CO2 for a planted tank thing until I watched your videos. I binged your videos repeatedly haha! I finally did it! With the knowledge from your videos it ended up being a lot simpler than I had always imagined. Again, thanks!!!
I'm glad it helped. :) Always here if you need help! Have fun!
Awesome video with the links....thank you sir!!!
You are welcome!
this is just what i was looking for
Hope it helped!
Thanks for the informative video
Welcome!
Thank you for the info on fixed working pressure. I would have destroyed my new OF regulator thinking it can be dialed as shown on other videos. Thought mine was tight and almost used a wrench to force turn it. Lucky i saw your video in time.
Not a problem!
I've been very happy with the GLA regulator I bought.
I hear great things about em! Awesome!
So expensive but I think I might get one!
The barn co2 regulator is on this video, good quanlity!!
Works great!
You’re awesome😀
Thanks Suzanne!
Regulatorssssss. Mount up
Lol
I'll make ya famous!
I might have to go co2. This is actually not as hard as I thought it would be
@@PastTheDirtRoad it's not
😂
Thanks for watching!
The Coi2 video series: bit.ly/2rSteVY
❤
Your videos always bring fresh ideas. I was wondering can I do a co2 systems with just a solenoid and and the needle valve, no regulator?
Errrr... Not really. It does work that way. Assuming you're taking about a pressurized system. Something needs to "regulate" the pressure coming out of the Co2 source/tank.
I have a 125 gal tank, 6’ long. I’m new to co2, would one diffuser be enough for my tank, or should I get a splitter and two diffusers for each end of the tank. Your very informative and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
That's fine. On a 125 tank, I'd suggest going with inline atomizer/mister or a reactor and providing great flow in the tank to move the co2 around
If I’m turning off my co2 at night, should I just turn the needle valve to where there is no bubbles or should I just unplug it? I don’t have a timer on mine
I'd unplug it so I wouldn't have to keep adjusting the needle valve everytime I turn it on. And I'd order a timer.
I got 2 of those Aquatek paintball CO2 regulator. Since it’s my first and only experience with CO2 regulators, I’m used to the finickiness of the control. I don’t think it’s that bad, lol!
It's still annoying but once dialed in it worked fine. I hate it when you think you got it dialed in, the next day it doesn't come on when the Soleniod kicks in because the valve creeped into a close position.
Thanks for the great videos, just wondering could you bypass any inline needle valve with an external needle valve by just leaving the inline valve open? (Say the provided needle valve isn't very good)
You can. Just have to be careful that the connections are solid. You're dealing with high pressure on a normal co2 set up with a tank. A needle valve patched through with simple silicon lines will most likely pop or split on you.
Sir, i am using diy citruc soda co2 at 20psi with 3 bps, for 35 gallon dutch tank. Aromatica and monte carlo turing darkish , lost their natrual green color.
Take a photo and share it in the water box Facebook group
Very informative. i have a question however. Can the regulators I see at the place where I get my CO2 bottles? They are industrial type and i figure I'd have to use some sort of adaptor to get one to take the smaller line. I'd love to hear form you. Thanks
Yes, you usually can use a regulator used to regulate co2 to do this. You might have to get the right fittings but it's basically the same thing. For example, people uses regulators for beer brewing for fish tanks. Just make sure it's clean and that it's rated for co2.
I have the Fluval 20g kit with a bubble counter, and diffuser, and I have 30 16g eBay cartridges for when the tank runs out. I tried connecting the regulator to a solenoid, but the tube before the solenoid blew up twice so far. Is there a small regulator that I can use for this setup, or is the tube going to blow every time when the solenoid is closed?
The 20g isn't built to release Co2 that way. It's a passive diffusing system.
I currently have a dual stage regulator and tank from a home beer kit. There is no solenoid or bubble counter then obviously. So if I do an in-line solenoid and inline bubble counter. I believe I will still be lacking a needle valve, correct?? If so, is there any way to get a needle valve with this setup.
I do have a about an 3/4” metal probe sticking out from the regulator that the hose will hook up to. So can just get a solenoid/bubble counter that attach right onto that vs. an inline. That way it would come with a needle valve.
You really want a needle valve to attach right to the regulator and then if you want, do the bubble counter and solenoid inline though I recommend having the solenoid attached to the tank before the needle valve.
Yo man, do a video review with a couple of diff diffuser and reactor please.
That's the next video.
Hi! I am using the pre-set 50-60 psi dual gauge both from china. brand name is zrdr. i accidentally opened the middle cap. i immediately turn off the co2 tank. i return the middle valve but when I open it, the pressure (PSI) is now 20. then going 15 and below when using. Can I return it back to 50-60 psi pressure? Thanks!
You MIGHT have to get it replaced. I don't know if you had success fixing it but I had to replace mine when I inadvertently did that once to one of my Regs.
I believe it is polyurethane hose and not polycarbonate hose for the pressurized system ? I am learning a lot from all your videos because I intend to setup my first CO2 tank. Really nice job doing this video ! Helps a lot !
Thank for the correction! :)
It was driving me crazy! Couldn't find polycarbonate hose anywhere! Thanks! :)
I am new to using co2, bought a 1L Ista face up set. However, I bought a new bigger tank which is face side. Can I still use the same regulator?
As long as the bubble counter isn't attached to the regulator, it should work fine.
Just got a 20lb co2 tank. Could you tell me which regulator could I buy? I'm on a budget. Thank you..
It's probably a typical CGA fitting if you're in the USA. You can get a decent priced regulator on ebay.
Hello there. I accidentally unscrewed the knob before watching the video. I just put the knob back with a few turns. how tight or loose do i need to leave it? Is it possible to set it again if it is preset?
Depends if it was made to be twisted off. If you're lucky you can get it screwed back on correctly.
Do you know anything about Fzone regulator? I just but that one, and I just started reading that it kills fish.
No but thinking of getting one soon. I'm not sure how it kills fish unless it's because people got a signal stage and it dumped towards the end of the empty of the co2 tank but that can happen on any single stage regulator. How are they saying it kills their fish?
A suggestion for your hot solenoids. Get some thin sheets of aluminum or other metal at a craft or hobby store and some thermal adhesive from an auto parts store. Glue pieces of the metal sheet to the metal housing of the solenoid. It should work as a heat sink and dissipate the heat so that it doesn't do any harm.
I put mine on top of aluminum foil myself. I wouldn't encae or wrap it around it but it help keep the hotness from any burning on the table it was sitting on.
@@TheWaterBox I put mine right in the fish tank, keeps its cool
What is the best automatic regulator or Selanoid brand or model that can fit Ista cylinder
I dunno. Try using google.
Have you tried a hydroponics greenhouse regulator? Will they work for aquariums?
Yes. You jsut have to get the right fittings. :) But it should work just fine.
Are you supposed to turn off the working pressure and co2 tank valve before removing the bubble counter?
No, you can just make sure the source is cut off at the needle valve (turn it all the way off) but you can turn off the working pressure if you want. I never do and just make sure it's cut off at the needle valve setting.
First off, thank you for a great series of video's, which i keep returning to. :-)
I have a low KH set up aquarium(and do not wish to increase alkalinity/buffer capacity), which when acidified by CO2, drops the pH down from 7.5 to 6.7
If i shut off the regulator with a solenoid, during the night time non photosynthesis period, would that not induce a potential swing in pH? I would have thought that maintaining a stable pH would be less stressful for the fish. If the water column is 'saturated' with CO2, i would have thought that the amount used by the plants would be negligible overall. In this instance, would it actually be better to maintain CO2 saturation 24/7? Thanks for all opinion offered.
Also, i have noticed i hit a CO2 saturation equilibrium when the pH drops to 6.7 and wont go any lower, no matter how much i increase the bubbles/sec. Is this a function of the low carbonate hardness or a function of the off gassing due to surface water agitation. Ideally, i would have liked to hit pH 6.3 with CO2 alone, not by adding additives. Any thoughts?
First part of the question, just pay attention to the PH before injecting Co2. When adding Co2 you're mainly controlling the drop manually so 1) You can easily adjust it. 2) It's an artificial drop so as long as it's not such a huge drop in a short period of time and still in range for the fish itself, you should be fine. It won't stress the fish too much. Rapid PH drop (swings within minutes) is what stresses out fish. I've never had a problem with say, 7.6 base and Co2 drops to 6.0. Fish were fine and good.
Second part of the question: Depending on the o2 level, tamps and pressure in tank, there can be caps. In this case, I would up the O2 intake with surface agitation to promote more gas exchange. More o2 level = high Co2 levels.
Many thanks once more, for all your advice given, much appreciated.
No prob!
Hi Chung .. what is better for your bubble counters , Plain water or Mineral oil ??
i been using water but i watched other videos where people use mineral oil as well , So
what do you think ?? Tks .
Either works fine. Mineral Oil would be better because it doesn't dissipate as readily so don't need refilling all the time. If I had the choice, Mineral Oil over water. Other than that, it doesn't effect the bubble count.
@@TheWaterBox ..Thank you Chung I an going to do that change !!
@@Diosesdepapel Right on!
Thank you for the video, I have a ISTA Co2 Cylinder and Ista Single Gauge Co2 regulator with Solenoid, pressure in cylinder is 1200PSI and when the power is turned off I still see CO2 leaking from Solenoid at like 1 bubble per 8 seconds even after 2-4 hours, how do I fix this? There is a knob below the solenoid, is that the working pressure knob which I need to tighten clockwise with wrench to reduce pressure?
You might have a bad solenoid. Sometimes there's still residual co2 that need to be gassed off once it shuts off but it should stop after a 10 to 20 minutes. If it's still going, might be a problem with the seal in the solenoid.
I assume that’s the case, it’s a brand new regulator though 😐
@@photo_magicshots If it stop after 4 hours then it just might be that you have residual pressure left over. It could just be normal for your set up. 1 per 8 seconds shouldn't harm anything
The Water Box Ok, I checked again and it seems the regulator can handle pressure of 800-1000 PSI and then regulate and output around 30-40PSI but it seems the cylinder pressure is at 1100 plus which is causing the co2 to leak. I stopped the cylinder valve and brought down the pressure to 900 and it stopped the flow completely, so it seems may be the cylinder was overfilled beyond 1000PSI, so once the co2 releases a bit, after 10 days odd the pressure will come down below 1000 and it should work totally fine then
What size diffuser I need for 250L aquarium? And nice vids man keep it up!
What kind of diffuser are you looking to get?
The Water Box got myself a jappanese style diffuser
Do you still need the bubble counter if you have a co2 level indicator in the tank?
Yes, you should ahve a bubble counter so you can measure the amount going into your tank, otherwise, you'll be "driving blindly".
@@TheWaterBox The CO2 indicator color blue , green and yellow shows how much CO2 you have in the tank.
The reason a lot of people don’t have CO2 on their tanks is because they don’t like stepping out of their comfort zone and hearing CO2 explained sounds intimidating as hell💯
That is very true!
are you familiar with ISTA brand? Do you know what are the thread size of it? like ive been looking for regulator for it but im not sure what size i would get... I hope you can replay to my question.. thanks
I know the brand but dunno the size of thread. Sorry.
@@TheWaterBox no worries buddy, i have figured it out. lol! btw any input or comments regarding Utricularia graminifolia vs hairgrass? specifically maintenance and difficulty?
Just grow it. lol Honestly, I get this question a lot about tips on growing this plant or that plants vs this plant or that plant. I just plant it and go and watch. But between the two you mentioned, gram will need more lighting and will benefit from Co2 than Hairgrass. So don't try to do minimal low light as you would with Hairgrass. gram won't grow as well as Hairgrass under those low conditions.
The barn regulator is good?
It's OK. It works.
I have a paintball setup. My ??? Is can I run my tank on a 45degree angle so I can read the gauges when in operation??
I wouldn't unless you know your tank has a built in siphon.
@@TheWaterBox ty I'm not running it on a 45degree. It does have a slight tilt just so I can read the gauges now.. the regulator isn't cold or anything and been running it like that for about a week and no issues. Ty for the reply.
Do you recommend single or dual stage regulators? Is it worth the extra money?
I always go with dual stage. The extra redundancy is always good but it the budget is that tight, a single will still work fine. You just have to be more diligent. That said, I have never experienced a Co2 dump with either single or dual stages either but there is an inconsistency in single stage when the tank gets toward empty and you would have to re-adjust often when it gets to that level. So it's up to you whether or not you want the redundancy in the system.
Hello, I know this is late but I have some questions. Would u prefer in line solenoid or a co2 regulator with a solenoid attached to it? Will u loose more co2 if u use the inline solenoid when compared to co2 regulator with solenoid.
A solenoid attached to the regulartor because it's just easier to deal with. You shouldn't loose any more or less co2 if it was inline unless you have bad connections/hose
@@TheWaterBox hmm okay, because I'm planning to get a co2 canister for sale I found but its regulator doesn't come with a solenoid. So i was just wondering if there was any differences between the two.
@@just.joeking0255 I'd wait and save up for a set up with a solenoid connected to the regulator if this is your first time with co2 or if you''re not handy.
@@TheWaterBox ill do that then, thanks alot for the info
@@just.joeking0255 no prob
Hi Sir,
I am from India and we have a sodastream with a cga 320 thread..
I checked for a "cheap" regulator with cga written on the options (from ali express)
Is that good....
I never had problem with "cheap regulators that cost around $50 to $100 USD. I'm not sure if sodastream are CGA320 threaded though.
Thank u for the reply😊😊😊
np
how many Co2 Regulators you go thru a year, so many Co2 Regulators are not made good, which one is more stable?
Errr... none. I've actually been using them mostly since I've gotten them for a few years now. You have to define what's "Not good" what's breaking about them?
What happens if we turn the knob and increase the psi?
It'll raise the PSI in your line. If you do too much, it might pop out a tube connection somewhere. You don't need more than 20 to 25 PSI for what we're doing. That's more than enough to push co2 into your tank which will be controlled by your needle valve
I recently purchased an fzone c02 regulator. Only to find out from customer service later, that it comes preset to 50 psi (not listed in description) and that it's "not adjustable". The valve nozel on the front, which would normally be able to decrease working pressure, only gets it down to about 45psi. Before it starts to leak (aka blow off the nozel) is there any way to mod this so it is adjustable??? Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Not really, you'll need a new casing in which case, you're just better off buying a new regulator since that's most of the regulator. You're fine at 50 psi. Just get a good needle valve.
The needle valve on the fzone is very good, most co2 dumps occur when people fully open the needle valve and try to adjust the bubble count by using the regulator knob,. When the cylinder presure gets low the diapham cant adjust. At 50psi it still functions until the gas runs out
Could a bbq grill propane tank be used for co2?
I can't answer that as I'm not sure :/ Sorry
@@TheWaterBox thanks anyways though. I'll ask around in some of the Facebook groups and see what I can find out. Keep up the great informative videos!
Jason I wouldn't.
Pressure difference is one thing I would worry about.
Secondly, liquid CO2 morphing into gaseous state produces a temp of -110 deg celcius. Failure of components is a serious and real risk at those sort of temps.
Finally, even if you did your research, no respectable licensed CO2 supplier would touch your modded tank when it comes time for a refill.
If there is a way around it, hydrotesting and certifying your tank as non suicidal would cost as much as buying a used tank out there.
@@theallseeingeye9388 I'm really not sure i want to do co2 anyway. I was just asking to cover all options. I posted in one of my Facebook groups and i swear this one guy, if he could, he would have reached through my phone and choked me out. I want going to do it, i was asking for help to see if it was possible. Some people.😃 thanks though.
thank you Ruban! Good to know! Going in my next video!
Just ordered the aquatek premium with brass bubble counter and got a 5lb co2 bottle from kegco
Nice! Good luck!
Youre brave for messing with that Chinese solenoid! Anything running that hot is asking for trouble. But then, I'm sure many ppl have run them with no problem.
I just watch where I put it when using it.
Does anyone know something about mufan and wyin co2 regulators? It's dangerous?
Normally, regulators are built to spec. It's not the matter of it being dangerous but rather the quality of how they are made. If they do fail, it's not dangerous but might cause improper to no co2 output but that's a chance for any brand. Some have more of a chance than others.
So , did you recommend me to try them?
@@yannismavrikos5653 Since I personally never tried them, I can't actually recommend those brands.
I have had a cheap eBay regulator and it has started leaking.
1st
You rock the 1st! :)
thanks for the video. If you would of actually hooked up a CO2 tank it would of been even better. Thanks anyways.
I'll probably make a video of one soon.
Where does he talk about flow....?
The whole video. Talking about the flow of co2 going into the tank. This isn't a video about water flow in the tank itself. That's covered in other videos.
@@TheWaterBox ohh I see thank you. Just a question about WaveMakers, should I have mine on to increase flow in the aquarium while the c02 is on? Or does this create more surface agitation therefor needing more bubbles per second to achieve good levels of c02? My c02 is coming from a difuser attached to my canister filter. It seems like my drop checker indicator needs more c02 while the wave maker is on to turn green.
@@robertcostache6824 You want some surface movement (not agitation) for exchange of gas (you want O2 as well as C02 in the tank so you CAN have more co2 in the tank). If the flow is moving then of course the co2 is going to move around so you may turn up the bubbles per second. So it slowly.
@@TheWaterBox thanks a lot your videos on this c02 part series helped a lot!
Glad it helps