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View Full Version : CO2 Reg recommendations?


Aquattro
11-11-2014, 05:20 PM
I need to replace my reg, looking for suggestions on decent units. My current (I believe) Milwaukee reg has corroded quite well over the last couple years. Anything better?

Werbo
11-11-2014, 06:49 PM
Best in the world (as stated on their website)

http://www.aquariumplants.com/CarbonDoser_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm

Never used it but when I was researching the one above kept getting good reviews ($300 reg better be good).

Aquattro
11-11-2014, 06:51 PM
Thanks Tyler, but that might be a bit overkill. I just need a reg, not a controller built in :)

Werbo
11-11-2014, 06:56 PM
Ya I just bought a Milwaukee too

trilinearmipmap
11-11-2014, 06:58 PM
Best in the world (as stated on their website)

http://www.aquariumplants.com/CarbonDoser_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm

Never used it but when I was researching the one above kept getting good reviews ($300 reg better be good).


I have gotten fed up with normal regulators going out of whack. They could not maintain a constant bubble count. I first got one of the aquariumplants regulators on one of my plant tanks. Now I have 2 of them on plant tanks and one on my calcium reactor. When you look at all the costs involved they are not expensive.

Aquattro
11-11-2014, 07:03 PM
When you look at all the costs involved they are not expensive.

Well, ya, they kind of are :) Mine is worth maybe $100, so I can buy 3 of mine which will last probably 10 years. A lot of what you're paying for is the controller portion, which I don''t need, not lot good value for me.

mike31154
11-11-2014, 07:52 PM
... and chances are, if you remove the controller from the $300 fancy regulator, the regulator hardware itself is likely made by Milwaukee.... but you did say you were looking for something 'better'...

Aquattro
11-11-2014, 08:03 PM
... and chances are, if you remove the controller from the $300 fancy regulator, the regulator hardware itself is likely made by Milwaukee.... but you did say you were looking for something 'better'...

Thought I heard people not liking Milwaukee, so just wondering what others are using that's comparable. I don't mind getting another if it's rated well

Werbo
11-11-2014, 08:08 PM
Reef Fanatic

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-fanatic-deluxe-co2-regulator-1.html

Or JL has a higher priced no name reactor

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/cr-pprnvs/Dual+Guage+CO2+Regulator%2C+Solenoid+%26+Needle+Va lve.html

mike31154
11-11-2014, 08:23 PM
Just guessing & maybe a welder or other professional that deals with high pressure gas can chime in, but I wouldn't be at all surprised these things are fairly generic, like some refrigerators or washer/dryers. Only several actual manufactures producing them & rebranding/naming for the various companies that distribute them. Brass, guages, springs & valves should pretty well sum up the internals of most regulators. In any case, never a bad idea to hear what folks' experience has been with various brand names & the support for their product.

Delphinus
11-11-2014, 08:55 PM
All told I would not go back to a Milwaulkee reg either. Never been happy with the consistency out of the 2 I've used over the years, and reading up on it, this seems commonplace with them.

I'm right now using my CO2 on my planted FW but will be discontinuing it there and going back to a calcium reactor on my reef. The CO2 isn't really doing anything useful in the FW tank and all things being equal I much prefer a calcium reactor to dosing.

So I'm sort of interested in this topic and will follow along in the hopes that you find something better and I can leech off knowledge. :)

That aquariumplants.com one listed by Tyler above is the one that comes up again and again as one of the most recommended and trusted CO2 regs. I'd be tempted to try one of those if cost isn't an issue.

I dunno though. I suppose one alternative is set the bubble rate higher than you need and just use the Apex to cycle the solenoid as needed to maintain the 6.7 setpoint..

Aquattro
11-11-2014, 10:20 PM
I suppose one alternative is set the bubble rate higher than you need and just use the Apex to cycle the solenoid as needed to maintain the 6.7 setpoint..

I don't use a solenoid, I just set it and let it go. Cant say that I have any complaints on this one, other than it corroded kind of fast. Wasn't under the stand either, but only beside the tank.

Aquattro
11-11-2014, 10:22 PM
Or JL has a higher priced no name reactor

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/cr-pprnvs/Dual+Guage+CO2+Regulator%2C+Solenoid+%26+Needle+Va lve.html

I only need the reg, which they sell for 89. Might do that. Now that I think of it, I gave one of those away. dumbass...

input80
11-14-2014, 07:35 AM
I just noticed this post. Recently my Milwaukee solenoid would not shut off completely/properly on my Apex, could have been the low voltage thingy (plus I cracked the plastic bubble counter). I can ship the regulator to you if you pay the shipping or can find a cheaper way to get it to you Brad.
I ended up replacing it with this (http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-Regulator-Integrated-Solenoid-Hydroponics/dp/B008TRUI62/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415953839&sr=8-3&keywords=aquatek), its working well, I just had to buy a separate (with check valve) bubble counter. Aquatek has lesser models also.

Aquattro
11-14-2014, 12:05 PM
Thanks Ian, but I found one. Turns out I gave one away and the guy isn't using it, so getting it back.

input80
11-14-2014, 05:20 PM
No problem Brad.