How to build a CO2 regulator for your calcium reactor. - Page 56

GraviT · 08/02/2018, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQT

After you close it finger tight, does it still give you the slow stream of bubbles even after a several minutes?

Ahh...I don’t know about after several minutes, but thanks for the physics reminder! It does take time for pressure to dissipate from a closed system with semi-flexible tubing, doesn’t it?

Apex is controlling pH, so I only get a few seconds at a time to adjust. I’ll close it, be patient, and try again!

GraviT · 08/02/2018, 08:18 PM

I shut off the tank and regulator, and the needle valve drained 20 lbs of pressure when closed finger tight. That said, I dropped the regulator output to 10 and the valve seems to be working much better and actually allows for meaningful adjustment.

I’m a bit suspicious of the valve at this point. I haven’t found the right specs yet, but surely its designed for >10 psi.

LQT · 08/02/2018, 09:48 PM

You may have a damaged needle valve, I dunno. That said, running your output pressure between 20-30 psi seems extremely high. 5 -10 psi should be the sweet spot.

GraviT · 08/02/2018, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQT

You may have a damaged needle valve, I dunno. That said, running your output pressure between 20-30 psi seems extremely high. 5 -10 psi should be the sweet spot.

I’m happy to drop to 5; I had a difficult time trying to find what pressure I should be running!

solitude127 · 08/02/2018, 11:24 PM

@GraviT, what reactor are you running?

GraviT · 08/03/2018, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

@GraviT, what reactor are you running?

Its a Skimz Monzter CM153. I’ve been using one of their skimmers for a couple of years and love it, so i thought I’d give their Ca reactor a shot. Its an internal model that is driven by a single, DC pump for both chamber and effluent. There aren’t many reviews of this one, but so far so good.

LQT · 08/12/2018, 06:04 AM

Finally got all my parts in and finished my regulator! I must admit, I did go a little nuts and got some stainless steel glycerin filled Wika gauges from eBay.

ReefWreak · 08/13/2018, 07:08 PM

Looks very nice though! and super compact.

LQT · 08/13/2018, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReefWreak

Looks very nice though! and super compact.

Thanks dude! Did you test your Matheson yet? If you want, I have the original gauges from my Victor that you can have if you want them...

naterealbig · 08/24/2018, 12:52 PM

Hi everyone! Great thread - I just helped my brother build one of these valves - it's a beaut.

A bit off topic, but I have a quick question - I am planning on mounting my CO2 tank to the outside of my stand, and I am looking for a place where I can purchase a colored 20lb CO2 cylinder. Any ideas where I can get one of these?

solitude127 · 08/24/2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naterealbig

Hi everyone! Great thread - I just helped my brother build one of these valves - it's a beaut.

A bit off topic, but I have a quick question - I am planning on mounting my CO2 tank to the outside of my stand, and I am looking for a place where I can purchase a colored 20lb CO2 cylinder. Any ideas where I can get one of these?

Only place I found was a red one on amazon. It might be tough to get your own tank filled as most places usually do a bottle exchange.

naterealbig · 08/24/2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

Only place I found was a red one on amazon. It might be tough to get your own tank filled as most places usually do a bottle exchange.

Ah. So step one....see if I can find a place that will refill and give me my bottle back. Step two - see if the same place will refill a painted bottle.

If I can find a place, I guess I could just paint one myself... I've seen a few really neat looking ones, but nothing bigger than 10lb. I was thinking a 20lb for my tank, but guess I could go smaller if I needed.

Thanks for the reply. I'll see what amazon has. I really wanted a blue one to match my piping.

alanle · 09/12/2018, 12:46 PM

Who likes digital gauges?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

solitude127 · 09/12/2018, 04:13 PM

that's pretty cool. I wonder how long the batteries last in the gauges.

mitch91175 · 09/15/2018, 01:27 PM

Hey guys, I am embarking on switching to a calcium reactor and stumbled upon this thread. I was considering buying a CarbonDoser, but from everything that I have read online, 2 stage is much more precise, but I am having issues finding the components. Anyone can recommend a source for the components or have one for sale at a somewhat reasonable price?

LQT · 09/16/2018, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch91175

Hey guys, I am embarking on switching to a calcium reactor and stumbled upon this thread. I was considering buying a CarbonDoser, but from everything that I have read online, 2 stage is much more precise, but I am having issues finding the components. Anyone can recommend a source for the components or have one for sale at a somewhat reasonable price?

All of the components purchased for my DIY builds were sourced from eBay. Finding good deals on eBay will require patience. All of the components needed for these builds are on page one of this thread. I know it’s not the easy answer that you’re looking for but if you want to build a full stainless steel Alanle style dual stage regulator at a reasonable price, patience and a quick trigger finger on eBay when deals present themselves is a must.

Here is a source for pre wired stainless steel Burkert 6011 solenoids.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Burkert-601...kAAOSwyXVbZTki

Here is a source for cheap stainless steel Hoke 1/8” elbows.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HOKE-2SLP-3...53.m1438.l2649

As far as the other components go... Happy Hunting!

bigboy7828 · 09/16/2018, 04:53 PM

alanle, Where did you find those digital gauges????

alanle · 09/17/2018, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigboy7828

alanle, Where did you find those digital gauges????

Found them on eBay but they’re garbage. Internal leaks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bigboy7828 · 09/17/2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanle

Found them on eBay but they’re garbage. Internal leaks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! Good to know

ReefWreak · 09/20/2018, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanle

Found them on eBay but they’re garbage. Internal leaks.

Blah sorry to hear that. I got really excited when I found them on ebay for ~$35. Wonder if the branded ones are any better? It's a neat idea that's for sure.

salty joe · 09/21/2018, 06:27 AM

I finally got my reactor up and running but am disappointed in my metering valve. (SwagelokSS-MGVR4) If I barely turn the handle, the bubble rate changes a lot.
The Flow (Cv) is listed as ? to 0.03.

Did I get the wrong valve or maybe another issue?

Industrial Valves from Swagelok Company
SS-MGVR4

SS Medium-Flow Metering Valve, 1/4 in. Male Swagelok VCR Metal Gasket Face Seal Fitting

Specifications

Product Category
Industrial Valves

Valve Type
Metering

Primary Material
Stainless Steel

Valve Size
0.25 inch (6.35 mm)

Number of Ports
2 to ?

Media Temperature
-10 to 400 F (-23 to 204 C)

Flow (Cv)
? to 0.03

Connection Description
Face Seal; Face Seal

LQT · 09/21/2018, 06:34 AM

You will have better flow control using a low flow metering valve. Your medium flow valve will have a harder time with fine tuning adjustments. For stainless steel Swagelok low flow metering valves, look for an SS-SS2 (1/8”) or an SS-SS4 (1/4”).

salty joe · 09/21/2018, 04:30 PM

Rats, that's what I was afraid of.
Thank you LQT, I appreciate it.

salty joe · 09/21/2018, 05:38 PM

Hey! I found an SS-SS4 on EBay for $49 or best offer and got it for $40. I'm thinking it's a steal. Thanks again LQT for suggesting SS-SS4.

LQT · 09/21/2018, 08:42 PM

Nice!

08/02/2018, 08:18 PM	#1377
GraviT Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 420	I shut off the tank and regulator, and the needle valve drained 20 lbs of pressure when closed finger tight. That said, I dropped the regulator output to 10 and the valve seems to be working much better and actually allows for meaningful adjustment. I’m a bit suspicious of the valve at this point. I haven’t found the right specs yet, but surely its designed for >10 psi. __________________ Member of DFWMAS Current Tank Info: Custom 162g, 40g sump/fuge, black box LEDs, Skimz Octa SC165i, Skimz Ca reactor, a real CO2 regulator, 2016 Apex

08/02/2018, 09:48 PM	#1378
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	You may have a damaged needle valve, I dunno. That said, running your output pressure between 20-30 psi seems extremely high. 5 -10 psi should be the sweet spot. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

08/02/2018, 11:24 PM	#1380
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	@GraviT, what reactor are you running? __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

08/12/2018, 06:04 AM	#1382
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Finally got all my parts in and finished my regulator! I must admit, I did go a little nuts and got some stainless steel glycerin filled Wika gauges from eBay. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

08/24/2018, 12:52 PM	#1385
naterealbig Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 2,252	Colored CO2 Tank? Hi everyone! Great thread - I just helped my brother build one of these valves - it's a beaut. A bit off topic, but I have a quick question - I am planning on mounting my CO2 tank to the outside of my stand, and I am looking for a place where I can purchase a colored 20lb CO2 cylinder. Any ideas where I can get one of these? __________________ My skimmate has notes of saffron, and a hint of lilac.

08/13/2018, 07:08 PM	#1383
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	Looks very nice though! and super compact.

09/12/2018, 12:46 PM	#1388
alanle Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 307	Who likes digital gauges? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09/12/2018, 04:13 PM	#1389
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	that's pretty cool. I wonder how long the batteries last in the gauges. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

09/15/2018, 01:27 PM	#1390
mitch91175 Premium Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 303	Hey guys, I am embarking on switching to a calcium reactor and stumbled upon this thread. I was considering buying a CarbonDoser, but from everything that I have read online, 2 stage is much more precise, but I am having issues finding the components. Anyone can recommend a source for the components or have one for sale at a somewhat reasonable price?

09/16/2018, 04:53 PM	#1392
bigboy7828 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 280	alanle, Where did you find those digital gauges????

09/21/2018, 06:27 AM	#1396
salty joe Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: medina, ohio Posts: 2,419	I finally got my reactor up and running but am disappointed in my metering valve. (SwagelokSS-MGVR4) If I barely turn the handle, the bubble rate changes a lot. The Flow (Cv) is listed as ? to 0.03. Did I get the wrong valve or maybe another issue? Industrial Valves from Swagelok Company SS-MGVR4 SS Medium-Flow Metering Valve, 1/4 in. Male Swagelok VCR Metal Gasket Face Seal Fitting Specifications Product Category Industrial Valves Valve Type Metering Primary Material Stainless Steel Valve Size 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) Number of Ports 2 to ? Media Temperature -10 to 400 F (-23 to 204 C) Flow (Cv) ? to 0.03 Connection Description Face Seal; Face Seal __________________ Time to roll the dice.

09/21/2018, 06:34 AM	#1397
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	You will have better flow control using a low flow metering valve. Your medium flow valve will have a harder time with fine tuning adjustments. For stainless steel Swagelok low flow metering valves, look for an SS-SS2 (1/8”) or an SS-SS4 (1/4”). __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

09/21/2018, 04:30 PM	#1398
salty joe Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: medina, ohio Posts: 2,419	Rats, that's what I was afraid of. Thank you LQT, I appreciate it. __________________ Time to roll the dice.

09/21/2018, 05:38 PM	#1399
salty joe Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: medina, ohio Posts: 2,419	Hey! I found an SS-SS4 on EBay for $49 or best offer and got it for $40. I'm thinking it's a steal. Thanks again LQT for suggesting SS-SS4. __________________ Time to roll the dice.

09/21/2018, 08:42 PM	#1400
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Nice! __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge