Carbon doser Regulator

Dennio · 12/02/2018, 06:59 PM

Looking to switch from doser to Calcium Reactor.

is the AquariumPlants Carbon Doser still a good regulator?
Can someone recommend a good quality regulator.

thanks!

tom obrecht · 12/02/2018, 07:22 PM

It’s the one I use. Very stable and happy with it.

slief · 12/03/2018, 02:52 AM

I love my Carbon Doser regulator. I’ve had lots of regulators over the years but this is by far my favorite.

solitude127 · 12/03/2018, 09:52 AM

another option would be to build your own. A lot of reefers have had good success with building their own
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ight=regulator

Sanren · 12/03/2018, 03:54 PM

The carbon doser is a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. You can get other regulators that will work, but you will not find one that works as well, is as consistent, or takes less maintenance than the carbon doser. I've been running mine non-stop for a few years and never had a single issue.

LQT · 12/03/2018, 07:43 PM

CarbonDosers no doubt have their loyal following. But so do the Alanle style custom dual stage lab grade DIY regulators that will last a lifetime and can often be built for less if you’re patient and into the DIY thing. Here’s my all stainless dual stage Alanle style regulator that I built and I’m sure will last well beyond my lifetime. Plus, it’s damn sexy looking!

Victor SGT160B

Bpb · 12/03/2018, 08:02 PM

I’d take my alanle built concoa over an aquarium plants regulator any day

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

McPuff · 12/04/2018, 11:22 AM

If you want a cheaper option, with excellent quality, you can try the CO2 art regulators. I've had one for a few years and it's been excellent. It's dual stage so you don't get end-of-tank-dump. Very nice controls and the solenoid seems to be really nice too. I think I paid about $130 including shipping from the UK (where they're made). co2art.eu

The only thing I changed is the bubble counter... I use a different brand. The ones that come from co2art make tiny bubbles so the rate is harder to calculate in my opinion. Anyway, VERY happy with my decision.

McPuff · 12/04/2018, 11:28 AM

Oops, duplicate.

Dennio · 12/04/2018, 12:12 PM

thanks everyone for your feedback . Those AlanLe style regulators look good, but when i did a bit of research it seems like it can get pricey, the carbon doser is $300. I'll PM Alan since hes local

Please keep the suggestions and photos coming! some real nice regulators i see so far.

bblumberg · 12/04/2018, 04:27 PM

Alan will probably sell you one for fairly close to that cost. The cost may be less if you source the parts at good prices and build yourself, but probably not less than half for top quality components.

reeftivo · 12/04/2018, 05:04 PM

you may also want to check out greenleaf aquariums GLA regulators.

i use a GLA-GRO 1 and it works flawlessly

frankv702 · 12/05/2018, 09:40 AM

Building your own true dual stage regulator is the way to go and will be cheaper than $300. I built mine for about $175 total and it’s rock solid. The swagelok low flow needle valves give you rock solid consistency and are super easy to dial in. The dual stage regulator makes sure you don’t have end of tank dump of co2. My dual stage regulator compared to my Milwaukee regulator is a night and day difference. Even the feel and size is 100% noticeable.

Building one similar to a carbon doser would be pretty easy as well. It’s basically a pot controlling the timing on a timer IC that’s output controls a solenoid. About $40 in components and some type of single stage regulator.

ReefWreak · 12/07/2018, 04:52 PM

Buy a CarbonDoser.

Having built a few nice Dual-Stage regulators myself now, and also having re-built a broken CarbonDoser, the CarbonDoser is just easier. If you're DIY inclined, and like to off the deep end, then by all means, build a dual-stage CarbonDoser with the same high-cycle valve that CD uses, but if you're not DIY inclined, and would rather not be messing around (not to mention sourcing the right parts, making sure the parts you get work well, etc.), I would just stick with tried and true CarbonDoser.

I'm really frustrated that the $100 needle valve that I got for $50 used might cause some inconsistency in bubble rate because it could have a bent needle valve (?!?!). I have it dialed in rock-solid now, but still, it was frustrating in the beginning to diagnose and get dialed in. With CarbonDoser, it's set it, test, and forget it. Minor tweak, simple turn of the knob, and you're done. No worries that parts could be malfunctioning or other frustrations.

Also, building one from used parts won't be cheap, it won't be easy, and you'll always be second-guessing the quality of the used parts, unless you're an expert at gas regulation, which you aren't, because you're asking us to begin with

solitude127 · 12/08/2018, 11:27 AM

^^^ great advice there

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

manateemark · 12/08/2018, 08:21 PM

I am always a fan of paying for quality when it is going to be cheaper in the end. It seems like maybe a used carbon foster would be the best bet.

12/02/2018, 06:59 PM	#1
Dennio Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 161	Carbon doser Regulator Looking to switch from doser to Calcium Reactor. is the AquariumPlants Carbon Doser still a good regulator? Can someone recommend a good quality regulator. thanks!

12/02/2018, 07:22 PM	#2
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	It’s the one I use. Very stable and happy with it. __________________ Reef keeping is where Murphy's Law and your bank account collide!! TOTM May 2006

12/03/2018, 02:52 AM	#3
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	I love my Carbon Doser regulator. I’ve had lots of regulators over the years but this is by far my favorite. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

12/03/2018, 09:52 AM	#4
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	another option would be to build your own. A lot of reefers have had good success with building their own http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ight=regulator __________________ 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

12/03/2018, 07:43 PM	#6
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	CarbonDosers no doubt have their loyal following. But so do the Alanle style custom dual stage lab grade DIY regulators that will last a lifetime and can often be built for less if you’re patient and into the DIY thing. Here’s my all stainless dual stage Alanle style regulator that I built and I’m sure will last well beyond my lifetime. Plus, it’s damn sexy looking! Victor SGT160B __________________ - 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

12/03/2018, 03:54 PM	#5
Sanren Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 25	The carbon doser is a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. You can get other regulators that will work, but you will not find one that works as well, is as consistent, or takes less maintenance than the carbon doser. I've been running mine non-stop for a few years and never had a single issue.

12/03/2018, 08:02 PM	#7
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	I’d take my alanle built concoa over an aquarium plants regulator any day Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

12/04/2018, 11:22 AM	#8
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	If you want a cheaper option, with excellent quality, you can try the CO2 art regulators. I've had one for a few years and it's been excellent. It's dual stage so you don't get end-of-tank-dump. Very nice controls and the solenoid seems to be really nice too. I think I paid about $130 including shipping from the UK (where they're made). co2art.eu The only thing I changed is the bubble counter... I use a different brand. The ones that come from co2art make tiny bubbles so the rate is harder to calculate in my opinion. Anyway, VERY happy with my decision.

12/04/2018, 11:28 AM	#9
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	Oops, duplicate.

12/04/2018, 12:12 PM	#10
Dennio Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 161	thanks everyone for your feedback . Those AlanLe style regulators look good, but when i did a bit of research it seems like it can get pricey, the carbon doser is $300. I'll PM Alan since hes local Please keep the suggestions and photos coming! some real nice regulators i see so far.

12/04/2018, 04:27 PM	#11
bblumberg Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 606	Alan will probably sell you one for fairly close to that cost. The cost may be less if you source the parts at good prices and build yourself, but probably not less than half for top quality components. __________________ Bruce Current Tank Info: 150G mixed reef (6x Blue Acro 20K Pro COB LEDs, 4x 80W T5 supplement), 150g fw discus (T5 lighting), 110G fw Angelfish (DIY LED lighting), 4 x 40 g frag tanks (DIY LED).

12/04/2018, 05:04 PM	#12
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	you may also want to check out greenleaf aquariums GLA regulators. i use a GLA-GRO 1 and it works flawlessly __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

12/05/2018, 09:40 AM	#13
frankv702 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 132	Building your own true dual stage regulator is the way to go and will be cheaper than $300. I built mine for about $175 total and it’s rock solid. The swagelok low flow needle valves give you rock solid consistency and are super easy to dial in. The dual stage regulator makes sure you don’t have end of tank dump of co2. My dual stage regulator compared to my Milwaukee regulator is a night and day difference. Even the feel and size is 100% noticeable. Building one similar to a carbon doser would be pretty easy as well. It’s basically a pot controlling the timing on a timer IC that’s output controls a solenoid. About $40 in components and some type of single stage regulator.

12/07/2018, 04:52 PM	#14
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	Buy a CarbonDoser. Having built a few nice Dual-Stage regulators myself now, and also having re-built a broken CarbonDoser, the CarbonDoser is just easier. If you're DIY inclined, and like to off the deep end, then by all means, build a dual-stage CarbonDoser with the same high-cycle valve that CD uses, but if you're not DIY inclined, and would rather not be messing around (not to mention sourcing the right parts, making sure the parts you get work well, etc.), I would just stick with tried and true CarbonDoser. I'm really frustrated that the $100 needle valve that I got for $50 used might cause some inconsistency in bubble rate because it could have a bent needle valve (?!?!). I have it dialed in rock-solid now, but still, it was frustrating in the beginning to diagnose and get dialed in. With CarbonDoser, it's set it, test, and forget it. Minor tweak, simple turn of the knob, and you're done. No worries that parts could be malfunctioning or other frustrations. Also, building one from used parts won't be cheap, it won't be easy, and you'll always be second-guessing the quality of the used parts, unless you're an expert at gas regulation, which you aren't, because you're asking us to begin with

12/08/2018, 11:27 AM	#15
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	^^^ great advice there Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk __________________ 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

12/08/2018, 08:21 PM	#16
manateemark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 52	I am always a fan of paying for quality when it is going to be cheaper in the end. It seems like maybe a used carbon foster would be the best bet.