CO2 regulator without solenoid?

[AnA]

My bro had bought a new CO2 regulator but seem not very good. The adjustment of the bubbles is not very fine and always round out? I am not sure what is the brand or model he had purchased.

Anyway, maybe we could try a better ones like those 3 I had posted in the pictures. I just came across these few types of CO2 regulators without solenoid. They are of better build I think. Anyone tried any of those? Please comment and thanks.

Also come to think of it, should we pump CO2 24hrs or should we just pump when needed (during light on)? Just worry the PH fluctuation. Thanks.

[tawauboy]

for proper adjustment of co2 bubble rate, you'll need a needle valve. to use a needle valve, you'll need a proper regulator; one which regulates the output pressure.
probably the first regulator. check with the shop. ask for a proper regulator as needle valves are usually limited to 10 bar (145 psi). pressurized co2 is about 1000 psi.

[AquaObsession]

That why I leave my 24/7 for those regulators without Co2. Once I've manage to adjust it well, I don't want to touch it again.

Cheers, Christophe

[AnA]

For me, I am using those 2 dials type with solenoid. It is UP brand and I got it about 8 years ago. One thing good about this brand soleniod is that it does not get hot. It is so call using "special" soleniod with only required of LED power to ON/OFF the valve. Wondering UP still produce such soleniod nowadays. Normal soleniod always very hot.

My Brother used to have this UP which I had mentioned above too. But his give way recently and since he is not willing to spend again on a new CO2 regulator with soleniod, he had opted for those cheaper single dial type CO2 regulator without soleniod. It only cost him about $20 a pcs. Compare to those with 2 Dials type with soleniod, he save quite a bit.

But, I still think that those CO2 regulator with 2 Dials are better. The first Dial is used to measure the pressure in the CO2 cylinder tank and the 2nd one is used to measure the reduced pressure which CO2 will eventually regulated by the valve which attached and control by the soleniod. Is this the needle valve which you had mentioned? With 2 stages regulation, the lower pressure CO2 at the soleniod side should be easiler to control and thus give better overall control of the number of bubbles we wanted to inject into the aquarium.

Just wondering if one day my current 2 dials regulator give way, should I go for those 3 simple CO2 regulators which I had mentioned? I do not mind turning the CO2 ON for 24/7. Please advise. Thanks.

for proper adjustment of co2 bubble rate, you'll need a needle valve. to use a needle valve, you'll need a proper regulator; one which regulates the output pressure.
probably the first regulator. check with the shop. ask for a proper regulator as needle valves are usually limited to 10 bar (145 psi). pressurized co2 is about 1000 psi.

[tawauboy]

did you or your brother check whether the solenoid or regulator is spoilt? or both are spoilt? what were the symptoms? chances are that only the solenoid is faulty while the rest are ok.

the 2nd valve that you mentioned should be the needle valve. is it attached after the solenoid?

[AnA]

Thanks for your concern. Actually, I did not see the physical item. Heard from my brother first the soleniod damage. Then, he used it as regulator without the soleniod for a while. Lucky for him is that the soleniod damage in such a way where the valve remain normally open. His luck does not last...

The second damage according to him is a portion (where the logo or UP brand is) leaking CO2. According to him, the damage is pretty serious and thus decided to stop using it. Up till today, I have yet seen the item. Maybe I will take a look when I visit him. Hope he still keep the part.

did you or your brother check whether the solenoid or regulator is spoilt? or both are spoilt? what were the symptoms? chances are that only the solenoid is faulty while the rest are ok.

the 2nd valve that you mentioned should be the needle valve. is it attached after the solenoid?

[ahyann]

does anyone knows whether soleniod can be repaired? if so whats the price range like? sob sob my soleniod also just died on me, yea luckily its valve is 'opened'.

[tawauboy]

solenoid cannot be repaired and has to be replaced when faulty.
usually a solenoid valve comes in 2 parts; solenoid and solenoid valve.
solenoid valve could be reused.

[AnA]

You could try NA for the replace.

For me, I have one solenoid standby. Not exactly the same as those from UP. But is the type which normally use for most brands....the one which gets hot. This one I bought it from Chan (NA) many years ago. Wondering if he still sell this kind of solenoid? If you ask me, I still prefer those from UP. Not hot at all.

does anyone knows whether soleniod can be repaired? if so whats the price range like? sob sob my soleniod also just died on me, yea luckily its valve is 'opened'.

[tawauboy]

most solenoid will become hot after being switched on. the coil impedance will cause heat to build up. just keep the solenoid well ventilated.

[AnA]

Thanks tawauboy, I agree that most solenoid will become hot. But the one I am using which is from UP will not even get warm after being switched ON for the whole day. I think it uses different kind of technology. It claimed that it only required LED power or something. I did a measurement and it uses less than 1 watt power when ON. Amazing.

most solenoid will become hot after being switched on. the coil impedance will cause heat to build up. just keep the solenoid well ventilated.

[tawauboy]

solenoid is basically an electromagnet. if it consumes low power, then the pressure that can be controlled will be lower. as long it gets the job done, it doesn't really matter.

[ahyann]

i just went over to NA and replace my solenoid, uncle say can last another 8 years hehehe

[AnA]

I got a spare soleniod from NA many years back. I hope I do not need to use it at all.

BTW, wondering how much it cost now?

i just went over to NA and replace my solenoid, uncle say can last another 8 years hehehe