CO2 two way splitter help needed...

[melthazor]

I bought a new 3L CO2 cylinder set from NA today. It comes with the Ocean Free solenoid regulator. I want to be able to feed two tanks with CO2, below is a picture of the CO2 cylinder with the OF solenoid regulator.



I know they sell brass CO2 splitters. However if I were to fit the splitter where the bubble counter is now, the splitter would be in a vertical position. Which means I'm unable to fit any bubble counter on the CO2 splitter itself. Here is what I mean:



Is it possible to remove the needle valve connected to the regulator, replace it with a male hex nipple and connect the 2 way splitter to it? If so what size for the male hex nipple? 1/8 or 1/4? Anyone using OF solenoid regulator? And where can I buy these male hex nipple besides ebay?



Or to make my life easier, I could buy a CO2 splitter that already has a male end instead of a female...does anyone know where I can get this from?

[Urban Aquaria]

The shops that sell the splitters usually stock various connectors too, just check with them to get the fittings you require for your particular setup.

[Urban Aquaria]

If the shop somehow doesn't sell the connector, you can just get it from Teck Siong Huat Hardware:

http://www.tecksionghuat.com/page23,24.htm

[melthazor]

Okie! Thanks!

[melthazor]

So I can actually unscrew the needle valve without damaging the solenoid? Which lfs have you experienced that would stock the 2 way splitter and the nipple hex?

Which outlet should I go to get the nipple hex if 5 the lfs don't have them? Kelantan lane or ubi?

[Shadow]

It is not difficult to modify, I modify mine myself. Have you check with NA, they normally able to help you to modify. If not, you can check with bioplast

[Urban Aquaria]

So I can actually unscrew the needle valve without damaging the solenoid? Which lfs have you experienced that would stock the 2 way splitter and the nipple hex?

Which outlet should I go to get the nipple hex if 5 the lfs don't have them? Kelantan lane or ubi?

Yes, you can remove the needle valve without damaging the solenoid, just unscrew and remove the bubble counter first, make sure the Co2 tank's main tap valve is fully closed, then use an adjustable wrench to carefully unscrew the needle valve module. Remember to wrap a layer of teflon plumbers tape on the threads to ensure a secure fit for the connector and splitter.

I ordered my splitter online and it came with the connector, so you'll have to just check with the LFS to find out if they have the connector part (and they should also have to tools to help you fix it on the spot too).

If you are going to the hardware company to get the connector, either branch will have it, they do retail sales for walk-in customers. Just depends on which location is more convenient for you to visit.

[melthazor]

It is not difficult to modify, I modify mine myself. Have you check with NA, they normally able to help you to modify. If not, you can check with bioplast

I didn't want to get the splitter from him, that's why I didn't ask him to modify for me...lol...

Yes, you can remove the needle valve without damaging the solenoid, just unscrew and remove the bubble counter first, make sure the Co2 tank's main tap valve is fully closed, then use an adjustable wrench to carefully unscrew the needle valve module. Remember to wrap a layer of teflon plumbers tape on the threads to ensure a secure fit for the connector and splitter.

I ordered my splitter online and it came with the connector, so you'll have to just check with the LFS to find out if they have the connector part (and they should also have to tools to help you fix it on the spot too).

If you are going to the hardware company to get the connector, either branch will have it, they do retail sales for walk-in customers. Just depends on which location is more convenient for you to visit.

Which site did you buy your splitter from? Maybe can pm me.

[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah, most shops i see usually just install the splitters vertically and then use hoses to connect the bubble counters separately so they just dangle inline or are clipped to the side of the tank, not as elegant though.

Which site did you buy your splitter from? Maybe can pm me.

I bought my splitter from a TaoBao seller, but that was almost a year ago though and can't seem to find back the link, probably expired or not available anymore.

Managed to do a quick check and found more splitters which are actually suitable for your setup, these ones can be fixed right on top of your existing needle valve and the bubble counters will be vertical:

http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/Aquarium-...item3f2a85bd0a

This is a 3-way version and you can see how its installed:

http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/3way-Bras...item3f07c6bdf3

Mizuworld has the same model available too: http://mizuworld.com/product/detail/1693 (but not the 2-way model though).

Btw, i just thought of another method to fit those brass splitters with long connectors, you could just turn your existing needle valve 90 degrees and face the nozzle port horizontally, then the brass splitters can be fixed on and their ports will face upwards.

[melthazor]

Oh I can tighten the needle valve more to be 90 deg? Will break the threads? I just fixed the co2 because NA guy said to check 24 hours for leakage...I opened the co2 valve fully and the needle valve fully but the bubble count is 1 bubble per 18 seconds...why ah?

[melthazor]

Oh ignore the above...I put the one way valve wrongly...haha!

[Urban Aquaria]

Oh I can tighten the needle valve more to be 90 deg? Will break the threads?

That i'm not too sure... haven't tried it before, was just an idea.

[melthazor]

That i'm not too sure... haven't tried it before, was just an idea.

I actually thought of it too...lol...I just don't dare anyhow touch it...scared break...hahaha!