disposable co2 with solenoid issue and incident

**theangel** · 11th Dec 2014, 01:27

Hi all,
Greeting to all, im actually an ex-planted tank and made a comeback with a huge terrifying experience with solenoid. As before i never use any solenoid before and i just let the co2 flow 24/7.
Started back a few days ago with disposable co2 and purchase a 2nd hand solenoid brand name wyin as well as all the need for planted tank item such as tank, soil, etc.
Long stories cut short, the tube blown out with a loud bang and causes a fear in me now handling this co2.
And it blown just before the solenoid.
Here's my setup:
Disposable co2 with single regulator - tube check valve - tube - solenoid - tube - bubble counter - tube - check valve - tube and finally glass diffuser.
I have no idea why it blown up but as i check online there is several issue, such as the solenoid broken, i need a dual stage regulator, i need a needle valve, and i need a better tubing.
My question is, is there anyone in the forum do use disposable co2 with solenoid? Please teach me how i can solve the issue im having now. Im so scare to operate anything now since the last incident.
Thank You

This is the solenoid im using and the part that blown up
PicsArt_1418232844025.jpg

This is the disposable co2 with regulator im using now.
PicsArt_1418232872685.jpg

**seudzar** · 11th Dec 2014, 07:58

From your photos, I would guess it's either you used the wrong type of tubing or your tubing has already damaged before you used it, I would advise you to use the correct type of tubing used for pressured air/co2. Do not use those tubing used for air pump.

**mUAr_cHEe** · 11th Dec 2014, 08:48

First of all, I hope no one was injured during the blow-up. That is the most important. We can always work another day to earn more money, live another day to try a CO2 set up and be around one more day to be with your loved ones.

From your above pictures, I think you are using the wrong kind of air hose for your CO2 set up. I may be wrong here but I have not seen clear CO2 tubing before. They are all coloured but available in many colours. I have not found Hello Kitty Pink though.

Your CO2 system from Gas canister up till the solenoid is technically a pressured system still. It would be better to use spec'ed equipment for safety's sake.

I assume everything else is in working condition? Nothing else is blown up? Bubble Counter? You can test if the solenoid is still in working condition by hearing for a clicking sound, the moment it gets switched on.

**seudzar** · 11th Dec 2014, 09:16

I have seen clear co2 tubing and I am using clear co2 tubing now. It is packed and labelled by ANS and I got it from seaview.

**kurty** · 11th Dec 2014, 09:16

Originally Posted by seudzar

From your photos, I would guess it's either you used the wrong type of tubing or your tubing has already damaged before you used it, I would advise you to use the correct type of tubing used for pressured air/co2. Do not use those tubing used for air pump.

yeah, second that.

if unsure, bring to LFS that carries co2 stuff..

I knew co2 related is kinda profound especially when you are a newbie to it.
I also had bad experience, pressure build up, bubble counter running out of water, solenoid faulty, leaking..
even current.. etc.. i get all the shares of the nasty..

lucky, thanks to a bro here, Hann who helped me.
and also to bioplast, pay him a visit, be nice to him and he will be nice too.
I know bioplast's uncle is kinda attitude, so far, he's been kinda helpful to me after the first encounter with him

cheers

**Ingen** · 11th Dec 2014, 11:11

Originally Posted by kurty

lucky, thanks to a bro here, Hann who helped me.
and also to bioplast, pay him a visit, be nice to him and he will be nice too.
I know bioplast's uncle is kinda attitude, so far, he's been kinda helpful to me after the first encounter with him

cheers

An old member once told me all I had to do is to compliment his moss tank is the best looking in Singapore and his attitude will change hahah.

**mUAr_cHEe** · 11th Dec 2014, 13:52

Originally Posted by seudzar

I have seen clear co2 tubing and I am using clear co2 tubing now. It is packed and labelled by ANS and I got it from seaview.

That's new to me. Perhaps theangel was using said tubing. Well, just waiting for him to respond now.

**theangel** · 11th Dec 2014, 14:00

Originally Posted by mUAr_cHEe

That's new to me. Perhaps theangel was using said tubing. Well, just waiting for him to respond now.

Hey guys thanks for the reply, very appreciate the reply

Yes, it was exact the same tubing i bought from seaview.
Im still waiting if anyone here were using disposable co2 and exectly the same solenoid as mine.

**ARTRN** · 11th Dec 2014, 15:53

Hi, I'm new in this forum. Just browsing around and find this thread. it happened to me too ( blew up the PU hose right before solenoid ).
I used a regulator which is not pressure reduced, my good guess is the hose couldn't stand the 1000psi in cylinder while solenoid is closed (night time ).
That was a newly setup and it blew up right after I set it up.
Now I'm using a reduced pressure regulator ( Ista Precise ), and been working great for 2 months without incident.
You have to change your reg to a pressure reduced one and you'll be ok.
HTH.

**theangel** · 11th Dec 2014, 17:36

Originally Posted by theangel

Hey guys thanks for the reply, very appreciate the reply

Yes, it was exact the same tubing i bought from seaview.
Im still waiting if anyone here were using disposable co2 and exectly the same solenoid as mine.

Hi, thanks for your response.
I think this is the main issue that it explode.
But i got another issue that the solenoid i purchase does have another needle valve as well.
Question is, is it ok to use 2 regulator, one from the disposable co2 and the other after the solenoid.

**Phillipians** · 14th Dec 2014, 00:21

I can only surmise that the main problem is that you should not be connecting another solenoid to the already connected regulator from the disposable can. Your connection sequence seems strange to me. For pressurised co2 tank, it should be
C02 tank - solenoid-tube-bubble counter-tube-diffuser
For your disposable one it should be
Tank - regulator-tube-bubble counter to diffusor
I think the problem lies with you connecting 2 types of regulator.
The solenoid should still be ok though. Just that your tube was definitely unable to withstand the pressure.
And side note: co2 tubings do come in transparent types. I m using both black and transparent one.

**Phillipians** · 14th Dec 2014, 00:23

And to be frank, after looking at your wylin brand solenoid i am wondering wheres the dual gauge to decompress. Solenoid is normally connected directly to the co2 tank. Your connection really seems wrong at this point.

**happydanio123** · 3rd Jul 2016, 09:03

I think you hose blew up because your CO2 pressure was too high for it. I am actually quite shocked that the disposable Co2 cartridge did not come with a regulator that can be screwed on on top the cartridge because with such high pressures, it is very likely that the tubing will burst if the solenoid is placed after some tubing. I suggest you either get a professional Co2 setup (those with refillable tanks plus Solenoids attached) or do a DIY setup like me which looks something like this: http://www.fish-street.com/images/pr...co2system4.jpg. This way, the pressure will not build up when you shut off the solenoid and there won't be excess pressure in the tubing to cause an explosion.

Cheers,
Happydanio