Help: CO2 leaks?

**lwm999** · 21st Jun 2006, 16:14

I recently did a one-to-one exchange of my 5l CO2 cylinder. After I connected it back to the JBJ solenoid and bubble counter, I could see that the pressure and bubbles were ok for a few days. Then I was busy for a few days and did not pay attention to it. Last night realised that the CO2 pressure is 0, and no bubble seen in the bubble counter. Where is the likelihood that the setup failed? The joint between the cylinder and the JBJ regulator?
Thanks.

**richietay** · 21st Jun 2006, 16:39

i suppose your co2 accessories been fine all awhile, i mean the regulator, check valve, bubble counter...etc, then probably leakage lies with the regulator and cylinder. Check whether is it tightly secured.
Since the cylinder is emptied, bring it back for a refill and enquire the lfs boss.

**BFG** · 21st Jun 2006, 18:11

Have you tried turning the main tap further?

**kemp** · 22nd Jun 2006, 10:26

i guess since it's empty now, there's no other way to check it. First, go get it refilled again, request the LFS to help you check it's there leaks on the tank itself.
after getting it top up, set it back up. Apply some soap water around the regulator, it should show traces of airbubbles if there's leak.
Then soak your check valve and bubble counter into a pail of water, see if there's leak too.
Ensure that everything is tightly connected. Check on the part, where the check valve and tubing that's connected to the regulator. (It happened to me once, that i manually used hand to turn it tight but it wasn't tight enough. After which, i realised, then i used a clamp to turn it tight) I had another problem with my check valve too, got it replaced, and everything's back to normal again.
I've similar experience just like yous

**lwm999** · 22nd Jun 2006, 16:24

Hi, thanks to all your advice. My CO2 cylinder was not exchanged at a LFS, but rather from a gas cylinder speciality shop. They are more like supplier to industry and LFS. So I just did a swop on the spot for $10. I think as suggested, I need to get a full cylinder and check a few areas to make sure all are tightened when setting it up.

**richietay** · 22nd Jun 2006, 20:45

lwm999, you had your cylinder exchanged at the area near senoko?

**lwm999** · 22nd Jun 2006, 23:53

Originally Posted by richietay

lwm999, you had your cylinder exchanged at the area near senoko?

No, I exchanged it at somewhere near Simei. I also hope it is near Senoko

The place is:
Leong Chew Gas & Trading
Blk 3013 Bedok Ind Park E #01-2108

I would think they only exchange if your cylinder is of the same make. The cylinder looks like this:
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=16876

**richietay** · 23rd Jun 2006, 11:48

thanks for the reply, and their CO2 are worth to get! There's a service at senoko but no idea where the exact location.

**kemp** · 23rd Jun 2006, 12:52

bro, you really travelled quite a distance to get it exchange ah. It will be beneficial for us if someone knows the senoko's address

**stephen chung** · 8th Jul 2006, 17:59

Hi,

I am new to this hobby. And I am thinking of setting a planted tank.

What regulator and n solenoid should I buy?

I use to be a maintenance tech in a manufacturing plance and we use alot of regulator n solenoids..eg festo.SMC..To regulate air pressure. Can I use those??

Do you need a Separate and oiler for the regulator?

Please pardon my ignorance.

Thanks

**tawauboy** · 8th Jul 2006, 20:55

Originally Posted by stephen chung

Hi,
I am new to this hobby. And I am thinking of setting a planted tank.

you can start a thread ...

What regulator and n solenoid should I buy?

you'll need a co2 regulator. these uses cga320 connector. i doubt pneumatic control system uses cga320 connector.
you can use solenoids that are similar to what you have used. make sure that they are rated to 10 bars. i am pretty sure that you can get the right fittings to connect the co2 regulator output to the solenoid.

Do you need a Separate and oiler for the regulator?

nope.

**stephen chung** · 8th Jul 2006, 21:16

Originally Posted by tawauboy

you can start a thread ...

you'll need a co2 regulator. these uses cga320 connector. i doubt pneumatic control system uses cga320 connector.
you can use solenoids that are similar to what you have used. make sure that they are rated to 10 bars. i am pretty sure that you can get the right fittings to connect the co2 regulator output to the solenoid.

nope.

Thomas,

Thanks for your info. cga320 connector..hmmmm...I never heard of that b4..Anyway..I think I know what to do now..

Oh..I think I post wrongly...sorry guys.

**tawauboy** · 8th Jul 2006, 21:25

you should purchase a co2 cylinder and a co2 regulator.
after that you can use your experience to fix up you system.

and no worries...

**stephen chung** · 8th Jul 2006, 21:41

Originally Posted by tawauboy

you should purchase a co2 cylinder and a co2 regulator.
after that you can use your experience to fix up you system.

and no worries...

Yeah....I think is not hard to find a CGA320 to 1/2" connector..

I think the hard part is how to keep the plant alive...

**eddyq** · 8th Jul 2006, 22:47

If CO2 tank leaked that fast, it must be a high pressure leakage.

**tawauboy** · 9th Jul 2006, 15:55

Originally Posted by stephen chung

.......

I think the hard part is how to keep the plant alive...

this is not the hardest part. with sufficient co2 and reasonable lights, you can keep plants alive.
keeping algae at bay is harder.

enjoy............

**stephen chung** · 9th Jul 2006, 21:43

Originally Posted by tawauboy

this is not the hardest part. with sufficient co2 and reasonable lights, you can keep plants alive.
keeping algae at bay is harder.

enjoy............

THomas,

What brand is good for CO2 system?

**tawauboy** · 10th Jul 2006, 22:40

Originally Posted by stephen chung

THomas,

What brand is good for CO2 system?

you asked the wrong guy....

it is going to cost you...

generally, german brands (dennerle, bioplast, aquamedic, ...) have good reputation. these system will easily set you back $400++.

some taiwanese brands are quite good as well. a number of fellow forumers are using these. you can check with nature aquarium. however, you should use better quality solenoids.

**stephen chung** · 11th Jul 2006, 00:55

Originally Posted by tawauboy

you asked the wrong guy....

it is going to cost you...

generally, german brands (dennerle, bioplast, aquamedic, ...) have good reputation. these system will easily set you back $400++.

some taiwanese brands are quite good as well. a number of fellow forumers are using these. you can check with nature aquarium. however, you should use better quality solenoids.

Wah...same price as my ping pong bat...$400+