Is my CO2 set leaking?

[pulp2000]

Hi

Just got my first CO2 set last sunday. It comprise of a 5L CO2 tank, a double gauge regulator(San Yang) with a solenoid (nass Magnet), a bubble counter with control valve. The 2 gauge shows 850 and <50 when the solenoid is off.

However i noticed that the level in the first gauge (850)keeps dropping even though the solenoid is off. I have not turn on the solenoid for 3 days. I noted the level of the first gauge before i turn off the solenoid is slightly above the 850 mark but now after 3 days it drops slightly below the 850 mark. Through out the duraton of the 3 days i did not turn off the main valve on the CO2 tank itself; i only use the solenoid to switch on/off the system.

I feel around the area where the CO2 tank is connecting to the regulator but there is no cold feeling so there should not be a leak at that point right??? Another observation during the 3 days (when the solenoid is off) is that the level of water in the tubing is moving back towards the output of the bubble counter so that implies that there is no CO2 leaking back into my aquarium??
If thats the case that means the leak (if there is one) will be at:

1)The output of the double gauge regulator (where the pressure had already been step) connecting to the solenoid or the solenoid itself?

Hope someone can enlighten me! thanks in advance!

[eric_kclee]

did you do the startup test....recommended by NA.

1. turn off the solenoid.
2. turn on the co2 main valve.
3. see the needle go up and stop, note the value.
4. turn off the co2 main valve.
5. leave the tank alone.
6. cheack the reading again after 24hour.
7. If level drop, leakage happens.

To troubleshoot the leak, use soapy water. This method will not waste too much co2.

If what you describe is correct/accurate, the leak is likely to be at the joint between regulator and the co2 tank. This join is what we usually fixed up ourself, so prone to mistake. Other parts are pre-fixed at factory and go through QC, so not likely.

Use soapy water to check and use white (plumber) tape to seal thread even when it seems not neccessary.

BTW, you have sound trouble shooting skill, you have most of the question answered by yourself.

[leafhorn]

My one is fixed by Mr Chan, manual reg, he asked me to switch off at night and see next day if got leak or something, I never pay attention or check anyway, don't think Mr Chan will "dua" me since he fixed the stuff.

[eric_kclee]

----------------
On 8/24/2003 12:44:53 AM
don't think Mr Chan will "dua" me since he fixed the stuff.
----------------

Freind, it is not about 'dua'...its about possible of 'regulator defect from factory', and 'shi1 shou3'(slip hand).

[jansonx]

My CO2 also got such a problem too. Wat I did was, I put the whole tank in water and see if there is any leakage. After that I realised that the leakage is from the connection between the main valve and the cylinder. After that I brought the CO2 to the shop and wait for reply......