Some queries about connecting regulator to the CO2 canister

[ralliart12]

Hi fellows, I was watching some video tutorials on how to setup pressurised CO2 injection for planted tank when I came across a couple of steps that I have questions about:

1st video


2nd video


At the 13th second mark of the 1st video & the 6th second mark of the 2nd mark, the person said to "install a nylon seal at the part where the regulator connects to the cylinder"...

Question #1: is this component (the nylon seal) required for the regulator/cylinder sets sol in Singapore? If so, where can I buy this nylon seal? How would I know if I need it?

I noticed on the 3min-14-sec mark of the 1st video & the 2min-23-sec mark of the 2nd video, the person said to "dial adjustment screw clockwise on regulator body to read 10-15PSI on low pressure gauge (the working pressure)"...

Question #2: Is this necessary as well? Even when one is using a solenoid? Does all solenoid coe with this "adjustment screw"? Do we always stick to the value of 10-15PSI(as the working pressure)?

[eddy planer]

Hi ralliart12

Question #1: is this component (the nylon seal) required for the regulator/cylinder sets sol in Singapore? If so, where can I buy this nylon seal? How would I know if I need it?

This nylon seal known as white seal tape and easily available in any hardware shops you may also even source in your neighborhood shop too. The reason why to use seal tape is to prevent from any air leakage.

Question #2: Is this necessary as well? Even when one is using a solenoid? Does all solenoid coe with this "adjustment screw"? Do we always stick to the value of 10-15PSI(as the working pressure)?

The reason is the application required for all solenoid valves is 10-15 psi anything beyond this will either damage the valve or the excess psi may damage the other hardwares.

hope this will help you , bro

[Shadow]

Question #1: is this component (the nylon seal) required for the regulator/cylinder sets sol in Singapore? If so, where can I buy this nylon seal? How would I know if I need it?

Yes it is required, it a white color flat ring some thing like O-ring but not made from rubber. The purpose is the same as o-ring to prevent leaking. You can get it from NA. Not sure about other shop.

Question #2: Is this necessary as well? Even when one is using a solenoid? Does all solenoid come with this "adjustment screw"? Do we always stick to the value of 10-15PSI(as the working pressure)?

Not all regulator have adjustable working pressure. Most if not all regulator that you normally buy from LFS does not have adjustable working pressure. No we are not stick to 10-15PSI, some diffuser or atomizer need higher pressure, it does not work well with 10-15 psi.

[ralliart12]

...This nylon seal known as white seal tape and easily available in any hardware shops you may also even source in your neighborhood shop too. The reason why to use seal tape is to prevent from any air leakage...

I think I know what kind of tape you are talking about. It is the thin, stretchy white tape (frequently sold with a blue spool) used for plumbing applications right?

But the item that is shown in the video, looks more like a disc/washer?

...The reason is the application required for all solenoid valves is 10-15 psi anything beyond this will either damage the valve or the excess psi may damage the other hardwares...

Anything above 15PSI is too high?

[ralliart12]

Yes it is required, it a white color flat ring some thing like O-ring but not made from rubber. The purpose is the same as o-ring to prevent leaking. You can get it from NA. Not sure about other shop...

Is it a compulsory item for connecting the regulator to the canister outlet? If it is important enough, do you think if I can find it in the popular fishshops such as C328? What do I call it when I request it from the shops?

...Not all regulator have adjustable working pressure. Most if not all regulator that you normally buy from LFS does not have adjustable working pressure. No we are not stick to 10-15PSI, some diffuser or atomizer need higher pressure, it does not work well with 10-15 psi.

How do we determine if a component is not working well with a certain level of working pressure? I understand for certain high-pressure components, we need to wait for a while for the air pressure inside the full connection to build up to hit a high-enough level?

[Shadow]

This is what the nylon seal look like


your bps will erratic, nothing coming out.

[sammajor]

Yes, as per mentioned by bro shadow, the plastic seal need to be replace after years of usage. Cost around 2 bucks per piece.

[ralliart12]

This is what the nylon seal look like...

Wait, isn't that just a normal plastic washer that I can get from any hardware store? It's those washer that is smooth & white right?

...your bps will erratic, nothing coming out.

Talking about this; I have a question:

I'm intending to use an inline diffuser, which I suppose requires significantly high working pressure (anybody knows how much?), if I turn on the main valve of the canister in order to "supply this high amount of working pressure" to the inline diffuser,& since my bubble counter is "before" my inline diffuser, wouldn't the solution with the bubble counter "bubble/churn" like crazy from the high working pressure?

[tawauboy]

the rubber washer can be made of nylon or rubber. both materials will work. it helps to form a tight seal between the regulator and CO2 cylinder.

the main valve open/close the connection between the regulator and CO2 cylinder. opening the main valve more will not increased the working pressure.

the regulator will reduce the CO2 cylinder pressure of 1000+psi to < 30psi of working pressure. 30 psi would be sufficiently high for most, if not all, diffusers.

a needle valve is needed to control CO2 flowrate. so your concern about "the bubble counter bubble/churn like crazy from high pressure" wil be addressed by a needle valve.

[Shadow]

Different inline diffuser require different working pressure. Boyu inline diffuser does not need much working pressure on the other hand Up inline diffuser required at least 42 psi if I remember correctly form the packaging.

[ralliart12]

the rubber washer can be made of nylon or rubber. both materials will work. it helps to form a tight seal between the regulator and CO2 cylinder...

I just realized my solenoid-cum-regulator already comes with a washer:

...opening the main valve more will not increased the working pressure...

I don't grasp this concept: how come when I increase the opening (I suppose that's what turning the main valve does) of the gas canister, the amount of pressure the other "end" of the closed loop experiences, does not increase?

...a needle valve is needed to control CO2 flowrate. so your concern about "the bubble counter bubble/churn like crazy from high pressure" wil be addressed by a needle valve.

Is a needle valve a built-in component of a regulator?

...on the other hand Up inline diffuser required at least 42 psi if I remember correctly form the packaging.

I'm looking at the D-519-12-T model from Up Aqua now, & it says a minimum working pressure of 36PSI is required. I suppose it will be the same for the D-519-16-T model?

Btw, what does this knob (the knob on the extreme right) do?

[Shadow]

I don't grasp this concept: how come when I increase the opening (I suppose that's what turning the main valve does) of the gas canister, the amount of pressure the other "end" of the closed loop experiences, does not increase?

Because it is regulator, it regulate the pressure to around 30psi or whatever psi your regulator set to.

Btw, what does this knob (the knob on the extreme right) do?

That is the needle valve

[felix_fx2]

I just realized my solenoid-cum-regulator already comes with a washer:

I don't grasp this concept: how come when I increase the opening (I suppose that's what turning the main valve does) of the gas canister, the amount of pressure the other "end" of the closed loop experiences, does not increase?

Is a needle valve a built-in component of a regulator?

I'm looking at the D-519-12-T model from Up Aqua now, & it says a minimum working pressure of 36PSI is required. I suppose it will be the same for the D-519-16-T model?

Btw, what does this knob (the knob on the extreme right) do?

Some answers, search criteria highlighted blue

Rubber washer "rubber washer for co2" http://bit.ly/RLYknW
Use the 1st result.



Google search "Planted Aquarium CO2 Injection" : http://bit.ly/RLXxDE
Picture is from 2nd search results.

[qngwn]

OOOHHH i see gold in there.

[ralliart12]

OOOHHH i see gold in there.

Is it really gold? If so, why must the inner lining be made of gold?

[Neon tetra]

Advisable to use co2 tubing?

[tawauboy]

the 'gold colour' parts should be made from brass.

[BFG]

Advisable to use co2 tubing?

Yes, regular air tubing won't last and will leak.

[BFG]

Advisable to use co2 tubing?

Yes, regular air tubing won't last and will leak.

[ralliart12]

Question #1: May I know how do I confirm if my CO2 canister has been completely used up? Is the foolproof way to observe if the cylinder pressure gauge reads '0' completely?

Question #2: is it critical to completely turn the main valve shut before we disconnect the solenoid+regulator from the CO2 cylinder (to bring the cylinder for re-filling)?