Setting up CO2 for my 30G Tank

[Nikhilsk99]

For the 1st time, I am setting up CO2 for my 30G tank.
I am getting rid of DYI CO2 and planning to buy the below.


1. 5 LB CO2 Cylinder, Aluminum -- $55.87
2. Milwaukee Instruments Solenoid Valve, CO2 Regulator with Bubble Counter -- $89.99
3. Air Line Jumper 5' w/screw clamps - KegWorks -- $5.49
4. Nylon Washers for CO2 Regulators - Set of 6 - KegWorks.com -- $4.83


QUESTION :

Is there anything else that will be required ? I already have a diffuser.
Do you think i can get a better deal with respect to the prices listed above?
Any other tips that you think would be helpful for a begineer like me.
I was reading about Co2 cylinder explosions, should i be concerned? what precautions should I take ?
what is CO2 DUMP ?

Regards,
Nikhil Karnik

[JLW]

Hi Nikhil.

I'd go with a bigger CO2 cylinder. The cost isn't much more for a 10, or even a 15, and you'll save on the long run with refills. Plus, bigger ones are easier to refill.

Tank dump occurs when your CO2 cylinder gets low, and the pressure inside of it becomes low enough to allow all the gas to "woosh" out of it at once. The sudden, big influx of CO2 kills your fish. It can happen, and has happened to a lot of members here. You can avoid it in one of two ways. One, don't ever let your CO2 get that low. Sacrifice a little bit of gas in the can and get it refilled early. The better, safer way is to buy what is called a "Dual Stage" valve. These cost about three times what you're spending on the current Milwaukee. But, they won't allow the tank dump. (This is different than a dual gauge unit, almost all regs are dual gauge). Essentially, the dual gauge has a low pressure end that prevents that end of cylinder dump.

A few things you might want to consider: a pH controller. This is much mor eprecise than other methods, and will save you gas. How much, I don't know ...

A CO2 reactor: this will allow better, slower CO2 dissolution.

Now, to answer your last question...

I've never heard of anyone having a CO2 cylinder explo--HOLY SMOKES GET DOWN!

[150EH]

I've never heard of CO2 tanks exploding and any good regulator has a pressure release valve that will dump the CO2 if the bottle is overfilled.

You could do better on quality or longevity than you will get using the Milwaukee, I see it like this: you will toss that unit in a year or so and need to replace it so the $89 is more like rent, it may last longer but it's hard to say but a better regulator will last you a lifetime but it may cost a little more than twice the price.

[Nikhilsk99]

Can you recommend me some good regulators?

[Nikhilsk99]

The below dual stage is this a better one compared to Milwaukee?
http://www.amazon.com/CO2-Regulator-Del ... 1340056994
or any other recommendations?

[krisw]

This is confusing, but dual gauge is not necessarily the same as dual stage. You want "dual stage". Here some more info:

http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.ph ... Regulators

There are several models recommended there as well. More Victor brand models recommended here:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equip ... -club.html

Ebay seems to have a few available now, but you'll have to watch for pricing...

[150EH]

I have one for sale here in the Water Flea Market and will offer another one in a few days, also if you deceide to build a Ebay regulator Btimmer at TPT will sell you a post body kit with the needle valve and solenoid of your choice, and you might find a good one in the SnS at TPT also.

Normally a dual stage regulator will always have a SS diaphragm with teflon seals but you should always check, here's a good article that will help you to know more about spotting a good regulator. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equip ... r-56k.html

[jweis]

I really like my setup from AquariumPlants.com (https://www.aquariumplants.com/ProductD ... ode=co2-a1). You can go to my 37g's journal to see how I have it set up. I also ordered the external reactor/probe holder upgrade. I have been using the same 10 lb CO2 tank for a year and a half (and that is running two tanks off othe same cylinder).

I am a BIG fan of PH monitors/controllers. I never worry about gassing my critters.

Link to my journal: http://gwapa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=4392