CO2 Disaster!

Cristy Keister · Post by **Cristy Keister** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:37 pm

I've had my 46g densly planted tank running with a 5lb canister for about 2 years now without having to refill. However, a few days ago I came home to find my 7 young Discus lying at the bottom near death! My canister was dumping a constant stream of CO2 into the tank. It looks like when the canister gets close to empty the pressure changes dramatically and your 3 bubbles/second turns into 30 bubbles/second.

I was lucky to get home when i did, and I managed to save 6 of the Discus. I did a quick 50% water change with somewhat cooler water, aiming the fresh stream of water at the fish. They sloooowly recovered, but 2 are left with terrible injuries. They look like something ate them -- perhaps the other Discus?

I don't intend to stop using compressed CO2, but now I know to refill before the tank is close to empty!

Post by **krisw** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:42 pm

I'm terribly sorry for having this happen to you! I'm glad that you were able to save at least a few of the discus. This has happened to me on at least 1 occasion, and maybe 1 other while on vacation. I've wondered whether a PH controller would prevent this kind of thing....

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:28 pm

Good thing you made it home when you did, the classic end of tank dump, one way to help prevent it is a low pressure regulator. This attaches to the tank regulator. Around 20.00 or so. I think a controller will help as well but that will cost you some cheddar. 2 years that is a heck of a long time before a refill. Are you running 3bps or 1 bubble every 3 seconds? Something I hope never happens. Glad you saved most of them at least

Cristy Keister · Post by **Cristy Keister** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 11:12 pm

I've kept it at 2-3bps, but it gets shut off with the lights.

Where do you get low pressure regulators?

SCMurphy · Post by **SCMurphy** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 11:14 pm

Glad you got home to save most of them.

I don't think a pH controller would help when a tank dumps. Some regulators have a valve that releases the dump to the atmosphere. Keeps this kind of thing from happening.

Spine · Post by **Spine** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 3:41 pm

I'm using a Clippard part# MAR-1P miniature pressure regulator. I bought it at The N.B. Cochrane Co.They suggested that this could prevent a tank dump.These guys are really cool and seemed to be very knowlegable they took me in the back and showed me all the part I needed. You can walk-in or they will ship,UPS it should make the DC metro area in a day.They gave me some Clippard catalogs I'll bring them to the next meeting I attend.
Kevin
N.B. Cochrane Co.
9330 Pulaski Hwy
Baltimore, MD 2l220-2418
Tel: (410)-686-8888
Fax: (410)-780-5990http/
D/MD Metro # (800) 467-8044

http://www.clippard.com/

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:29 am

Cristy, here is a link to a place you can buy the low pressure regulator and a photo of it attached http://www.rexgrigg.com/sale.html

Cristy Keister · Post by **Cristy Keister** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:13 pm

Thanks, Rex Grigg doesn't give a way to order or even contact him, but I found it cheaper on the clippard.com site, anyway. They are only $12.43 each. Anyone else want some?

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:46 pm

here you go, his email advice@rexgrigg.com, I think the shipping from clippard this kinda high if I remember correctly

Spine · Post by **Spine** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:54 am

Cristy,
I have a extra regulater PM me if you want it. N.B. Cochrane in baltimore has alot of clippard stuff in stock.For small items like a regulater its probley cheaper to ship than the gas you would spend to drive to baltimore.

Kevin

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