Which CO2 Regulator Are You Using? - APC Polls

John N. · 03-16-2006, 11:49 AM

Just curious which regulators folks are using these days.

How do you love/hate it?

Why did you choose that over the others?

-John N.

BryceM · 03-16-2006, 11:58 AM

Milwaukee - It seems to work fine. The bubble rate can vary a little bit, but not by enough to really be a problem. I found that their instructions to regulate the bubble rate by using the main pressure regulator knob just didn't work well. They recommend opening the needle valve completely.

I ran it up to 2 psi and use the needle valve for fine control. The needle valve they use seems to have pretty coarse threads. Small adjustments make a big difference. That said, it's pretty consistent at keeping the pH where I want it - between 6.35 and 6.50. I've toyed with getting a controller to more quickly get back to baseline after WC's etc, but as long as it's working ok, why bother?

JanS · 03-16-2006, 02:41 PM

All of mine are Milwaukee's and I've never had a bit of trouble with them.
I run all of them with controllers, which isn't a necessity, but it give me peace of mind.

random_alias · 03-16-2006, 02:43 PM

Both of mine are Azoos.

trenac · 03-16-2006, 04:18 PM

The two I have are Milwaukee's, I'm satisfied with their performance. The reason I originally purchased them was the cost, cheaper than the other brands. I have had problems with one where it quit working, but was replaced by the mfg. I was very satisfied with the way the mfg handled the issue.

John N. · 03-16-2006, 04:51 PM

In my haste I forgot to include which one I have.

I have 2 Milwaukees, haven't had a problem with them. The varying bubble count happens when I use the solenoid on a timer, but when it runs 24/7 I haven't touched it. I think with some more effort, I probably could get the count to where I wanted it on a timer.

I just purchased 2 Azoos, and they are due to arrive in about a week. I'm sure I'll be happy with them as well.

I chose these over JBJ because I've read lots of leaking complaints regarding the guage threads. I was this close to buying JBJ, since right now it's cheaper by $5 then the others, but I didn't want to risk the hassle. I haven't heard a poor thing about the Azoos, so I decided to try it.

-John N.

bigstick120 · 03-16-2006, 04:57 PM

I have an Azoo and a JBJ, I like them both, although I did have to use some tape around the bubble counter on the JBJ to stop a leak.

mlfishman · 03-17-2006, 02:22 PM

I have a jbj...was originally defective had to have it replaced...it leaked from the gauge....Id prolly go with a diff brand if i had to try a diff one...

CrownMan · 03-17-2006, 03:07 PM

I have one Azoo, one Aquamedic and one Milwaukee. The Milwukee is the only one I would't buy again.

Mike

MatPat · 03-17-2006, 08:51 PM

I currently have 2 JBJs and an old regulator I used to use for dispensing beer. I had an issue with my first JBj but it wa replaced. I also had a Milwaukee with an erratic bubble count as mentioned by some others.

By far my favorite regulator is the beer regulator

It never needs to be adjusted or readjusted when swapping out tanks. I recently had a JBJ with a 3-way splitter attached and replaced it with the beer regulator. The JBJ couldn't power all three needle valves equally but he beer regulator can since it has an adjustable working pressure.

The only downside to the beer regulator is that I had to find reducing parts so that it would connect to the typical 1/8" fittings we use for aquaria. Typical regulators come with 1/4" fittings.