[Left C]

Here is an excellent Victor VTS-450D dual stage Oxygen regulator for $65. You can convert it to CO2 use by just swapping the oxygen fitting for a CGA-320 nut and fitting for a few dollars. This is like the king of dual stage regulators. But, you can't convert it back to an oxygen regulator because you want oxygen purity.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200284795080

Here is what Captain Hooked said about his: From: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...tml#post715229

Originally Posted by Captain Hooked

I received the parts and finally set up my 450 series the other day, and all I can say to those who are debating buying a Victor is:

You cannot fully appreciate the quality of a Victor until you hold one in your hand and hook it up for use. They are built like nothing else. The expression "gorilla with silk gloves" comes to mind. Are they overkill for aquarium use? Yes, but that isn't the point when you can score a used Victor for about the price of a new (inferior) regulator. Buy them cheap and never look back.

Granted, the 450 is a gigantic beast (nearly twice the size of the 250's) and makes the 250's look more like the better choice for this hobby; still, I could not pass up this beauty at less than the selling price of most 250's. It's nice to know I bought something that will perform for many years and hold it's full value if I ever decide to part with it. There aren't many things I can say that about.

I need a number, and since the chronology is off in that respect- I would like to request the future number of "13", if I may. Left- is that cool with you? :icon_ques

From: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...tml#post731301

Originally Posted by Captain Hooked

Here's my 450D reg (which is getting a new cga' inlet) next to an Aqua Medic. I think the 'Medic has gauge envy....:redface:

From: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...tml#post731322

Originally Posted by bsmith782

Wow I had no idea that regular regulators were that tiny.

From: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...tml#post731395

Originally Posted by fordtrannyman

Your right! I did get a kick out of seein' that. LMAO
That Aqua Medic is just a toy!

From: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...tml#post731610

Originally Posted by Captain Hooked

I laughed the whole time I was taking those pics- could barely hold the camera steady.

All joking aside, the "little guy" has its place. I'm about to use it on a small alum cylinder for a small tank in a small cabinet- one which the Victor could never fit into. Also, the Victor would topple such a small, lightweight cylinder.

I say if you want to buy a regulator that you can get 100% of your investment back out if, one that will squeeze the last bit of CO2 from any cylinder, one that will hold pressure like a vice, and you don't require it to fit into a shoe box- buy a dual stage Victor.

You can check the rest of the thread by following the link that Squawkbert mentioned. From Post #19: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...ill-co2-2.html

Originally Posted by Squawkbert

If you're shopping for a new regulator, single or dual stage will make a difference in price - not huge, but there will be a difference.

If you're perusing the used offerings on ebay, it's nearly a orange/purple popsicle type distinction.

There are good 2 stage regulators on ebay for cheap on any day of the week, the tricks are to know what brands are good, and to buy from someone who knows a good regulator from one that is dead.

TPT included LINK details some Victor models, prices, what some units were stolen for on ebay etc. etc.

Here are some pictures of mine. From: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...tml#post734863

Originally Posted by Left C

Hi guys

Here are some pictures of my Victor regulators.


Front Shot



Rear Shot



VTS-253A-1993, Clippard Solenoid, Swagelok SS-31RF2 Metering Valve



VTS-253D-320, Burkert Solenoid, Ideal Metering Valve, JBJ Bubble Counter



VTS-253A-1993, Clippard Solenoid, Ideal Metering Valve

This is the start of the thread. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/eq...pimp-club.html