[Wet Thumb Forum]-Low Pressure CO2 system components. - DIY Aquarium Projects

sjogren1 · 02-02-2003, 11:41 AM

What are the required elements of a LOW pressure CO2 system? Can a LOW pressure system be equipped with a pH controller?

sjogren1 · 02-02-2003, 11:41 AM

What are the required elements of a LOW pressure CO2 system? Can a LOW pressure system be equipped with a pH controller?

Wheeler · 02-02-2003, 12:13 PM

The required elements are just what you would expect:

Tank-> Regulator-> Needle valve-> Check valve (optional, I guess)-> Reactor.

Of course you can use a controller. It would look like this:

Tank-> Regulator-> solenoid w/ controller (totally optional)-> needle valve-> check valve-> etc....

The old high pressure setup was like this....It's been pretty decisively deemed unsafe:

Tank-> regulator-> check valve-> diffuser

Best wishes,
John Wheeler

sjogren1 · 02-02-2003, 12:59 PM

John, would a metering valve be any better than a needle valve? And what the heck is a metering valve? I'm engineering challenged.

Wheeler · 02-02-2003, 01:56 PM

I don't know what a metering valve is....Seems to me that it's sold as a step up from needle valves, though, but I don't know for sure.

Best wishes,
John Wheeler

sjogren1 · 02-02-2003, 02:30 PM

John, I'm going to open some related topics regarding the individual components. I'm deciding on going this route as the inconsistancies of DIY Yeast Bottle type and Carbo-Plus frustrate me. I know the initial outlay is greater and it will delay my purchase of other toys, but I want to go over 3w./gal.and hate algae.

Wheeler · 02-02-2003, 02:49 PM

It really is the best way to go. I don't know how I got along without my gas set-up.

Best wishes,
John Wheeler

imported_Fred · 02-02-2003, 02:58 PM

Roger,
I believe a metering valve is just a glorified needle valve, maybe a little more precise. I think there was a lengthy discussion on the Krib about them.

Fred

sjogren1 · 02-02-2003, 03:25 PM

Thanks Fred, I'll have a peek.

Rex Grigg · 02-02-2003, 05:38 PM

A metering valve is basically just a much more precise needle valve. And a lot more expensive. Only real techo-geeks, anal-retentive engineers or those with more dollars than sense will feel the need to have a metering valve over a needle valve.

Semper Fi