JEden8

So I recently purchased everything to do a pressurized CO2 setup with a paintball CO2 tank on my 29 gallon. My question is this. I currently do not have a bubble counter and am using the elite mini in tank filter as a diffuser. However, my problem is that I get the bubbles that come out of just the line to be around 1-2 bps but the tank slowly dies off and I have to constantly adjust the valve to keep a continuous flow. Any ideas on what to do? The current setup that I have is exactly like this:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/di...-setup-19.html

I would post on that forum but I am not a member and I know many people are so I thought I'd ask on here first.

JEden8

So I think I just found my answer:

AS IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION, EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALL 3 OF MY PAINTBALL SETUP WITH THE WATTS-A41 NEEDLE VALVE, MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE HERE HAVE HAD ISSUE WITH THE WATTS-A41 NEEDLE VALVE NOT HOLDING STEADY PRESSURE.

AS A NEW ALTERNATIVE NEEDLE VALVE, I MYSELF IS ORDERING IT TO TRY IT OUT SO I CAN HELP FUTURE DIY'ERS ON THIS SUBJECT OF MATTER, I OPT FOR YOU GUYS TO REPLACE THE WATTS NEEDLE VALVE FOR A SWAGELOK 1/8" Brass Needle Valve B-OVM2-BKB,WHICH CAN BE BOUGHT OFF EBAY FOR $8.99. WITH THIS YOU WILL NEED 2 ADDITIONAL PARTS FROM HOMEDEPOT UNDER THE MANUFACTURE OF WATTS WHICH PART NUMBERS ARE A29 AND A706, WHICH WILL COST UNDER $6.00 FOR BOTH.

Thought I'd post it for any others that are using this setup.

dstrong

How did switching needle valves end up working out for you? I could be wrong but looking at the picture and the Trinity website I get the impression that it is only an air source adapter with a gauge that you are hooking a needle valve to. I think that might be why you have the inconsistent output because you need a regulator, not ASA, to lower the roughly (800 psi?) of a 20 oz. tank to a more manageable 5-10 psi for your needle valve to function properly. Just my 2 cents. I'd love to know if this worked for you because I'd much rather be able to buy that $15 ASA then drop $65-80 on a regulator.

Submarinr

I too am curious; as I've been reading threads on APC & TPT concerning paint ball cannister useage. My understanding (limited) is that the list of items would look like this:
CO2 cannister
ASA
Brass coupling/fittings to reduce/incr thread size(s)
Regulator
Needle Valve (add Solenoid if you prefer along here)
Tubing
Diffuser, etc etc..

Also would agree - have been under the impression - that the ASA wouldn't effect the same results that a true regulator would

Any updates?

Joe

funnytrash

could it be that your tubing is not the proper kind and its expanding?

Jeffww

I use a swagelok 1/4" needle valve lab grade (cost 60 dollars) and it never sways. ever. Buy once and forget about it. Didn't need any additional fittings with it.

juan chong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8IrvByJck8

Here is my Paintball setup ,hope you like it

emersed

As long as everything is sealed correctly and you replace the orings on the pin and paintball tank everything should hold steady. I have had no problems with my setup using Watts needle valves.