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Making 1 CO2 system into 2

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Gomer

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I want to use a single 5lb CO2 cylinder for both an inline reactor on my 30g and a atomizer on my 10g.

The atomizer is run at high pressure (ie, no bubble counter) and the inline is at low pressure.

I will be getting all my stuff from www.aquatic-store.com.

I called up milwaukee (as I was considering theirs) and was told that the regulator, solinoid and bubble counter used epoxy in the threads and you couldn't take it appart.

Can anyone think of a creative way to run a high and low pressure setup with parts at www.aquatic-store.com ?

Thanks!
 
turbomkt

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#2 ·
Tony,
You're looking for a manifold of some sort. Here's one I just found. It's a little pricey compared to a single regulator, but it would probably get the job done with the simplest setup.

http://www.morebeer.com/index.html?page=detail.php3&pid=D1065

I'd check with your local brewer's supply or a place like www.airgas.com. You'll probably find both relatively close to you...
 
turbomkt

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#4 ·
Although splitting it off that way would get two CO2 feeds, I think he is specifically looking for different CO2 pressures. While a needle valve will limit flow very well, how well will it do with controlling pressure?
 
Gomer

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Because the conductance is different, you will get different pressures. I THINK I found an option. I called JBJ and they have a 2way manifold (w/ needle valves) accessory. You put it in place of their needle valve and can get an additional bubble counter (which I won't need). Marc has something that fits the description..now I just need to confirm it.
 
W

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#6 ·
Gomer said:
I want to use a single 5lb CO2 cylinder for both an inline reactor on my 30g and a atomizer on my 10g.

The atomizer is run at high pressure (ie, no bubble counter) and the inline is at low pressure.

I will be getting all my stuff from www.aquatic-store.com.

I called up milwaukee (as I was considering theirs) and was told that the regulator, solinoid and bubble counter used epoxy in the threads and you couldn't take it appart.

Can anyone think of a creative way to run a high and low pressure setup with parts at www.aquatic-store.com ?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Although the Milwaukee is expoxied, it can be taken apart, however, just like the JBJ models it's a struggle and it may void the warranty. The JBJ we have was definitely expoxied as well. The use of a 40 watt soldering iron right at the joint for a few seconds will help, just don't let it get the solenoid or regulator too hot, and it's easier if you take the gauges off and clamp the regulator body in a vise (use plastic strips to keep from marring the body).
 
R

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#10 ·
It is sold/made thru JBJ, so it better work with a JBJ regulator. I was surprised to learn that Milwaukee says it should not be done...I don't see why not. It shouldn't be any different than any other regulator. I do understand though how that would void the warranty. That is completely understandable.

Personaly, I am somewhat afraid to try and rip apart a regulator and prefer to use the inline one, but that is just me. I have sold dozens of these brass screw in manifolds and have not heard one complaint yet. Anybody here remember M3? This is like their hexmanifold.

The inline flow control manifold is made by an American company that manufactures high presicion needle valves.
 
W

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#11 ·
Take apart the JBJ regulator and see how fast your warranty is void.

The problem with using the inline model is that your still putting it after the solenoid valve aren't you? That means all tanks are on or off. I would suggest going with a generic regulator if you're not keen on taling apart the plumbing on the JBJ or Milwaukee and plumb it as needed for the application.
 
MatPat

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#12 ·
Even if you dont take apart the JBJ regulator, see how fast the warranty is void! I'm not sure about the warranty on the Milwaukee but the JBJ is only six months! At least that is what it was when I got mine. Man, how time flies! It seems like I just got it.

I am nearing the end of this 6 month period and may just order the JBJ splitter and try it out. I also have another regulator from my "homebrewing" days so I could also use this one. Depends on which one will be easier to set up I guess.

As far as plumbing it after the solenoid, both of my tanks are on timers for the lights and they go off at the same time so this isn't much of an issue for me. I suppose if you had tanks that were on different schedules this would be an issue.

I am wondering about "voiding" the warranty. Could this just be an attempt to get us to buy another regulator instead of using a less expensive splitter?

I'm gonna have to do more research into the inline manifold. I've been thinking about DIY CO2 but really don't want the hassle and inconsistency of it.
 
W

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#15 ·
Gomer said:
No issues with putting the JBJ manifold on the JBJ regulator. JBJ rep even walked me through the installation since I wasn't sure about the solinoid getting in the way of installation (which niftly ..my new word;)...rotates 90°)
Click to expand...
Are we talking installation before or after the solenoid?

According to the people I talked to, namely the JBJ dealer I purchased mine from, if I remove the solenoid (which I did to install some nipples and tee's so I could tap off before the solenoid) the warranty is void. Bit like the previous poster said, it's only a six month warranty so big deal.
 
C

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#16 ·
Robert Hudson said:
I was surprised to learn that Milwaukee says it should not be done...I don't see why not. It shouldn't be any different than any other regulator. I do understand though how that would void the warranty. That is completely understandable.
Click to expand...
I am curious to see as to why connecting the JBJ manifold to a ma957 shouldn't be done. Does Milwaukee make a similiar manifold that would help out individuals who are looking to do a similiar concept with a milwuakee setup? Has anyone tried to modify a ma957 with the splitter that is shown?

Sorry to be a bear with questions, I'm just trying to figure out a setup that would work for me (that would be cost effective) so I can stop mixing up yeast. It's killing me knowing I have a pressurized co2 setup 10-15 feet from an aquarium that I am having to do a pop bottle generator on.. :)

Matt
 
W

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#18 ·
They most likely don't recommend it be done due to the difficulty of removing the fitting from the regulator, they're expoxied in and it takes a bit of careful work to remove them, but I have the Milwaukee and JBJ and both were a royal pain to disassemble, the JBJ I have appeared to be epoxied in as well.

The inline option posted by Robert would seem to be a decent alternative in this case.
 
R

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#19 ·
Yeah, but Troy, (is that your name? Common man, use your name for crying out loud!) on the other hand, I do not quite trust Bryan's (of Milwaukee) knowledge or judgement in this area. Epoxy? What does that mean? Every regulator has a needle valve that is fixed with some kind of sealant. Removing it should not be any big deal. I could be wrong, but I can't really see how the Milwaukee should be any different. Milwaukee does not make any manifold. The big difference between them is that the JBJ has a fixed working pressure.
 
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