Pressurized CO2 setup HELPPP

Hey fishtank people! going to get a new pressurized Co2 setup around x-mas time. Just wondering what are some good brands? trying not to go to crazy with money. I was looking into milwaukee but has some mixed reviews. But help me out guys! what are some of you using?

Looking to get

Ph Monitor/ Controller

Regulator

And what size tank? ( i was going to run paintball with the adapter but maybe i should get a 5lb?)

All input would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

Josh

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Permalink Reply by Josh Ross "JR" on November 27, 2011 at 10:40pm

Yeah that`s who i got mine off. But i could never get a consistent bubble count. Plus that needle valve is not rated for all that pressure

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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on November 27, 2011 at 12:49am

I actually looked a bit further into the aquatek and found that ebay sells them for $64. Cheapest regulator i've ever seen with a solenoid. Even if it is a single stage, it is CHEAP. If I can save up enough. I might actually change my asa to the aquatek!

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on December 9, 2011 at 2:41pm

Any of you had any experience with this set-up? Seems like a decent deal for what it comes with.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9935

I'm looking at adding Co2 to my 45G, but have never ventured with Co2 before.

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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on December 9, 2011 at 2:58pm

I think the regulator for that kit is either the Milwaukee or Azoo. Just the regulator is about 90 dollars. So its a decent price. Ive never used an Azoo or Milwaukee but there are people that have problems with the Milwaukee regulator. I would suggest the Aquatek regulator. Its a lot cheaper than the other regulators. And probably cheaper than the kit when you buy the other things like diffuser, bubble counter, and timer. Aquatek is set at 30 psi for working pressure, so its good with beginners cause you dont have to fiddle with the working pressure. I love the ease of the aquatek.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on December 9, 2011 at 3:03pm

I just checked it out on ebay and I think you are right that it will be cheaper to get that and then buy everything seperately.

Another question I have is how do you know how many bubbles per second you should be running and is it necessary to buy a ph controller and monitor?

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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on December 9, 2011 at 6:06pm

A controller isnt needed as you can just set it on timer. All the controller does is shut off the co2 when your pH drops below your desired level. pH is directly connected to the amount of co2 in your tank, so it becomes an automatic system and all you have to do is set and forget.

The bps really depends on if your tank is low tech or not. Also a lot of experimenting. Whatever seems to help your plants the most. Another option would be buy a drop checker. My tank is usually set at 2-3 bps and my drop checker stays at a lime green color.

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Permalink Reply by Josh Ross "JR" on December 11, 2011 at 8:35pm

I have to order a new regulator for x-mas in the next few days. Trying to keep it around the 100 dollar range. So you think aquatek is good?

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on December 9, 2011 at 4:26pm

Looks decent enough for the price. I can tell you right now that that plastic bubble counter will be a problem. I don't even use a bubble counter anymore. The one I had was a leak point and now I just use the drop checker to keep my CO2 at ~30ppm.

A pH controller and monitor is not necessary and in my opinion is for high end users. Just starting out you won't need one. Just get a drop checker and 4dKH solution and monitor your fish and you shouldn't have any problems.

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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on December 9, 2011 at 6:10pm

Yeah, I would just buy a JBJ brass bubble counter and replace the cheap bubble counter. Or go on eBay and buy one of the bubble counter on there.

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Permalink Reply by Josh Ross "JR" on December 12, 2011 at 3:42pm

SO guys i gotta get the reulator tonight and order it. Which should i get aquatek or milwaukee? i need input? Or do you guys know of something else in that price range that is good ? thanks

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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on December 12, 2011 at 5:59pm

It really depends on what you prefer at this point. They're both single stage and same quality. They both have their drawbacks, the Milwaukee has some mixed reviews. The Aquatek has a set working pressure of 30psi and and can't be used with atomizers. The set working pressure on the Aquatek seems to be the only reason people dont like it. They're a great starter regulator and easy to use. You might want to change the needle valve on it though if you want a set precise bps. Better needle valves allow you to fine tune the bps more. Good quality needle valves are Swageloks, Ideals, or Clippards.

If you do want to spend some extra money and buy a dual stage regulator. A person named Rex Griggs sells awesome regulators for 140-150 dollar range. It comes as a set with dual stage regulator, solenoid, and needle valve.