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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on January 5, 2012 at 11:06pm

The Aquatek is a very well made entry level Regulator. Never used the UP Co2 Regulator, but the shipping for it is ridiculous! If you do decide to buy the Aquatek, I suggest changing out the needle valve. It's not needed, but it helps with fine tuning. Oh, and you're gonna need to watch out for End of the tank dumps. Since the Aquatek is a single stage regulator. When the co2 tank is nearly empty, the pressure in the co2 tank will change and actually push out more co2 than you set it for. The only way to prevent this is to refill it before the co2 tank actually becomes empty or when you see a rapid change in your bps. You'll also need a bubble counter, drop checker, check valve and diffuser. Those can be easily obtained on eBay as well. If you have the room for it, buy a 5 lb tank. It literally costs an extra 4 dollars to double the amount of co2 you can get. The only thing you have to remember, the smaller the co2 tank, the more frequently you're gonna have to refill the tanks. 

If I could know where you possibly got 80w of light from 2 bulbs?! 

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Permalink Reply by Rizal on January 6, 2012 at 9:08am

i have been using the (up brand) regulators for 10 over years without any problems...for sure its a good product  .......the other brand not that sure........

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Permalink Reply by dominic zolezzi on January 6, 2012 at 11:59pm

I have the 2nd on and its working fine.. not the top of the line but does the trick! you will need the adapter if in the US, they supply it. Im in new zealand so didn't need the adapter 

I have it only hooked up to a 20oz paint ball tank,

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on January 7, 2012 at 1:18am

AsianKidOnTheBlock: Thanks for the info on the Aquatek. That was my fear with this one was the end of the tank dump. I think I will try and find one that is a dual stage and not just a dual guage.

As far as my lights I have a Coralife 24" 65W 6700K light and a 15W 6700K bulb in the stock light. Here is a pic. It's a little jimmy rigged as I popped off the access flap from the hood, but it works and my plants are happy.

Rizal and dominic zolezzi: Have either of you experienced end of the tank dump with this regulator? Dominic how long does the 20 oz. paintball tank last you? That was the tank size I was thinking as I don't want it to take up too much room.

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Permalink Reply by AsianKidOnTheBlock on January 7, 2012 at 2:03am

Go to the swap n shop section or power seller section of this forum, plantedtank.net There are a couple people that sell very well made dual stage regulators. They are way more expensive than the Aquatek or Up regulators, but they come with very well made dual stage regulators with the best needle valves available (Swagelok, Ideal, Fabco) and even solenoids. Of course you have to be a member on the forum. Another alternative to dual stage is building one yourself. Never tried it for myself, cause all the parts make my head spin. I have the Aquatek regulator on my 29 gallonhigh tech aet up. At first I had a paintball setup and it never lasted me more than a month and required refills about once every 3.5 weeks. I got tired of the constant refills so when I got the Aquatek, I also bought a 5lb tank and its been 2 months and im only about half way through the tank.

Now I see how you got 80w of light. In my opinion, thats a bit too much light. If its working for you though I wont ask any questions!

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Permalink Reply by dominic zolezzi on January 9, 2012 at 3:51am

Havn't been though the first bottle yet and its been 1 month. I keep a couple of 88g handy incase it runs out unexpected. I used to use 88g tanks, but these run out quite quick.

This can be done easily by removing the larger attachment the comes factory.

 

I found this regulator to be perfect for what i needed, only thing is at frist its touchy to get the bubble rate right. great to now have it on a timmer now!

 

 Older picture with the 88g

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Permalink Reply by Walter on January 22, 2012 at 8:28am

If money isn't a real big concern I would check out Aquariumplants.com

They have the best regulator on the market. Its an electronic regulator and doesn't have a needle valve, which usually fails within the first 6 months.

The reason their is a "dump" is due to crack pressure. The best way to avoid it is a high quality check valve. Most check valve pressure rating is to high, and that causes a build up, then the check valve alows the pressure release. Their is a medical grade check valve on that site. It also holds up to CO2 deterioration.

The site has everything you need.

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