60 CO2 Supplies
Description
This article is from the Aquaria: Plants FAQ, by multiple authors.
60 CO2 Supplies
You can get many of the supplies for building your own CO2 injector
from local welding shops and carbonated beverage distributors. Some of
the equipment has been found particularly inexpensive:
* Cylinders: (This comes from Matt McCabe) One cheap source is Geer
Gas in Ohio, $38.50 for a 5lb cylinder, plus big shipping. It's
still cheaper than buying it in some places. 1-800-696-4337
(614-464-4277). Refill at fire extinguisher store or beverage
supply house.
* Regulators: We had previously recommended something here called a
"FROG." This device is actually a flow regulator, and is not
really recommended for the bubbling rate we use in planted tanks;
at best, it will merely keep your system from exploding if the
needle valve breaks under all the pressure. If you are looking for
a cheaper regulator, try beverage supply models, which are less
rugged than welding regulators.
* Needle Valves: (originally located by Gary Bishop) An inexpensive
metering valve (around $14) is the ARO model "NO1" or "NO2" from
The ARO Corporation, One ARO Center, Bryan, OHIO 43506, Phone
(419)636-4242. In Canada, (416)213-4500. Web site:
http://aro.ingersoll-rand.com/power/valve.htm It provides infinite
control from full-close to full-open. It has a neat color scale to
indicate the degree of openness and can be locked at any setting.
The adjustment is very smooth; I can go from off through
incredibly slow flows to just right and beyond to way more than I
need. You can locate a distributor of this valve in your area by
calling the ARO company. Even if you cannot locate this exact
valve, your local dealer might be able to suggest an equivalent
substitute of a different brand. A more expensive option (around
$50) is one of the fine metering needle valves by Nupro, such as
the "S" Series (model B-4MG2). Web page: http://www.swagelok.com/
* Solenoid Valves: (from Gary Bishop) "$24.00 from "Air Power Inc."
(In Yellow Pages under Valves). This is solenoid valve model
"CAT33P-012D" from "The ARO Corporation, One ARO Center, Bryan,
OHIO 43506, Phone (419)636-4242". You can get it with a variety of
coil voltages. I chose 12 volts DC."
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