Which CO2 check valve are you using?

Kyalgae

Lifetime Members
Lifetime Member
Aug 25, 2016
347
235
43
Canada
I have one of these check valves from Green Leaf Aquariums, http://greenleafaquariums.com/products/industrial-check-valve.html, I like the construction of the unit, but the weakness is it has push fittings for the 1/4” OD CO2 hose, I noticed today while it was sumbmerged I in water, as I took a co2 rate measurement, that it leaked a little bit. It’s a small leak, but I find it annoying. It leaks out of the push connects.

Doing a reverse image search it looks to be manufactured by https://www.specialtymfg.com/configurator-plastic-check-valve/ they should have had a compression fitting for something that would be operating at a min pressure of 30 psi.

What check valves do you use? Which ones do you find the most reliable?

RTiJiQS.jpg
 

Phishless

Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Jul 13, 2017
1,103
972
113
Arnold, MD
A compression fitting would be more appropriate for 30 PSI.

I use Petco cheap ones, using 3 PSI to a reactor and 1.5 PSI will open the check.
I use 2 in series as a safeguard.
 

berarma

Subscriber
Lifetime Member
Dec 29, 2013
15
1
3
I have the JBL proflora safestop for maybe 3-4 years. I've used it in the 15-35 psi range. It looks very solid, I think it's reliable but I'll check for leaks and report.
 

burr740

Micros Spiller
Moderator
Feb 16, 2015
1,404
1,328
113
I have the JBL proflora safestop for maybe 3-4 years. I've used it in the 15-35 psi range. It looks very solid, I think it's reliable but I'll check for leaks and report.
That looks essentially leak proof because it's molded in one piece, plus compression fittings.

I may try one of those next if somewhere will ship to the U.S.
 

Kyalgae

Lifetime Members
Lifetime Member
Aug 25, 2016
347
235
43
Canada
https://premiumaquatics.com/product...MIh_7E9fmA2AIVhYl-Ch1NsAliEAQYFiABEgL-HvD_BwE I have been using these US Plastics check valves in my DIY CO2 system for at least 2 years now. Zero problems, and they are very cheap. I have 4 of them in the set-up now, with one always in the tank water.

I like how they have ratings, 1 to 150 psi! Nice. Now I just need to find some that ship to Canada, or someone who’s sells them here.

Edit: looks like premium aquatics does ship internationally, but I wish they had a snail mail option... maybe I’ll give them a call. They only list a $41 dollar option for shipping internationally.
 
Last edited:

tiger15

Member
Aug 12, 2017
239
83
28
71
NJ
The biggest problem Ive had from cheapo check valves is not failing but leaking CO2. That's in the 15-25 psi range. Its easy to test by holding it down in a bowl of water when the co2 is running

These work pretty good - https://www.amazon.com/Spring-aquarium-Diffuser-bubble-counter/dp/B00SE9VU0I
I placed my check valve submerged in the tank so if it leaks, I can tell. Most people don’t have the option if their reactor is placed outside. I use Tunze Diffuser that is placed inside the tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lazy999

skija

Lifetime Members
Lifetime Member
Nov 16, 2015
352
84
28
Romania
ADA check valve is best i can buy here in Romania , the rest i bought ...like JBL were cracking after a while (1 month)