Is this a good regulator for CO2 aquarium use?

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skraev

Guest
I am considering building my first CO2 system around this regulator:


http://tinyurl.com/kxtpmom





(Fisher Scientific FS-50, 50 PSI, 2-Stage Brass Pressure Regulator, CGA 580)


Do you see any issues with it? I know I will have to change the fitting to CGA 320, and I did a lot of reading, so it seems to me that this would be good? Am I missing something?
 
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oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
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That works. It's really big though. It also needs a specific cga-320 nipple as I don't think the inlet port is 1/4npt. You'll probably find better if you search more.
 
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skraev

Guest
@Skardos, I considered the Milwaukee one, but I decided that I want a dual stage better grade one.


@OldPunk -I will follow your advice, here are a few more options, I am attaching them as images, not sure what would be the easiest...
 
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skraev

Guest
One more I am considering... Wander what the extra knob is for...
 
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oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
4
18
Out of those units, the last one is the most correct but it's only a single stage. Look for those type of airgas regs but with a 60 psi to a 200 psi low pressure gauge. The one concoa would be a good choice but I really don't like how pitted the chrome is.
 
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skraev

Guest
OK, I went thru the airgas regulators and found a few that (I think) must be good:
 
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oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
4
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You're welcome. I think I'm owed at least a couple couple cyber cases by now. Hahahha
 
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skraev

Guest
Cyber beer is not that good... true...


I will be posting my progress here, just ordered the fabco needle valve & burkert solenoid, will wait for these to arrive before ordering the rest of the parts. Hopefully everything goes smooth. Again, thanks for the help - I have been reading about how to build a regulator for a while, but couldn't decide to jump in till now...
 
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oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
4
18
Good luck with your build. I hope it goes smoothly for you. If you get stuck, we're here to help.
 
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Matt F.

Lifetime Charter Member
Lifetime Member
May 30, 2009
2,319
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California
You can buy a good quality single stage regulator, too. The issue here is the overall build quality of the unit and the components. Milwaukee units are built with inexpensive parts that are unreliable. This ultimately affects the precision of these units in their ability to deliver stable CO2 injection into our tanks over time. For instance the difference between a Fabco valve ($34) and a Milwaukee valve is night and day. The fabco valve will be able to hold a consistence injection rate regardless of inlet pressure. There is more variance with the inexpensive valve. You get what you pay for.


If you buy a quality single stage (doesn't have to be a dual stage aka 2-stage) and quality components, you won't have those problems. EOTD (end of tank dump or the droop effect) are more theoretical rather than a practical concern.
 
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