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Better c02 regulators?

Discussion in 'CO2 Enrichment' started by Gerryd, May 21, 2008.

  1. Gerryd

    Gerryd Plant Guru Team
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    Hi all,

    I currently use the following hardware for my c02:

    SMS 122 Ph meter with probe.
    Milwaukee MA 957 regulator. Includes bubble counter and solenoid connected to regulator. Meter is hooked to solenoid to turn off at a set PH.

    So, have had good luck with them (>5 yrs), but want to replace the regulator, counter, and solenoid to a better one as I am starting to see some issues where I have to watch the flow rate more......

    Price is not an issue (no gold plating though), so would like to hear some recommendations.

    Do people still use the solenoids?

    I use a 4 kh drop checker, the meter is just informational and to shut off in case of c02 dump/reg failure.

    Mfg and model is good enough. I can web research from that point.

    I would like to keep my PH meter with the new reg.

    Is for a 180 gal tank...........using either a 5 or 10 lb bottle.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 Gerryd, May 21, 2008
  2. tedr108

    tedr108 Lifetime Charter Member
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    #2 tedr108, May 21, 2008
  3. captain_bu

    captain_bu Prolific Poster

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    Got mine from Sumo.

    SuMo CO2 Regulators for Planted and Reef Aquariums - Home

    They don't show or mention it on their website but I got my regulator with a bubble counter plumbed into the needle valve. The regulator body on their Premier Line is heavy duty and quite nice and you can't go wrong with any of the needle valve choices. Very helpful and easy people to deal with too.
     
    #3 captain_bu, May 22, 2008
  4. charlie

    charlie Guru Class Expert

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    sumo

    I will second that, i have both the Rex & the Sumo, the Sumo i have also have a built in bubble counter very much like your Milwaukee 957 , except it`s a JBL which has a built in check valve in the bubble counter, so no back flow into your solenoid & regulator, the needle valve i went with was the Swagelok which in my opinion is way more needle valve than you need for the job ( i really don`t see the need for the more precise & expensive Ideal) BTW you will probably need to add around 20-25 dollars for the bubble counter add on.Also i found the Sumo better priced & as mentioned ,the customer service is second to none.
    Regards
     
    #4 charlie, May 22, 2008
  5. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    I gave two green thumb's up to both Rex and the Sumo brands.
    Good thing is, they both help and support the hobby more than typical companies.
    Both are hobbyist first, then do this on the side.........

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #5 Tom Barr, May 22, 2008
  6. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    BTW, I cannot stress enough the importance of good CO2 control and a good reg and a great needle valve are some of the best investments you can make in this hobby if you go the CO2 route.

    These both are perhaps the best set ups you can make DIY if you wanted too.
    So either place, these are my top 2 endorsements, and I do not endorse something unless I really like it personally.

    No one could pay me enough to lie in other words:p

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #6 Tom Barr, May 22, 2008
  7. Gerryd

    Gerryd Plant Guru Team
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    Hi everyone,

    Thanks much for the replies.

    I have decided to go with the Sumo with the Ideal valve, solenoid, and bubble counter.

    Thanks again for all of the help.
     
    #7 Gerryd, May 22, 2008
  8. Gerryd

    Gerryd Plant Guru Team
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    FYI,

    I got great service and a great product from Sumo. Was delivered to my door within 7 days from order date, including Memorial Day weekend.

    Was completely assembled and I just had to plug and play.

    No issues whatsoever with anything.

    That metering valve is SWEET....... compared to my old one, is like a sports car vs a family sedan..........

    They were very responsive to any/all contact from me.

    Would totally recommend them to anyone looking for a good regulator package.

    Thanks,
     
    #8 Gerryd, Jun 1, 2008
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