Custom Co2 regulators built just for you

oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
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Some of you may have noticed that I build and sell co2 regulators. Well, I have fun with it and I've got to the point where I can pretty much build any kind of regulator you'd ever need for a fish tank.

When I build one, I have to guess what folks want. Plain and simple. I have to guess what parts will sell and how you want them put together.

I decided this would work out better for both buyer/seller if we were to work together to get you what you want.

This is the only forum this type of sale is aloud on. (Thanks Tom, you rock!!) This is due to the fact that this falls into a "pre-sale/group buy" category. Meaning you pay for something I don't physically have to send you at the time of payment.

Basically, what I'm offering is a custom regulator "service".

Here's how it works:

Tell me what you are after. If I can do it, I will send you a quote detailing how much all the will parts cost plus my labor and shipping. It's that simple.

Honestly, this service works best for folks who just don't want to do the work, or learn how to do it most cases. If you can you build one yourself, you're going to save money. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty good at hunting down deals and building these as cost effectively as possible. I just wanted to make that clear.

How my labor works:

-Simple build, hardware store brass, you make it easy on me, ect. - $50

-Standard build, Swagelok brass, manifolds, more work involved - $75

-High end build, Swagelok stainless parts, stainless valves and such. These typically will cost well over $500 in parts. - $100


OK, now you know there's an alternative out there. Send a PM if you're interested.

I can provide pics of past builds if you need them and you can check out my itrader rating on TPT if you're a member there.

-Josh
 
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Tom Barr

Founder
Staff member
Administrator
Jan 23, 2005
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I'm not sure why other forums do not allow it, I cannot find any good reason to say no.
They might have vendors that complain.
We have no "vendors".

I've stated folks can post all they want in the swap and sales and trade threads.
As long as it's aquarium hobby related.

Folks that do custom builds are fine.
Many are lazy and do not wanna do it, rather have someone else do it for them.

Same with LED lighting.

Perhaps a dozen other things.

I like collecting driftwood.

Not everybody does.

Still, this is often how a small business starts off.
If I can help facilitate that, great.
TPT helped with the wood for me.
And this hobby is general helped me in many ways I never would have thought useful till much later.
 

oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
4
18
Thanks for the support guys. I really just want folks to know that there is an alternative out there.

I mean, in most cases I could build someone a 2-stage regulator with quality parts for an end cost to the buyer of around $250. Go price shopping for a regulator hand made in the USA buy the online retailers. I obviously can't compete with the Chinese stuff but that extra money buys a whole lot more regulator.
 
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Matt F.

Lifetime Charter Member
Lifetime Member
May 30, 2009
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California
oldpunk;68462 said:
Thanks for the support guys. I really just want folks to know that there is an alternative out there.

I mean, in most cases I could build someone a 2-stage regulator with quality parts for an end cost to the buyer of around $250. Go price shopping for a regulator hand made in the USA buy the online retailers. I obviously can't compete with the Chinese stuff but that extra money buys a whole lot more regulator.

The difference between Chinese and Taiwanese quality and American quality is night and day--whether that be a single stage or dual.
 

2wheelsx2

Lifetime Members
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Apr 4, 2006
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Burnaby, BC, Canada
This is cool. It would be neat for us less experienced (none for me at building one) at this to see the price points. ie, a $150 setup, $300 setup, $500 setup, etc. It would let allow us to make slightly better informed decisions.
 

Tom Barr

Founder
Staff member
Administrator
Jan 23, 2005
18,702
792
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They will not sell you something without letting you know what you are getting. This is a pretty fair and honest build for folks.
Few will do this for folks.
 

oldpunk

Guru Class Expert
Dec 1, 2009
427
4
18
I've been meaning to add some pics.

Like I said, you can order something simple.

Like this single stage concoa:

DSC_0007-5.jpg


Need a manifold? I can do that:

DSC_0001-7.jpg


Want something better? How about Stainless?

DSC_0027-2.jpg

(This one will get a nickle plated bubble counter - don't just pm me about nickle plating stuff, It won't happen.)

Here's a sample quote:

-Airgas 2-stage regulator, used $65
-Burkert 6011 solenoid, new $54
-Swagelok "S" series metering valve, new/old stock $45
-Brass parts from the hardware store, new $15
-CGA-320 nut/nipple from the local welding shop, new $8
---------------------------------------------------------
$187
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Labor $50
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Total $237
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Shipping ~ $18
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Grand total $255


You guys can search old sns(TPT) threads for price comparison. I'm not trying to rip anyone off. I honestly just want to help. Prices tend to vary a lot depending on what you are after.