Electronic Co2 regulator?

That's a Carbondoser and it has been around. I think you can get good accuracy with good needle valves like Swagelok S series or Hoke Micromite both of which I use.

 

It is not something I suggest to anyone. A good dual stage and a decent valve I do.


It's a relatively cheap mass flow valve. Which regulates via a valve(a solenoid) the mass flow of gases.


Here's a pricy one I used back in 2005. They likely got the idea from me way back then.


http://www.alicat.com/products/mass-flow-meters-and-controllers/mass-flow-controllers/


Ebay sells them:


Example:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dakota-Mass-Flow-Controller-GC-6AGC1AL5-07AB-Gas-Air-flow-range-0-1000-mL-min-/162248797124?hash=item25c6c82bc4:g:4I8AAOSwx2dYCjGd


You can get cheaper ones but make sure they are set up for CO2 gas.


They are accurate as far as flow. I've calibrated the flows based on mls/min.


Used Alicats run about 200-400$. They are top notch though.


Still, like ANY valve, stuff can get in there, teflon tape, plastic gas tank to regulator seals etc.


Then clog it.


Always use new seals and no tape. A good seal and tightened correctly will prevent issues there.


I use a dental tool to pick the threads clean when I switch out tanks.

 

Still, it does not control the flow really that much vs say a needle valve at the end of the day. It is not an issue really if you use a dual stage regulator.


But you can program some of the valves to adjust based on a relative pH value say with a tank with 90-100% RO water and baking soda for KH, then get the correct flow rate for that tank vs a CO2 ppm goal.


Then measure that rate and program the mass flow controller to do that vs time.


Still, our goal has to do with the plants, not pH or CO2 directly.


Biomass (and thus CO2) demand changes over time and trimming etc.


So good care and watching things is the best metric really.


Not running the gas tank to below say 100 psi etc.


Even if that occurs, it's not any risk with the CO2 regulators I use.


Output pressure remains pretty constant and any wobble at the bitter end is so short and a non issue.


I suppose on a small tank it might be, but smaller tanks degas much faster also, whereas larger tanks have slower enrich and degas rates, thus are more stable.

 

Main thing is the CO2 rate does not DROP and you miss that, but it typically goes up...............in my Victor dual stage, Matherson dual, SWagelok, they do not change even if the gas tank is running at 20-100 psi, output is still a nice 10 psi, that is my default psi for most of the systems I run, if they use diffusers or more than one tank, then I'll run 20psi.


Clicks are simply the solenoid valve on the mass flow controller.


Note, the Alicat and other mass flow controllers with digital control buttons on them and computer output are far more advanced than the cheaper mass flow controllers. I would suggest getting a decent used unit if you want to play with them.


A used Dual stage regulator will run 50-150$ if you shop and take your time. The Victor HTP500 is a brass chrome plated unit that is really nice, the Brass are fine, no need for the higher end SS.


So you got a few options there if you want to address it.


Another method is to add an Apex controller and use the pH log to adjust the solenoid valve from your phone with their app.


So there's a fourth method if you include the "just watch and manually adjust".


You can use pH control and modify the pH probe by placing a reference DO cap and standardized KH solution inside.


So there's a 5th method.


We have many options.

 

In defense of aquariumplant's unit, they sell it for hobbyists already to go.


Price is not that bad either.


They also sell pre wired burket solenoids etc. Also a good thing as they tend to be tougher for many folks than they might appear.


While I've done most of these things, most have not.


So it is good to have industry offer them like ADA, or aquariumplants, or Alicat etc.


Not every brand is out to gouge the consumer and stymie the plucky DIY'er.


Some things might be worth it for many, whereas others might not see it that way, same for LED lighting.


Or DIY soil vs ADA AS etc.

 

Well, they try which is all anyone can reasonably ask.


I try, but fail but try to make it right.