Ok i finally got a 20lb co2 tank and a milwaukee MA957 regulator is on the way. Im planning on using a glass diffusor instead of reactor. Anyone can tell me what other things i need to get this system setup and how?
CO2 REGULATOR
- Thread starter PLURMaster
- Start date
im assuming the regulator comes with the solenoid and you pretty much have what you need. only thing missing is the tubing. make sure to get some co2 resistant tubing and youre all set! 
I was hoping then you reply Jcardona1 *THE WISE* heh...thougth i needed more. So the glass diffusoer will attachemt to the tubing...then tubing to the regulator? How does this diffusor works vs a reactor?Is it necessary to get a ph controller?
Yup, just attach the tubing from your regulator (bubble counter) straight to the diffusor and thats it! Diffusors work fine for smaller tanks. Once you get over 30g, youre going to want to get an external reactor as they are more efficient for bigger tanks.
As for ph controllers, in my opinion, they are not necessary. all you really need is a few timers and a drop checker. using a timer, have your co2 turn on about 1hr before your lights turn on. also, have your co2 turn off 1hr before your lights turn off. with the drop checker, youll fine tune the flow of co2 until the color in the checker is a deep green / lime green color by the middle of your light schedule. once you get the hang of things, you'll see that a ph controller is a waste of money. i was planning on getting one at first, but after doing lots of reading, i saw that it wasnt necessary.
here's my co2 setup. the green tubing coming out of the bubble counter goes to my reactor. in your case, it would go straight to the diffusor. there's a small valve under the bubble counter to adjust the flow of co2.
oh, and youll need one more thing. some co2 gas in your bottle!!!
As for ph controllers, in my opinion, they are not necessary. all you really need is a few timers and a drop checker. using a timer, have your co2 turn on about 1hr before your lights turn on. also, have your co2 turn off 1hr before your lights turn off. with the drop checker, youll fine tune the flow of co2 until the color in the checker is a deep green / lime green color by the middle of your light schedule. once you get the hang of things, you'll see that a ph controller is a waste of money. i was planning on getting one at first, but after doing lots of reading, i saw that it wasnt necessary.
here's my co2 setup. the green tubing coming out of the bubble counter goes to my reactor. in your case, it would go straight to the diffusor. there's a small valve under the bubble counter to adjust the flow of co2.
oh, and youll need one more thing. some co2 gas in your bottle!!!
Ok, just a few more things came to mind that i forgot to mention!!
- Brass check valve. youll want to place one of these inline as close to the diffusor as possible, outside of the tank of course. you DO NOT want water going back into your regulator.
- Mineral oil. Do not use water in your bubble counter, it evaporates very fast. get some mineral oil (sold at any drug store) and fill the bubble counter about 1/2 to 3/4 full. this will last pretty much forever. i think
- Brass check valve. youll want to place one of these inline as close to the diffusor as possible, outside of the tank of course. you DO NOT want water going back into your regulator.
- Mineral oil. Do not use water in your bubble counter, it evaporates very fast. get some mineral oil (sold at any drug store) and fill the bubble counter about 1/2 to 3/4 full. this will last pretty much forever. i think
brass check valve?which my guess tdoesnt come with the milwaukee ma957 regulator..what they look like?is that the one in your second picture between the diy reactor and the green tubing?dont they make the plastic one too?
yeah thats the one. the bubble counters have a built-in check valve but they arent that good. and the plastic ones suck too. here's a link for the brass one:
http://greenleafaquariums.com/check-valves/clippard-check-valve.html
http://greenleafaquariums.com/check-valves/clippard-check-valve.html
THANK YOU!!Can you please recommand me whats a good glass diffuser?and whats the best spot to place this diffusor inside the tank?
that same website has some good diffusors. take a look at ebay as well. as for positioning, i would say anywhere in the lower half of the tank. good luck!
Ok now im out to get drop checker and glass diffuser then im all set. THANK YOU so much jcardona1. Once again you have guided me to the right direction. many THANKS again.