CO2 regulator question

[fishforu]

newbie question. i'm pricing out the possible calcium reactor purchase.
question, which co2 regulator would you suggest?

1. -RF Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid, needle valve (german made)
http://www.thereefstop.com/index.php?ac ... ductId=326

2. CO2 Regulator Deluxe - Dual Gauge, Solenoid, Bubble Counter
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps/ps_ViewIt ... O3117.html

or

3. http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/mercha...de=jbj_co2r&Category_Code=i3&Product_Count=10

or
4. http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/mercha...o2_regulator&Category_Code=i3&Product_Count=7

or

5. http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalo...dle-valve-solenoid-valve-and-bubble-counter/

6.or another

what does a bubble counter, solenoid, needle valve do? is it better to have a bubble counter?
which on is a better quality/more reliable?

i'm considering getting the geo 612. from the pic, how would i install it in my sumpless tank? the pic has a sump.

http://www.geosreef.com/forms/ca_reactor_instructions.pdf

 

[Anonymous]

I use #1 in your list, and it has worked flawlessly for the last couple of years. Prior to that I used #4 in your list and I could never get a constant bubble rate out of it, and it made trying to set-up my Calcium reactor a nightmare.

A bubble counter allows you to visually see the rate at which the CO2 is coming out the regulator. A needle valve allows you to make very fine adjustments to the bubble rate, and it is necessary. The regulator itself will not allow the level of precision you need. The solenoid cuts off the CO2 flow if the power goes out, and it also allows you to operate your CaRx on a controller. I do not think a solenoid is necessary if you are not using a controller, but other people disagree.

HTH

-Marcus

 

[Anonymous]

Ditto what PP says.

 

[Len]

Yup, Pitpat is right on. To answer you question about sumpless, yes, you can do it. You will need a small water pump like the AquaLift (or Aqualifter ... not sure how it's spelled). You then draw water from the tank and feed this pump which consequently feeds your reactor. The reactor's output drips back into the tank. You just need to find a way to secure it above the tank.

Most ca reactors come with their own bubble counter. I believe the Geos does. That means you don't have to get one on the regulator/valve/solenoid side. I agree the solenoid is optional if you aren't going to use a controller to turn it on and off. But if you plan on getting something like the Aquacontroller, I would get the solenoid. Your Geosreef has a pH probe port built in for use with a pH controller/probe if you are interested. The pH controller, probe, and solenoid are optional but nice.