ca reactor problems

[Acronuts1]

Well guys I had my tank refilled on Monday and Sunday night my cylinder was empty.
Yep thats right empty! I don't fully understand why? I had the tank valve opened all the way. The solenoid i needed to keep adjusting. But I know that the needle valve was not opened all the way.
Evidently there is a leak somewhere.
Can solenoid's go bad?
Where else guys can I look for co2 leakage?
Anyhow right now I have everything turned off until I solve this problem.

If you were me what would be your plan of action. I don't mind refilling the tank again. Out here in Orlando it costs about $13.00 to fill a 5 lb tank.
In the meantime I will dose 2 part solution until I get things going with the ca reactor.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[jamesw]

It sounds like you have a leaky seal ring between your tank and regulator. That would be the first thing I'd replace.

Cheers
James

 

[Len]

I agree. It's probably a bad washer (the white disk between the solenoid and the tank). That's what I would replace first (cheap). Use a wrench to secure it on tightly to the tank's thread. If it still does the same thing, then the solenoid may have gone bad. This can happen, but it's not as common.

 

[fungia]

you can make some baking soda paste, 2/3 baking soda and 1/3 water, and smear it on the connections. if it leaks co2 it will bubble.

 

[Acronuts1]

Thanks guys! I will get tank filled, change the o ring and will try the soapy/baking powder solution to check for leaks.
Can you buy just the solenoid? If so where?

 

[Len]

Places like Marine Depot and Premium Aquatics have solenoids for about $50-60. Ebay has them too, but it's a bit more risky and usually lacks customer service and product warranty. If your's is attached to the gauges, it may be hard to remove them from the other components because they tend to loctite them into place.

 

[Acronuts1]

I understand.
I am also checking out this other company called www.aquariumplants.com
These guys product looks like it does a kick a _ _ job!
Anyone ever heard of them?

Places like Marine Depot and Premium Aquatics have solenoids for about $50-60. Ebay has them too, but it's a bit more risky and usually lacks customer service and product warranty. If your's is attached to the gauges, it may be hard to remove them from the other components because they tend to loctite them into place.