CO2 regulator problem

[Suncastle1]

I purchased a used Minical Reactor (thanks ireefny) and purchased a new Reef Fanatic co2 regulator with solenoid. After three weeks I still can't set the output to provide one or two bubbles per second in the bubble counter. It runs ok for a while - but always ends up failing.
Do I get rid of this regulator and buy a different model or do I buy a new needle valve? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

I purchased a used Minical Reactor (thanks ireefny) and purchased a new Reef Fanatic co2 regulator with solenoid. After three weeks I still can't set the output to provide one or two bubbles per second in the bubble counter. It runs ok for a while - but always ends up failing.
Do I get rid of this regulator and buy a different model or do I buy a new needle valve? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The Reef Fanatic Regulator/Solenoid comes with a built in needle valve. Unless there is a part missing.

Can you snap a quick pic of it for us?

 

[Suncastle1]

Yes it does come with a needle valve but when I set it (for example to 2 bubbles per second) within ten minutes it reverts to a stream of co2. I was told that it was a "set it and leave it system". No such luck so far.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Yes it does come with a needle valve but when I set it (for example to 2 bubbles per second) within ten minutes it reverts to a stream of co2. I was told that it was a "set it and leave it system". No such luck so far.

How much CO2 is in your tank? How many lbs? Low pressure can cause the regulator to act up as well.

Do you have a check valve on the line between the solenoid and the bubble counter?

 

[Bob 1000]

I could help ou out I had the same problem with my calcium reactor.. It say's to use the knob to fine tune but you almost always end up using the needle valve for fine tuning now mines is working fine.. 2 bubbles per second... If you need I can stop by and show you...

 

[Suncastle1]

No check valve between solenoid and bubble counter. Is that the problem?

 

[Bob 1000]

Does it look similar to this... The knob to the extreme right is what I use for fine tuning..... But the manual says the big black one should be used for this step... I find it just doesn't remain consistent using that knob though...

 

[Suncastle1]

No - the bubble counter is on the reactor.

 

[pecan2phat]

One of the major mistakes that people do when setting up a regulator for the first time is that they blow/damage the regulator by not closing the regulator valve prior to opening the Co2 bottle pressure.
You need to thread the regulator on, close the working valve, open the Co2 pressure, slowly open the working valve till you see the working pressure read about 10 psi on the guage. You then slowly open the needle valve to get your BPM.
I've known a few buddies that blew the valve more then once straight out of the box and kissed $90 down the toilet.
HTH

 

[Bob 1000]

Wow, so you'll never really get an accurate count or even pressure in the bubble counter because the co2 has to go so far before you see it "I would think".... Did you consult the person who sold this to you??

You'll probably just have to fool around with it for a while

 

[Bob 1000]

One of the major mistakes that people do when setting up a regulator for the first time is that they blow/damage the regulator by not closing the regulator valve prior to opening the Co2 bottle pressure.
You need to thread the regulator on, close the working valve, open the Co2 pressure, slowly open the working valve till you see the working pressure read about 10 psi on the guage. You then slowly open the needle valve to get your BPM.
I've known a few buddies that blew the valve more then once straight out of the box and kissed $90 down the toilet.
HTH

That was my next guess...

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

One of the major mistakes that people do when setting up a regulator for the first time is that they blow/damage the regulator by not closing the regulator valve prior to opening the Co2 bottle pressure.
You need to thread the regulator on, close the working valve, open the Co2 pressure, slowly open the working valve till you see the working pressure read about 10 psi on the guage. You then slowly open the needle valve to get your BPM.
I've known a few buddies that blew the valve more then once straight out of the box and kissed $90 down the toilet.
HTH

On the reef fanatic valves/solenoid the working valve is not adjustable, the regulators are preset.

 

[Bob 1000]

On the reef fanatic valves/solenoid the working valve is not adjustable, the regulators are preset.

Doesn't that make the whole adjustment process more difficult???

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Doesn't that make the whole adjustment process more difficult???

Actually, it makes it easier. All you have to do is set your BPM! Easy!

They are similar to the M3 Regs.

FYI - We carry Reef Fantatic and M3 valve/solenoids, so if you need a new one Suncastle let me know

 

[Bob 1000]

Wow, nice to know..

 

[Suncastle1]

Well I defintely fall into the category of people who ruined the regulator right out of the box. I unscrewed the working valve to tune the psi and I'm certain that I didn't follow pecan2phat's instructions. I might as well buy a new regulator and start all over.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Well I defintely fall into the category of people who ruined the regulator right out of the box. I unscrewed the working valve to tune the psi and I'm certain that I didn't follow pecan2phat's instructions. I might as well buy a new regulator and start all over.

I recommend M3 - they are the best in the industry