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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: gauthier613 on March 17, 2010, 09:43:36 AM

Title: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: gauthier613 on March 17, 2010, 09:43:36 AM
Would something like this work for a Co2 set up for a planted tank?
It says Argon and Co2 gases but I'm a little confused on if it would work.  Any input is appreciated.
(https://www.ovas.ca/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.princessauto.com%2Fcomponents%2Fcom_virtuemart%2Fshop_image%2Fproduct%2F8082471.jpg&hash=87708e0931bf37890cb96e5d743193d50c932bbe)

http://www.princessauto.com/welding/welding-products/accessories-components/8082471-argon/co2-regulator?keyword=Co2+regulator

It says Argon and Co2 gases but I'm a little confused on if it would work.  Any input is appreciated.
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: johnrt on March 17, 2010, 10:09:12 AM
The upper gauge is pressure and will work if the fitting, to the right, will fit your tank and the tank pressure in the tank is less than 4000 lb / inch^2.

The left gauge is flow rate for CO^2 or argon gas. The red scale is for CO^2 and is accurate from 8 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to 20 CFM. The black scale is for argon gas and is accurate for 20 CFM to 30 CFM.

Eight CFM of CO^2 is a lot of CO^2 for a tank, so this device will 'work', i.e., not rust, bust, rip, chip, corrode, explode or come apart at the seams when used with CO^2, but may not be the beat device for your application.
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: jetstream on March 17, 2010, 10:13:39 AM
I think you need to replace the adaptor with a CGA 320 female to connect the regulator to the CO2 bottle.  ;)

No, the unit is in CFH which is cubic feet per hour if the printing in the dial is right.
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: charlie on March 17, 2010, 11:13:37 AM
The short answer - yes it can work, but you will need to swap the CGA 580 inlet for a CGA 320 inlet to work on the CO2 bottles in Canada.( as suggested by Jetstream).
You can use an adapter as shown in link
http://www.princessauto.com/welding/welding-products/accessories-components/8095325-argon/co2-adapter.
Regards
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: gauthier613 on March 17, 2010, 12:58:12 PM
Wow that was fast and informative... Thanks for much for the quick replies!
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: johnrt on March 17, 2010, 01:26:24 PM
"No, the unit is in CFH which is cubic feet per hour if the printing in the dial is right."

Right-o. You squint better than I do.

Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: gauthier613 on March 17, 2010, 02:52:26 PM
Oh OK so CFH wont' work then eh?...

Too bad as they have valve on sale for 39.99$
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: johnrt on March 17, 2010, 03:34:14 PM
Quote from: gauthier613 on March 17, 2010, 02:52:26 PM
Oh OK so CFH wont' work then eh?...

Too bad as they have valve on sale for 39.99$

No, I read the gauge label wrong. Something in the order of 8 - 20 Cubic Feet per Hour might be reasonable, I don't know. But I did know that 8 - 20 Cubic Feet per Minute would be too much unless you wanted to carbonate your tank.

Jetstream suggested that an adapter could be used on the tank, so $40 for all the glass and brass plus $?? for the adapter might still be a good and usable deal.
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: gauthier613 on March 17, 2010, 03:40:25 PM
Any recomendations for a cheap place to get a CO2 tank?
Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: HomerJ on March 17, 2010, 05:15:54 PM
I have a 10lbs tank that you can have for free.  You'll probably have to get it water tested when you have it filled (I think it may be just a bit over 6 years old).  It is in perfect condition with no rust.  There is still CO2 in it, qty unknown.

Title: Re: Co2/Argon Regulator Question
Post by: charlie on March 17, 2010, 05:39:29 PM
gauthier613,just wondering if you have figured in a needle valve to further reduce the flow of gas to a workable flow, also if you want to have the co2 turned on & off via a timer or other , you would need a solenoid.
Regards