Planted tank checklist

[rolloffhill]

So I have the cylinder, the regulator.

I need a solenoid, diffuser....and....


Found this solenoid on clearance at petsolutions http://www.petsolutions.com/images/200/12516805.jpg

http://www.petsolutions.com/CO2-Solenoid-Valve+I12516805+C99997.aspx

And some nice looking diffusers on ebay. http://i8.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/b4/1c/46fd_1.JPG

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250198331317&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015

Anything else you can think of??

[poel_19]

i have that diffuser if you want it.....

[fishman76092]

pH controller?

[rolloffhill]

i have that diffuser if you want it.....

Possibly, but I may be getting some other stuff from that seller, so we'll see.

pH controller?

Absolutly necessary?

[fishman76092]

No, but my tank's pH will fluctuate from 6.3 at the end of the day's cycle to 7.5 in the morning before the CO2 kicks on. That's a pretty big swing-I just like to monitor it. Just something to think about.

[rolloffhill]

Ok, thats good its something that can wait a little while down the road, but defiently keep that in mind.

[AndrewH]

Bubble counter.

Also, I've seen some good deals on regulators and solenoids together on eBay, instead of buying them separate.

Regulator, Solenoid, and Bubble counter - $85.99 (http://cgi.ebay.com/C02-regulator-solenoid-valve-and-bubble-counter_W0QQitemZ250199063712QQihZ015QQcategoryZ46 310QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[rolloffhill]

I already have a regulator that my brother gave to me.

[greeneyed]

What size tubing does the CO2 system use?
That seems high for just a on/off solenoid.
I work as an industrial maintenance mechanic, and work with solenoids almost daily.
You might try Motion Industries and see what they have. They have several locations in DFW. Or even some surplus sites. I found 1 on surplus shed that was >$2.00, but don't know your tubing size. Let me know that, and I will hunt around if you want. I am interested anyway, I would LOVE to go this way eventually. But I personally will have to source my parts/pieces at the absolute cheapest price.

[biggin]

I figured there would be a cheaper route....just not sure where.

typically I think inner diameter is 3/16.

What size tubing does the CO2 system use?
That seems high for just a on/off solenoid.
I work as an industrial maintenance mechanic, and work with solenoids almost daily.
You might try Motion Industries and see what they have. They have several locations in DFW. Or even some surplus sites. I found 1 on surplus shed that was >$2.00, but don't know your tubing size. Let me know that, and I will hunt around if you want. I am interested anyway, I would LOVE to go this way eventually. But I personally will have to source my parts/pieces at the absolute cheapest price.

[AndrewH]

Yeah, it's 1/4" tubing like for an air bubbler, but it has to be special to handle the CO2 (normal airline tubing will break down from the CO2).

[fishman76092]

Yeah, it's 1/4" tubing like for an air bubbler, but it has to be special to handle the CO2 (normal airline tubing will break down from the CO2).


Its the baby blue colored 'airline'

[fishyjoe24]

use and airride vaule soldiod it's cheaper or maybe i just thing to weird.