CO2 setup

[Anubias]

Several members have put together the CO2 canister  setups. "Charlie" gave a good talk on this last February, but my memory is poor. Could one of those experienced give me a list of best dual regulator, needle valve assembly, and aluminum tank to use, and places to purchase them on-line or locally. I heard conflicting stories about the Milwaukee.

I'm also considering a manifold that will serve several tanks.

Sugar is getting expensive!

Regards,

[exv152]

There are many options out there. Look at co2art in the uk, they ship regularly to north america and just developed a mini dual stage regulator see link... http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/regulators-solenoids . Or you can buy a dual stage off ebay and piece the rest together yourself with the help of folks here online. Another online souce is green leaf aquariums in the US. Pricey but very good quality & service. http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators.html
The aluminum tank can be bought locally from pyromatek in gatineau, or from Davidson http://www.davidsonfireextinguishers.ca/ they may give you a good deal if you mention you're a member of ovas.

[charlie]

As the previous poster alluded, there are several options out there  enough to give you a headache  .
My advice to anyone looking to start pressurised co2 is do you diligence & buy once, too often I see folks try to cut corners with cheap affordable set ups & more often than not they regret doing so, CO2 is one area you want to get good quality equipment, it can be done at competitive prices to the over the counter ready to go units.
A few questions for you :
How many aquariums & size would you need to feed?
How will you be diffusing the gas in the tanks - Reactor - inline/in tank diffusers or other?
Do you want a 2 stage or single stage Regulator?
The answers will help in giving  better recommendations.
Errol

[lucius]

If I could go back, I would get needle valves with a vernier scale on them.  I bought a needle valve with the vernier scale a few months back and they are so much more easier to adjust.

Pyromatek had a 15 lb steel CO2 tank  for sale a couple months ago but I don't remember the cost.  When I asked about aluminum, he said that he can throw one together from a re-purposed 10 lb tank fire extinguisher for $90.

[Anubias]

There are many options out there. Look at co2art in the uk, they ship regularly to north america and just developed a mini dual stage regulator see link... http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/regulators-solenoids . Or you can buy a dual stage off ebay and piece the rest together yourself with the help of folks here online. Another online souce is green leaf aquariums in the US. Pricey but very good quality & service. http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators.html
The aluminum tank can be bought locally from pyromatek in gatineau, or from Davidson http://www.davidsonfireextinguishers.ca/ they may give you a good deal if you mention you're a member of ovas.

Thanks. I looked at the websites. I was looking to buy from a Canadian supplier if possible. Green-leaf is very expensive.
My neighbour bought a Chinese regulator-solenoid combo locally with which he is happy. I am interested in which components have a reputation of reliability.

I was looking for a dual regulator, needle valve and manifold to serve at least three tanks.

[charlie]

I would suggest you go with this , they are reported to be quite good @ a fair price. uou would need to stipulate that it`s going to be used in Canada & as such would need it with a CGA 302 nipple , 110 V solenoid, shipping is free & quick, I can assist you in adding extra needle valves as needed.
http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/regulators-solenoids/products/professional-aquarium-co2-dual-stage-regulator-and-german-solenoid-and-smc-valve
http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/regulators-solenoids/products/professional-aquarium-co2-dual-stage-regulator-with-advance-swiss-solenoid-and-smc-valve
Errol

[exv152]

My neighbour bought a Chinese regulator-solenoid combo locally with which he is happy. I am interested in which components have a reputation of reliability.

If you're looking for reliability and you're contemplating a Chinese regulator, I strongly suggest you read this thread. It may save you some serious grief. 
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=164230

[lucius]

I was looking for a dual regulator

Do you mean dual stage?  I only ask because you also mention the Milwaukee regulator which I believe is only single stage but has dual gauges.