Co2 regulator not working properly

[DaWolfe]

Hi,

I have a 5lbs full just certified Co2 canister and a dual gauge regulator (see picture).  The system was working fine the last time I used it about 2 years ago.  I connected the regulator to the tank and when i turn the tank on, the gauge that measures the Co2 out goes up fast and Co2 comes out.  My gauge for the bottle reads nothing.  I tried re-connecting everything and open faster and then I get a small reading on the tank gauge but lots of Co2 comes out even if my lever is on the off position...

What the heck is going on...HELP!!!

Thanks

[charlie]

First thing i observe from that pic. is that you do not have a needle valve, that is a disaster waiting to happen as far as injecting CO2 into the aquarium.
When did you have the bottle certified & filled?
Is it possible that by trying to open the gas flow & it rushing out you have depleteded most of the gas?

the co2 regulatogagesuges are as you stated the qty of gas on the left & the one on the right is the working pressure - that is the one that tells you what pressure you have set the regulator to deliver which in most cases is 10-30 PSI, this is done with the T handle you are turning, this pressure is delivered to a metering/needle valve which further down regulate the pressure to minusculecule bubbles per second we desire for  injection into the tank, you also have the option to have a solenoid to stop the flow & turn on via a timer or controller.

[charlie]

Hi,

I have a 5lbs full just certified Co2 canister and a dual gauge regulator (see picture).  The system was working fine the last time I used it about 2 years ago.  I connected the regulator to the tank and when i turn the tank on, the gauge that measures the Co2 out goes up fast and Co2 comes out.  My gauge for the bottle reads nothing.  I tried re-connecting everything and open faster and then I get a small reading on the tank gauge but lots of Co2 comes out even if my lever is on the off position...

What the heck is going on...HELP!!!

Thanks

Hmm not good, sounds like your reg is toast - did you get the reg from Princess Auto?

[beertech]

Try turning the lever all the way in, then all the way back out. Then if you could plug the hose outlet somehow before you open the cylinder, that may help free up the parts inside the reg. It's been sitting for 2 years, so there will be some corrosion inside and the diaphram is just sticking.

[DaWolfe]

Try turning the lever all the way in, then all the way back out. Then if you could plug the hose outlet somehow before you open the cylinder, that may help free up the parts inside the reg. It's been sitting for 2 years, so there will be some corrosion inside and the diaphram is just sticking.

ok will try.

NO I got the reg from A1 Extinguisher with the tank.  I just got it certified and filled by A1 yesterday.  As for the needle valve, yes I have one that is on the Co2 line that is not show here.

Thanks.

[DaWolfe]

sorry that would be Davidson Fire Extinguisher not A1

[beertech]

Worst case just bring it in to Davidson's, they may be able to figure it out.

[exv152]

Worst case just bring it in to Davidson's, they may be able to figure it out.

Ditto!

[bizfromqc]

Seriously Dan, just kick the $#@%! thing, that'll un-stick it 

[DaWolfe]

Already tried that but my kick does not have enough PSI...

[charlie]

Seriously Dan, just kick the $#@%! thing, that'll un-stick it 

Eric you need a few more  tanks to help channel that built up aggression

[DaWolfe]

Ok, you all failed the test...no one asked me if i was turning the T valve the right way...

So i just learned or forgot from my last CO2 setup that the T valve that is tightly turned is on and unscrewed if off.  So it was working all this time i was an idiot and was turning the wrong way.  At least it did not cost me anything but a day more without CO2.  All is working fine now.

I will be reading to see what is the best bubble count to start at.

Thanks.

[bizfromqc]

Eric you need a few more  tanks to help channel that built up aggression

If only I had a dollar for every time I kicked something when it wasn't working as it should have (or when I wasn't using it properly aka "Pulling a Dan") LOL

[DaWolfe]

Thanks Biz, I will give u 5$ for not telling anybody at work...

[bizfromqc]

Venti 5-shot no-room Americano @ Starbucks will be enough 

[DaWolfe]

In a leaking cup lol...

[Peekay]

Venti 5-shot no-room Americano @ Starbucks will be enough 

5 shots ?  You're a wild man!

(And dawolfe, I'm glad you got it working, despite the lefty-loosey rule not working out for you!)

[bizfromqc]

5 shots ?  You're a wild man!

It's liquid fuel for the body