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Sodastream DIY co2


s3xtcy

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Hello everyone!

yet again ive got the DIY bug, and this time its for a very nice sodastream co2 setup, but i have a few questions

1: Can you get the adaptors to fit the sodastream bottles in nz? Brewery shops? etc? does anyone know a metal fabricator that could make them to sell? After some reasearch there is a valve in the top that needs to be pressed down for the co2 to come out, which then goes into the regulator and into the diffuser.

2: What exactly is a needle valve? is this built into the regulator?

3: How do you work out how many bubbles per second you need?

4: Are timers reccommended?

Thanks for the help and if anyone has already done this I would appreciate pointers, tips, and pictures!

Thanks!!

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1: Can you get the adaptors to fit the sodastream bottles in nz? Brewery shops? etc? does anyone know a metal fabricator that could make them to sell? After some reasearch there is a valve in the top that needs to be pressed down for the co2 to come out, which then goes into the regulator and into the diffuser.

I used a Soda stream bottle for a while, the adaptor was made for me by a friend who was boiler cert'ed engineer, but I don't think it would be hard to sort out. If I was you I'd start by visiting a gas bottle certifier and se if they can help you out.

2: What exactly is a needle valve? is this built into the regulator?

The Needle valve is the last stage in slowing down and controlling the gas flow rate. Can be part of the regulator but usually not.

3: How do you work out how many bubbles per second you need?

There are few ways to work it out, but just watching what happens in the tank (plant growth) is the best/simplest way. Next option would be to monitor the pH

4: Are timers reccommended?

No, plants use far less CO2 at night so in some ways you don't need to add it but IMO the cost of a solenoid doesn't justify the gain. Some say the pH change overnight if you leave the CO2 on is a bad thing, but turning the CO2 off will cause just as big (if not bigger) changes in pH, just in the other direction.

Do you know Fluval have just brought out a couple of cheap CO2 systems. I've had a good play the bigger 88gm unit and it works well, the kit will cost you $200 and comes with a disposable bottle, combo reg/needle valve, bubble counter, ceramic defuser, and tubing. A bargin since a regular alone will cost you over $100 for a normal (or soda stream) bottle.

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