wasp Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Here's something I need a few guys to go in with me on. I'm setting up a calcium reactor for my small tank (75 odd gallons counting sump), and a soda stream gas bottle will supply enough gas to run my small requirements, so I don't have to rent a bottle from BOC. The sodastream bottle is the large one, holds just under one kilogram of Co2. I've been to an engineer about getting an adaptor made to put the regulator on the sodastream bottle, but it's very expensive to get just one made. But if there is a few other people with small tanks who would like to get one also, and we get several made, we can get the price down to $60.00 each. If you are interested, drop me an email at xxxxxxxxxxxxx I hardly ever log on here these days so a PM will probably not find me. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I remember a UK website which had a soda stream to regulator adaptor for sale, made for freshwater planted tanks. This may be a cheaper option? Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeBlog Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Excellent idea wasp. I have thought about using some type of these smaller C02 bottles as well, but wasn't sure how long they will last before I would need a refill. I don't want to take over this post, but it may be helpful for those trying to decide whether to go in on the deal or not if they had some idea as to the rate of consumption of C02 from other people's tanks. Could those running a calcium reactor give me some idea as to their rate of C02 consumption, size of tank and sort of coral stock? If these smaller bottles last for at least a month or so, then I might go this route and just get a couple of these bottles so that I always have a replacement ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cracker Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Yo WASP, hows it hangin'!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 It may be an idea for you guys to get in touch with EJ concerning the adaptor. He is a 'gun' engineer. He could at least give you a price to work off. The first one always costs the most.( I think) Alan 104 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I have a 1/2 litre bottle (jbl) for my freshwater, at a rate of 1 bubble every 2 seconds it lasts about 3 weeks, maybee a little less. Costs $10 to fill, cash (BOC gas). On my CA reactor I use a 5L bottle, which at 1 bubble a second lasts about 10 months, last fill cost $9+gst (BOC gas). Pies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Control Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Pies I think you mean 5kg not 5L. Pies is right. Its alot cheaper to run a big tank. Compare the prices of your options including the running cost first, you may regret it in the long term. I've got a 4.5kg and regret not getting a 10kg. Size was my issue there. Aaron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Nope, I mean 5 Litre. Pies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Control Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Pies I've never seen that before can you put up a pic of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 ? Its a compressed gas bottle, not much too see. There is probably a pic on page one or two of my tank setup thread next to my CA ractor under than sump on the left (its yellow). Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeBlog Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 On my CA reactor I use a 5L bottle, which at 1 bubble a second lasts about 10 months, last fill cost $9+gst (BOC gas). Do you guys own your bottles or do you rent from Boc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I own both of mine. 1 was supplied by JBL in one of their original c02 freshwater systems and the other I brought directly from BOC gas for $150.00. It was 2nd hand and needed to be certified, which cost $35 including the fill. needs retesting every 5 years. Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Control Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I own mine too. It just had it's 5 yearly presure test. Pies What weight do they fill it to. Aaron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Control - Not sure, other than weighing it how do I know? Its about knee high, short and squat. I will ask next time I get it filled if I remember, won't be till Chirstmas though... I wish I brought a larger one now as I originally got it to fit under my cabinet, but don't need to worry about that now. Anyone got a big one they want to swap? Pieola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 What about using a CO2 fire extinguisher bottle? A lot of businesses throw them out instead of recerting, I assume you can just get the fitting changed (should all be standard) then get it certified for $35. I have used sodastream bottles for my fresh water, worked ok but costs $12 to fill and only lasted a month or so, was a pain to carry into work to get it refilled all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 You can use any bottole you want, as long as it passes its cert. If its had other gas in it you will need to have it cleaned (acid cleaned). Otherwise no drama. I think for Co2 is has to be steel not alumuium? Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Control Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Pies It should be stamped on the bottle. The reason I asked was that they are filled by weight not volume , it just seemed strange to hear litre's not weight. Pies and Wasp All the co2 tanks I have seen are alloy not steel. Acid and steel are not a good mix. They must be oil free. Wasp Get the biggest you can afford. It wiil pay for itself in the long run. This is one of those things that you will regret if you don't do it right the firt time. Another thing you need to consider, if you don't have one already is a precision needle valve Aaron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.