CO2 Regulators are critical

Episode 34 of the ScapeFu Podcast is about CO2 regulators, one of the most important pieces of equipment and one you don’t want to skimp on. We breakdown what you need to know to make sure you make an informed purchase and stay safe.

Some of what JJ and I discussed

• difference between single and dual stage regulators
• the dreaded CO2 dump
• whether materials matter
• importance of a good needle valve
• bubble counter or no bubble counter
• what a solenoid is
• should you use a pH controller
• and much more!

Other topics we covered

We asked our Facebook fans to give us questions they wanted us to cover. These are the questions they asked:

• Should I not run co2 at night?
• What is a cerges reactor and should I use one? – although I’m not sure we wrapped this one up. You can use one if you want, Matt! 😉
• pH meter or timer? – Also, check out ScapeFu episode 15 Measuring CO2 in Your Aquarium
• Citric acid? – you do know about the volcano-style CO2 generator, right??
• tips to keep the diffuser white and algae free…

Links mentioned in the show:

• Green Leaf Aquariums – where I bought my CO2 regulator
• Dual stage regulators at the Barr Report
• Noob’s Guide to Building Your Own CO2 Regulator
• Leaking solenoid
• DIY CO2 Citric Acid Generator

Image Credit: The featured picture of the aquarium-painted CO2 cylinder and the gla CO2 regulator in the body of the post are used with permission from Orlando of Green Leaf Aquariums. We thank them for their permission.

What did you think of our CO2 Regulators Explained show? Do you have any thoughts or experience with these sophisticated pieces of equipment? Let us know by commenting below!

If you haven’t already, please download the ScapeFu Podcast to your smartphone: iTunes or Android.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (39.5MB)

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS