co2 reactor setup

[clamm]

well as I put together the co2 reactor I got its apparent I got an even better deal then I thought...I though it came with a cheapo regulator, but it didnt, it came with a regulator with thumb screw adjustments which turn a bigger adjustment, so basically geared to make very small adjustments...so I understand that. I didnt thing it had a silinoid on it...sorry for the spelling...my question is...what the heck is it for!!! I have seen a few setups with them and just as many, if not more w/o them...

so what does it do?

 

[nunofs]

In FW tanks, the solenoid valve is supposed to be controlled (turned on/off) by a pH controller, so that CO2 is only injected when the pH raises above a certain level... I believe it works similarly in a SW setup.

Nuno

 

[clamm]

i wonder if its a normally closed valve or normally open...that will make a difference in getting to use it since I dont have a controller

 

[nunofs]

I believe they're normally closed, open when powered... you should be able to just plug the solenoid into a wall outlet, it should be always on.

Nuno

 

[clamm]

yup, i think you are right

 

[Jim Tansey]

I control my normally closed solenoid valve with a Pinpoint pH controller, if the tank pH drops below my setpoint value (7.8 in my case) the solenoid will close turning off the Co2. This is a good safty measure to prevent excess Co2 from causing a large drop in pH.

Jim

 

[clamm]

my pinpoint doesnt have an output...but its worth looking into.

 

[denvig]

my pinpoint doesnt have an output...but its worth looking into.

You would need a controller to do this. Normally you would monitor the effluent coming out of your reactor and shut off the co2 supply when it drops below a set level. If you don?t have a controller then it is still a good safety device. If power goes out it will shut off the co2 to the reactor.

 

[clamm]

Thanks den, i may be pm'ing you when i get back from vacation with some questions if you dont mind.