CO2 regulators some more expensive than others.

[photoman54]

I am thinking about buying a CO2 regulator. Prices range between $50 to $ The CO2 art from Germany is $300 or so. The Milwaukee is a bit less. Can you use a few{3} bubble counter for 3 tanks in a cheaper regulator? I would use a larger CO2 tank. The CO2Art has provisions for 2-3 tanks. There cheaper model does have any info on the subject. The Milwaukee does have any either from the looks for it. Tell me your thoughts.

 

[Freshfishguy]

I am thinking about buying a CO2 regulator. Prices range between $50 to $ The CO2 art from Germany is $300 or so. The Milwaukee is a bit less. Can you use a few{3} bubble counter for 3 tanks in a cheaper regulator? I would use a larger CO2 tank. The CO2Art has provisions for 2-3 tanks. There cheaper model does have any info on the subject. The Milwaukee does have any either from the looks for it. Tell me your thoughts.

You definitely do not want to skimp on the regulator. Buying a quality regulator is really important for consistent CO2 injection. Inconsistent CO2 is a major cause of algae, and the cheaper regulators also can be hard to adjust precisely which can lead to gassing livestock—speaking from personal experience lol. Here is the one I went with: PRO-SE Series - Aquarium CO2 Dual Stage Regulator with Integrated Solenoid.

 

[RayClem]

A good pressure regulator is a precision instrument that requires careful machining.

The less expensive regulators are generally single-state regulators. That means that there is one control valve to drop the CO2 pressure from full tank pressure to final injection pressure. As long as their is liquid CO2 in the tank, the tank pressure is stable and the single state regulator should work just fine. Once all the liquid CO2 has evaporated and their is only CO2 gas in the tank, the pressure will start to drop and the single control valve cannot cope with the change. This can result in end of tank dump in which excess CO2 is allowed into your aquarium.

A dual-stage regulator is more expensive as it has two control valves. The first stage drops the CO2 pressure to an intermediate value. The second stage allows you to control the injection pressure. The first stage stabilizes the pressure so end of tank dump does not occur.

If you are diligent about monitoring your tank weight and pressure such that you can replace the tank before you run out of liquid CO2, then a single stage regulator is fine. If you follow a set it and forget it routine like I do, having a dual-stage regulator is much better.

 

[GlennO]

I started with a cheap regulator. I didn't have any issues with end of tank dump but the CO2 output started to drop off as the tank neared empty and so it required regular adjustment. Finally it started making an annoying buzzing noise so I have now replaced it with the CO2Art Pro-SE referenced in a previous post. Given my experience I would begin with a decent regulator.

 

[Frank the Fish guy]

I use this guy: https://www.amazon.com/FZONE-Aquarium-Regulator-Compatible-Paintball/dp/B08P5FKQDT

No problems. About $100. Has all the features needed for aquarium use. Compact and well made.
Dual stage.