Ultimate Dual Stage CO2 Regulator Setup Instructions
Know Your Regulator
A: 12v input cable (mains to 12v transformer is provided).
B: Needle valve adjuster; varies the CO2 dose. Turn anticlockwise to increase flow, clockwise to decrease flow.
C: Needle valve output (push-fit).
D: Solenoid valve. Plug into a timer plug or pH controller to only dose CO2 at specified times and durations.
E: Working output pressure gauge.
F: Cylinder pressure gauge.
G: Pressure adjuster knob (clockwise increases pressure, anticlockwise decreases pressure).
H: Nut: must be tightened using wrench / spanner.
Video
Step-by-Step
Step 1) Tighten the regulator to your CO2 cylinder using a spanner or wrench. Do not hold the regulator while tightening; allow it to freely rotate. If you hold the regulator while tightening the nut, then the friction between the nut and the stem can cause the stem to turn anticlockwise and unscrew from the main body of the regulator, which will result in a leak.
Step 2) Set the output pressure to minimum by turning the pressure adjuster knob fully anticlockwise.
Step 3) Close the needle valve by turning fully clockwise.
Step 4) Plug the solenoid into a mains socket and switch on.
Step 5) Open the flow of gas from your CO2 cylinder.
Step 6) The cylinder presure gauge will now indicate the pressure of the cylinder.
Step 7) Turn the pressure adjuster knob clockwise to increase output pressure. As a starting point set to 40PSI / 3 Bar. Your dual stage regulator is now ready for use.
Step 8) Your regulator is now ready for use.
Step 9) With the bubble counter and diffuser installed, turn the needle valve anticlockwise to allow gas to flow out of the regulator and to the diffuser via the bubble counter. Once you see bubbles coming from the diffuser it indicates the system is fully pressurised and you can then set your desired bubble rate by adjusting the needle valve.
As a rough guide, 1 bubble per second is suitable for a 150L aquarium - adjust your dosing in accordance to this, i.e. 2 bubbles per second for 300L aquarium.
Removing Tubing or Bubble Counter from the Pisco Valve
If you need to remove the bubble counter / tubing from the Pisco valve use an object (scissors blade in this case) to press down on the collar of the Pisco valve, while at the same time gently pulling the bubble counter / tubing away out of the valve.
Check for Leaks
It is recommend that each time you reconnect the regulator to the CO2 supply that you check for leaks. Identifying a leak from the outset is a much more desirable result than discovering there is a leak only when a substantial amount (or all) of your CO2 cylinder has leaked.
The easiest way to check for leaks is to cover all of the joins with soap suds, and look for any sign of bubbling, and also listen for a 'hissing' sound. If your regulator has a solenoid it is recommend you switch the electricity supply off prior to applying soap suds. Please also try to only use the soap suds themselves, and as little water as possible.
Disconnecting from the CO2 Cylinder
If you wish to disconnect the regulator from the gas cylinder it is important you first purge the gas within the regulator. To do this, close the valve on the gas cylinder and then open the needle valve on the regulator to use the residual gas. Once the pressure gauges on the regulator show zero pressure it is safe to disconnect the regulator from the cylinder.