CO2 regulator question

[bigfalcon36]

Is it a necessity to have a solenoid valve on the regulator?  I have the regulator, but it doesn't have a solenoid...I am not running a controller nor do I plan to. 

Someone chime in on this one.

[verper]

I don't believe you need one if you are not controlling it.  Will need a bubble counter.

[Slicktrax]

chiming in, i dont know.

[slandis3]

the solenoid is used for a controller. If your not going to use a controller, just get a good bubble counter.

[bigfalcon36]

Let me ask this...the Coralife CA reactor has a bubble counter that comes with the unit...will that one work?  Or do I need to get an additional one?

[slandis3]

im not sure about that. You might want to ask Scott or Joel

[cbell]

the bubble counter on my MRC reactor isn't any better than the one that comes with the coralife reactor. i think it will be fime. JMO

[scott wilson]

Just monitor your ph.  Keep your bubble count very low and slowly up it. Monitor your levels a lot when you are working out the bugs.

[Simpte]

I have a lot of experience in regulators (been doing planted tanks for years).  YOur bubble counter is fine.  They are all the same.  I had a DIY one for a long time.  It only has to "count" bubbles.  The solenoid is a nice feature in planted tanks, as we turn our co2 off at night but I dont see why it would be needed in a sw tank.  Its a nice addition though as its easier to turn it off than play with the co2 output and have to redial it in everytime you cange media, or change tanks.

[verper]

Its a nice addition though as its easier to turn it off than play with the co2 output and have to redial it in everytime you cange media, or change tanks.

I hadn't thought of that, good point.

[Joel]

I prefer the controller / solenoid regulator method much better than a bubble counter. My opioion is if you don't need it added to your system, why let CO2 continue to be added to your reactor? (like at night on a planted aquarium for example) or on a reef tank if your calcium or PH values are where you want them to be, why continue to add co2. With a controller & solenoid regulator as soon as the desired value is met, it shuts off the flow of CO2 untill it is needed again. I believe this is much more reliable than a bubble counter and alot easier to set up. I agree that the bubble counter method can and does work, I just like the reliability and ease better.

[Simpte]

Cant argue with that...................
The only problem I have with using controlers (and remember by experience is with planted tanks) is controlers arent exact.  They usually have a -.2to -.4 swing which doesnt allow for a percise setting.  I think they dont "control" well enough for their cost.

[Joel]

That is true with many controllers.

I've been using the Octopus and with research grade probes and typically it isn't a problem.

The issue I'm having with my controllers is that there is some kind of electrical problem / interference that causes them to read PH & ORP incorrectly and not comunicate with my X-10's. I am aware that some lighting systems cause interference  but I don't think that's what's going on. I'm thinking my building isn't grounded properly. What ever the problem is, it sure has been frustrating!!!!!!!

[Simpte]

Lighting (Flourescent I know of for sure but not sure about MH) will cause inaccurate readings with controllers/probes.