MORE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTED TANKS: ☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK ☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA ☑️ Aquarium Co2 Guide: bit.ly/2rSteVY ☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz ☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4
Wanted to share a problem I had with one of my UNS mini regulators. I still don’t know how or why this happened, but after running for months the pressure had dropped to 0 and wasn’t going up. I checked for leaks and clogs on the outside and didn’t see anything. Finally realized I have to take it apart (these things aren’t cheap). I’m not a mechanical engineer so I thought maybe something was blocking the airflow internally. I ruled out the sort of external stuff that connects to the canister and finally got down to that internal bit where the pressure is supposed to build with the big stiff spring inside. At that point there was nothing left that I could disassemble so I stupidly decided to try rinsing it out with vinegar. I thought maybe some lubricant had gotten in there. I was attempting to use the pressure from the gasket to force the vinegar through. This actually worked as far as getting bubbles to come out. The gauge was reading well past the red line but bubbles started to come through (bubbles, vinegar and lubricant). I disassembled it again to dry out the remaining vinegar and try to figure out why the gauge is red lining at the lowest settings. Put it back together and again it’s stuck on 0. I’m guessing these things are supposed to have some kind of internal pressure by default, so when I reassembled it aside from the vinegar I also added that pressure that was supposed to be in there. I finally managed to reassemble it in a way that has a certain amount of pressure by default (30 psi). So the gauge is normalish now, solenoid is working, the pressure valve is definitely not quite factory. It does increase and decrease the pressure but the range is not quite the same and feels stiffer. Also don’t know what kind of damage I’ve caused with the vinegar. I’m getting bubbles at a steady rate though and the regulators shuts down as intended so it’s definitely an improvement. But yeah mostly wanted to share in case someone is dealing with the same problem. My impression was that this a was a mechanical issue.
Hey! I’m having the same issue. I bought a GLA regulator a few years ago, has worked great. Took down my aquarium for a while, but just started one back up again. The regulator worked great for one day, but now it doesn’t seem to work. I know I have CO2 in my canister, but the pressure gage won’t go past 0-2. How should I go about fixing this? In what way did you reassemble it? I know nothing about regulators…
Where was this video 3 months ago! I had my bubble counter crack. So the bubbles would come out as expected, but leak out the top instead of going into the tank. Took so long to figure it out. Great video.
So I think I’ve got a good question you might be able to help me with! (If you so kindly would anyways) I have a dual stage regulator and I have my needle that checks how much is going into the fish tank itself, set at 40 psi. Sometimes I’ll catch it just slightly (only by 5 at max) going down. This makes me have to increase the flow by however much it slightly goes down every once In awhile. What cause that pressure to have to be increased again thru out the day like this? Everything else that you’ve mentioned seems to be doing great. Btw love what you do! Please Keep doing what you do!!! it helps me and I’m sure so many others out!!
Hi, I have a doubt, my solenoid keeps vibrating when open, I usually just turn it on and off until it doesnt sound, but after it gets turned off i think it keep producing a small amount of co2 that last until the next day. I will try to replace it
One thing with the solenoid is, if you have one that's been running for a while, and suddenly when it's off, it still lets co2 through, it may just need to be cleaned. Take it apart, carefully noting how each piece fits in (there's not a whole lot, a nut, a washer or two, the pison, and a spring - typically) and clean everything using Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol, including inside the block. It may not even look dirty but little specs of dirt can cause it to malfunction.
Having an issue, new to co2. I bought one of them baking soda/citric acid setups. Got it all setup, but when I plug in the solenoid and it turns on, it creates absolutely massive bubbles, creating explosions on top of the water. Massive "gulps". Hard to explain, they're not just larger air bubbles coming from the diffuser, they're literally massive bubbles the sizes of golfballs that will shoot water out of the tank. Any ideas?
I'm having weird problems about my Co2 it is brand new 5lbs. I tried to spray it with soapy water but didn't find any leakage. My Inline diffuser is doing ok since it produces bubbles specially if I just turn it on high. Problem is, I filled my 5lbs CO2 tank cylinder and it only lasts almost 1 and half months, given the fact that I'm having high BPS like 8sh but I can't lower or drop my PH at least 1 drop (mostly 0.4-0.6) I even have a Co2 drop checker solution but I never see it turn dark green or yellow. I wanted to ask what is happening here? Did I do something wrong?
Great video thanks for sharing. Also I have a quick question, (Soda stream system) doesn't matter how much I turn on my needle valve, I get only one bubble for every 7 second, there is no leak or no other visual problem. Not sure what is happening, any advise please mate
It could be three things here. your regulator or needle valve or even your bubble counter. I'd first double check to make sure your bubble counter your using isn't clogged or anything blocking the way into the inlet. Cheap bubble counters can be poorly made so swapping that out is the cheapest option. Otherwise, it could be the needle valve or regulator in which you'll most likely might need to swap them out.
Mine problem is my mufan solenoid regulator each time i switch it on.. i need to adjust back once again the BPS.. if not the co2 gas are not flowing out at all.. why this happens? How to fix?
This could be your regulator or the solenoid itself. I'm not sure how to fix this other than trying another set up. Can you return it and get an exchange?
Hello! What water do I use for my Monte Carlo low tech tank, I am buying the plant soon and I want to know if tap water is good to use. I currently have substrate that is nutrient rich and I plan on adding fish once the tank is balanced. If tap water is safe to use, should I add water conditioner or will that kill the Monte Carlo
I'm using a UNS Mini co2 regulator and I just got a timer for the socket (been running it for a couple of weeks now manually turning the needle nose off) and when I cut power to the solenoid it's still letting co2 through the line! I'm not too sure if the solenoid is malfunctioning or if it needs a cleaning. I keep the gauge set at 25psi like the manual says to.
Does it stop over time? You have to remember, once the power cuts off and closes the valve, there's still co2 and pressure left in the line. That still will ease out for a bit until what's left in the line is gone. How long does it take? It depends on where the solenoid is and how long of a line from the solenoid to the exit point in the tank is.
@@TheWaterBox It does not stop over time. The bubble counter stays consistent, I should have been more specific. I understand there being co2 left in the line but that bubble counter stays the same even after solenoid shut off. Will try disassembling the solenoid for cleaning tomorrow to see if that helps.
@@TheWaterBox Thanks for the response! Yes, the CO2 is coming out. I fixed it though. Needed to adjust my main valve to increase the psi. There's a pressure plate that moves up and down with the knob. I can get 40+ psi but I think the CO2Art Pro SE regulator is recommended to go only up to 40. 35 is plenty. I found alot of the diffusers need a min of 30 psi to work correctly. I've definitely heard of people using less than that though.
Ah ok, perfect. and yeh, don't turn up the PSI more than it's needed. Some regulators are preset, some aren't (like yours). If you put too much PSI into the line, it may pop up your tubing or split the tubing (depending on the tubing you're using).
Probably a safe assumption that if the solenoid is de-powered and still allowing bubbles to enter the bubble counter before the line its bad and needs to be replaced correct?
I was checking how much co2 I’ve used yesterday and I did a leak test as usual. I saw what looked like an extremely small leak at the back of the regulator where it’s connects to that arm that than connects to the co2 tank. I can’t seem to tighten or losen that piece even though it has threads, I believe it’s got some sealant on it. How do I make sure that it’s actually a leak, it’s so small that I could barely tell it apart from normal bubbles popping in the soap and water mixture. Should I just leave it ? I have probably had this leak for years but I’m not sure. I would estimate that it’s leaking less than a bubble a minute, difficult to estimate tho. I did a test where I open my co2 tank (with solenoid and needle valve open of course) then turned off the solenoid and then shut the tank valve. I left it for 10 hours and I could not see a decrease in either gauges. Btw my co2 usage is about 2.4kg in 230 days , this is on a 70L high tech tank, using an in tank diffuser. Thanks
I'd check your bubble counter and make sure it's clear. Cheap bubble counters can usually cause the dial to slows dial back. If not that, it's something wrong with your regulator more likely, assuming your tank isn't empty
this happened five months ago, and getting worse, the working preasure is out of control even when solenoid on.I didn't know how to fix it, so I just replaced it with a new regulator but without selenoid. now i am using co2 24 hours
The Water Box do you run into issues when the line for the CO2 is long? My last set up, the line was about 3 feet outside of the tank, then check valve right above water level, then 2ish feet in water before going into a diffuser. I have an old 45 gallon corner tank. I’m wondering if that could be the issue with it clogging, or if my water is very hard. I do have PH of 8.2 with high alkalinity
I have no leaks but using a 24Oz paintball tank I can only achieve 2bps for 10 days, after that 1bps max. Is there something to fix this or I just need a bigger co2 tank?
At this point it sounds like it's a regulator problem OR a bubble counter problem. If you buy a cheap bubble or get one with a regulator, it something can clog easy or just don't work.
@@Crackisntwack80 You might have a bad regulator. The valve is open on your tank right (Obvious question by you never know). The tank pressure shows something?
Do we really need co2, isn't it really like adding miracle grow to plants on land? In other words the plant will be just fine without it, but with it we can boost the growth...? how do plants get co2 in water naturally, wouldn't a wet dry or hang on or air stone provide enough interaction with the air/co2 or do the plants in a small tank really use up that much co2?
MORE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTED TANKS:
☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK
☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA
☑️ Aquarium Co2 Guide: bit.ly/2rSteVY
☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz
☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4
OH BTW, don't look behind you!!
Great channel and content. You break down things into simple everyday language.
Wanted to share a problem I had with one of my UNS mini regulators.
I still don’t know how or why this happened, but after running for months the pressure had dropped to 0 and wasn’t going up.
I checked for leaks and clogs on the outside and didn’t see anything.
Finally realized I have to take it apart (these things aren’t cheap).
I’m not a mechanical engineer so I thought maybe something was blocking the airflow internally.
I ruled out the sort of external stuff that connects to the canister and finally got down to that internal bit where the pressure is supposed to build with the big stiff spring inside.
At that point there was nothing left that I could disassemble so I stupidly decided to try rinsing it out with vinegar. I thought maybe some lubricant had gotten in there.
I was attempting to use the pressure from the gasket to force the vinegar through.
This actually worked as far as getting bubbles to come out. The gauge was reading well past the red line but bubbles started to come through (bubbles, vinegar and lubricant).
I disassembled it again to dry out the remaining vinegar and try to figure out why the gauge is red lining at the lowest settings. Put it back together and again it’s stuck on 0.
I’m guessing these things are supposed to have some kind of internal pressure by default, so when I reassembled it aside from the vinegar I also added that pressure that was supposed to be in there.
I finally managed to reassemble it in a way that has a certain amount of pressure by default (30 psi).
So the gauge is normalish now, solenoid is working, the pressure valve is definitely not quite factory. It does increase and decrease the pressure but the range is not quite the same and feels stiffer.
Also don’t know what kind of damage I’ve caused with the vinegar.
I’m getting bubbles at a steady rate though and the regulators shuts down as intended so it’s definitely an improvement.
But yeah mostly wanted to share in case someone is dealing with the same problem. My impression was that this a was a mechanical issue.
Hey! I’m having the same issue. I bought a GLA regulator a few years ago, has worked great. Took down my aquarium for a while, but just started one back up again. The regulator worked great for one day, but now it doesn’t seem to work. I know I have CO2 in my canister, but the pressure gage won’t go past 0-2. How should I go about fixing this? In what way did you reassemble it? I know nothing about regulators…
You just saved me a ton of money and time! I thought I had to buy a new regulator until I watched this video! Thanks
Where was this video 3 months ago!
I had my bubble counter crack. So the bubbles would come out as expected, but leak out the top instead of going into the tank. Took so long to figure it out.
Great video.
Ah sorry! I wish my psychic zoom zoom was working at the time!
Thanks for the thorough overview
Welcome!
Very helpful and thorough - thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great advice! Thank you for sharing!
You bet!
So I think I’ve got a good question you might be able to help me with! (If you so kindly would anyways) I have a dual stage regulator and I have my needle that checks how much is going into the fish tank itself, set at 40 psi. Sometimes I’ll catch it just slightly (only by 5 at max) going down. This makes me have to increase the flow by however much it slightly goes down every once In awhile. What cause that pressure to have to be increased again thru out the day like this? Everything else that you’ve mentioned seems to be doing great.
Btw love what you do! Please Keep doing what you do!!! it helps me and I’m sure so many others out!!
Are you sure it's not your needle valve drifting? Cheap needle valves tend to drift. It's annoying.
Hi, I have a doubt, my solenoid keeps vibrating when open, I usually just turn it on and off until it doesnt sound, but after it gets turned off i think it keep producing a small amount of co2 that last until the next day. I will try to replace it
This was very helpful
Glad it helps!
Thanks always helpful👍
My pleasure!
One thing with the solenoid is, if you have one that's been running for a while, and suddenly when it's off, it still lets co2 through, it may just need to be cleaned. Take it apart, carefully noting how each piece fits in (there's not a whole lot, a nut, a washer or two, the pison, and a spring - typically) and clean everything using Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol, including inside the block. It may not even look dirty but little specs of dirt can cause it to malfunction.
Thanks for the addition!
Hi thank you, problem solve
Having an issue, new to co2. I bought one of them baking soda/citric acid setups. Got it all setup, but when I plug in the solenoid and it turns on, it creates absolutely massive bubbles, creating explosions on top of the water. Massive "gulps". Hard to explain, they're not just larger air bubbles coming from the diffuser, they're literally massive bubbles the sizes of golfballs that will shoot water out of the tank. Any ideas?
Great video 👍
Thanks 👍
I'm having weird problems about my Co2 it is brand new 5lbs. I tried to spray it with soapy water but didn't find any leakage. My Inline diffuser is doing ok since it produces bubbles specially if I just turn it on high. Problem is, I filled my 5lbs CO2 tank cylinder and it only lasts almost 1 and half months, given the fact that I'm having high BPS like 8sh but I can't lower or drop my PH at least 1 drop (mostly 0.4-0.6) I even have a Co2 drop checker solution but I never see it turn dark green or yellow. I wanted to ask what is happening here? Did I do something wrong?
you're almost at 30k !!!
Yeh I know. Almost there. Pretty slow being that it's been almost 4 years now but I also take long breaks so that doesn't help.
Great video thanks for sharing.
Also I have a quick question, (Soda stream system) doesn't matter how much I turn on my needle valve, I get only one bubble for every 7 second, there is no leak or no other visual problem. Not sure what is happening, any advise please mate
It could be three things here. your regulator or needle valve or even your bubble counter. I'd first double check to make sure your bubble counter your using isn't clogged or anything blocking the way into the inlet. Cheap bubble counters can be poorly made so swapping that out is the cheapest option. Otherwise, it could be the needle valve or regulator in which you'll most likely might need to swap them out.
Hi, interesting!
Hey, thanks!
Mine problem is my mufan solenoid regulator each time i switch it on.. i need to adjust back once again the BPS.. if not the co2 gas are not flowing out at all.. why this happens? How to fix?
This could be your regulator or the solenoid itself. I'm not sure how to fix this other than trying another set up. Can you return it and get an exchange?
Hello! What water do I use for my Monte Carlo low tech tank, I am buying the plant soon and I want to know if tap water is good to use. I currently have substrate that is nutrient rich and I plan on adding fish once the tank is balanced. If tap water is safe to use, should I add water conditioner or will that kill the Monte Carlo
Tap water should be fine unless it's really bad water coming out of your tap
I'm using a UNS Mini co2 regulator and I just got a timer for the socket (been running it for a couple of weeks now manually turning the needle nose off) and when I cut power to the solenoid it's still letting co2 through the line! I'm not too sure if the solenoid is malfunctioning or if it needs a cleaning. I keep the gauge set at 25psi like the manual says to.
Does it stop over time? You have to remember, once the power cuts off and closes the valve, there's still co2 and pressure left in the line. That still will ease out for a bit until what's left in the line is gone. How long does it take? It depends on where the solenoid is and how long of a line from the solenoid to the exit point in the tank is.
@@TheWaterBox It does not stop over time. The bubble counter stays consistent, I should have been more specific. I understand there being co2 left in the line but that bubble counter stays the same even after solenoid shut off. Will try disassembling the solenoid for cleaning tomorrow to see if that helps.
How should I diagnose a CO2 regulator where the working pressure isn't going above 28psi. The diffuser isn't releasing any bubbles.
Pull off the diffuser and just stick the end of the hose in the water. Is there still co2 coming out of the line?
@@TheWaterBox Thanks for the response! Yes, the CO2 is coming out. I fixed it though. Needed to adjust my main valve to increase the psi. There's a pressure plate that moves up and down with the knob. I can get 40+ psi but I think the CO2Art Pro SE regulator is recommended to go only up to 40. 35 is plenty.
I found alot of the diffusers need a min of 30 psi to work correctly. I've definitely heard of people using less than that though.
Ah ok, perfect. and yeh, don't turn up the PSI more than it's needed. Some regulators are preset, some aren't (like yours). If you put too much PSI into the line, it may pop up your tubing or split the tubing (depending on the tubing you're using).
Probably a safe assumption that if the solenoid is de-powered and still allowing bubbles to enter the bubble counter before the line its bad and needs to be replaced correct?
Yup.
I was checking how much co2 I’ve used yesterday and I did a leak test as usual. I saw what looked like an extremely small leak at the back of the regulator where it’s connects to that arm that than connects to the co2 tank. I can’t seem to tighten or losen that piece even though it has threads, I believe it’s got some sealant on it. How do I make sure that it’s actually a leak, it’s so small that I could barely tell it apart from normal bubbles popping in the soap and water mixture. Should I just leave it ? I have probably had this leak for years but I’m not sure. I would estimate that it’s leaking less than a bubble a minute, difficult to estimate tho. I did a test where I open my co2 tank (with solenoid and needle valve open of course) then turned off the solenoid and then shut the tank valve. I left it for 10 hours and I could not see a decrease in either gauges. Btw my co2 usage is about 2.4kg in 230 days , this is on a 70L high tech tank, using an in tank diffuser. Thanks
It sounds fine from the test you did.
@@TheWaterBox I hope so, maybe its not significant enough to make a difference.
Hi what are remedies for drifting needle valve? It start drifting after i refill my co2 tank
Change it out. Or just continue fiddling with it until you get the right setting.
I set 1BPS co2 then one hour later reduce to 4BPS automatically then its totaly turned off. please help me!
I'd check your bubble counter and make sure it's clear. Cheap bubble counters can usually cause the dial to slows dial back. If not that, it's something wrong with your regulator more likely, assuming your tank isn't empty
nice info..👍👍👍🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹...
Thanks! 👍
Can I use a CO2 cylinder if it has argon mixed with it ?
I don't know that answer. Sorry.
I have northern brewer C02PO and the knobs won't turn at all. Anyone know why?!
Make sure those knobs are suppose to turn in the first place. heh. Otherwise, no, not sure without looking at it.
I set up my tank with yer co2 setup from the planted tank setup, and the aquatek co2 mini valve broke lmao.
The needle valve on it unscrewed...
Can it be screwed back on? I'd contact aquatek and see if you can get a replacement
wow ok... no BS, i bought a new co2 system today.. and i cant get the pressure to stay stable.. i havent watched this yet but its freaky...
Right on! I'm not sure what you mean by getting the pressure to stay stable but ok.
When selenoid off, my working pressure raise up like crazy, then safety valve open. A week latter i ran out co2.
This happens all the time?
this happened five months ago, and getting worse, the working preasure is out of control even when solenoid on.I didn't know how to fix it, so I just replaced it with a new regulator but without selenoid. now i am using co2 24 hours
You probably jsut got a bad regulator with a solenoid on it. :(
What kind of check valve do you use?
My issue is always the dam check valves
U usually buy the metal ones. The more expensive ones. The cheap plastic ones you get in bulk ar always so hit or miss.
The Water Box the last two I got were stainless steel, but lasted longer but still get clogged over time
Then I'm not sure. I don't normally get my check valves clogging up but then I do tend to switch them out 6 to a year or so.
The Water Box do you run into issues when the line for the CO2 is long? My last set up, the line was about 3 feet outside of the tank, then check valve right above water level, then 2ish feet in water before going into a diffuser. I have an old 45 gallon corner tank. I’m wondering if that could be the issue with it clogging, or if my water is very hard. I do have PH of 8.2 with high alkalinity
Great information! When I setup my tank it will have Co2 and be heavily planted.
Good luck!
I have no leaks but using a 24Oz paintball tank I can only achieve 2bps for 10 days, after that 1bps max. Is there something to fix this or I just need a bigger co2 tank?
At this point it sounds like it's a regulator problem OR a bubble counter problem. If you buy a cheap bubble or get one with a regulator, it something can clog easy or just don't work.
I just bought my regulator and set it up as the directions said and the working pressure wont go above 0, but I have 900 psi for the tank.
Does it actually push out co2?
@@TheWaterBox Nope no bubbles in the bubble counter...
@@Crackisntwack80 You might have a bad regulator. The valve is open on your tank right (Obvious question by you never know). The tank pressure shows something?
@@TheWaterBox Yeah it shows around 900 psi for the tank pressure. I put in a support ticket because I think it was delivered broken.
@@Crackisntwack80 Yeh, if the regulator doesn't have a control gauge then it sounds like you got a bad one. Good luck!
My CO2 cylinder just supplies a lot of CO2 in the tank, it was bubbling like hot water , all my fished died
That's awful to hear!
another video where no one mention why the water is going back to the tubing when the timer goes off even passing thru the check valve.
Thanks for watching
Do we really need co2, isn't it really like adding miracle grow to plants on land? In other words the plant will be just fine without it, but with it we can boost the growth...? how do plants get co2 in water naturally, wouldn't a wet dry or hang on or air stone provide enough interaction with the air/co2 or do the plants in a small tank really use up that much co2?
Depends on your set up and plants you want to grow. Most of the time, in a low tech tank, you usually don't need it.
Boss, you Pinoy?
No.
Got it. Anyway, love your videos on planted tanks. Keep it Up!
Thanks!