this one I know how to answer..

manual regulator - CO2 being release 24hr a day ( not too good at night for the fishes ), CO2 finish faster...

soleniod regulator - CO2 is turn off at night with a switch timer ( Ikea timer RM9.90 ) when no electricity is supplied to the regulator, so no CO2 gas is release at night..

Manual regulator is around RM80-RM100...

So with the extra RM200 you pay for the regulator, you can refill the gass around 5-10 times... plus more exercise of carrying the heavy CO2 cylinder to the shop every 3 to 6 months..

Dear kimco,

Thanks for the quick replies... any idea where to get the JBJ solenoid regulator.. does it comes with 2 gauges ??

Does the solenoid get very hot ??


Stan

so far i saw WTF, NA and 88 selling it. Price range still WTF cheaper. then NA.

the solenoid will heating up when it is on. But it wont be hot till like burning hand. anyway, if it got burnt. you can get replacement from electric or hardware shop. price is around rm80-100.

and yes. jbj regulator came with 2 gauges.

Hmm...I ve come across some posts in a S'pore Forum, they mentioned problem with JBJ regulator which experienced burnout within sort period of time due to it's faulty solenoid!!! So take a note on that..ok!!

hehehe...cheap thing not good. good thing not cheap.

For problem free, always stick to manual, a little more work but sure to be problem free one.

Cheers,

KG

__________________
Who is the more Foolish, the Fool or He who follows him?

i have use firetank co2 for sametime so far so good

http://www.mercuryfin.com/fish.my/bb...ad.php?tid=763

kimco, how is your modified fire extinguisher CO2 unit coming along? How many bubbles per sec are you releasing and have you refilled the thing yet (actually quite curious to know exactly how many kg/litres is your cannister).

Cruise Control, have you bought your CO2 unit yet? Initially, my idea was to buy a cannister and electric dual-gauge regulator from the welding supply shop and the rest of the parts I will buy from LFS. Seems the LFS are selling the cannisters at really high prices and charging a bomb to refill. My first problem hit me today:

Went to MOX in Jln 222 today and those snobs refuse to sell me a CO2 cannister. The only one for sale is a realy big one going for RM 700. No way in hell it can fit under my cabinet. Next problem, those snobs may not refill any cannisters that I buy elsewhere coz it's not certified or may not comply with safety regulations (sounds like a bloody excuse to wring money out of maintenance service charges). I remember going to NA and they had some CO2 cylinders that were big enough yet able to fit into my cabinet (the 3 ft ones). But it appears to be quite pricey if I remember correctly. Now I know for a fact some of you forumers had successfully refilled at MOX in 222 so I am wondering why they are so damn LCLY to me. Can someone enlighthen me please?

Guys, can you give me a breakdown of your CO2 units, capacity and where did you buy them? Let's list them down for the benefit of all so that none of us planning to buy CO2 units get fleeced in the process...If a particular brand of regulator is giving you problems or a reactor etc.. do give us newbies some warning too.. thanks

Those MIC[made in china] solenoids are terrible as i once bought one that gave me a nice hairdo...
i bought in total 3 for my jakarta friends from that one shop in ROXY area.
After that i just got mine from A88, also MIC but better build with light built in. but recently they got these that has bigger knob but no light.

CO2 tanks got 2 types. the steel ones and the aluminium ones. the aluminium ones are more expensive but they don't rust. cost wise some fellas here can tell you they can get cost price...[not me!]

__________________
So many aquascapes, so little time...http://www.my-mac.net/forum/