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  1. Steve Smith

    Easy Aqua Double check valve

    No screw fittings, but the brass ones AE (and online auction sites) sell are good. I have several and have been working fine for ages.
  2. Steve Smith

    Very confused!

    Does it not thread on I take it?
  3. Steve Smith

    needle valves

    Didn't have time to look it out last night, apologies Bertie. I'm out tonight but I should find it this weekend :) I'm almost certain I know which storage box they're in :lol:
  4. Steve Smith

    needle valves

    Hey Bertie. Yes, you can use a debit card if you follow the link below (yellow "Donate" button on every page). Don't do it yet though, I need to find it first! :)
  5. Steve Smith

    needle valves

    Call it a donation to UKAPS? Maybe £5 or £10? Let me dig it out tonight. I think I know where one is. I got it via Aquatic Magic on eBay and if memory serves, it's basically this: CO2 Needle Valve - Regulator pH Pressure Diffuser Tank | eBay
  6. Steve Smith

    needle valves

    I might have a spare. I bought a couple a few years back to split my CO2 between tanks, but I didn't actually end up using them. I've got them in a box somewhere. If you're interested in one, I'll dig for it :)
  7. Steve Smith

    needle valves

    You could also look to buy an inline needle valve, and simply open up your other one and allow the inline one to be your control. I think AquaEssentials sells them still.
  8. Steve Smith

    needle valves

    I think that what you have their is the difference between two different pressurised containers. The soda stream setup is lower pressure, so the needle valve would be more open. When you put it onto your FE setup it would make sense to me that you would need to dial it back. Also, it does...
  9. Steve Smith

    Fire Extinguisher Co2 - Illegal?

    To be honest, I think that hole is to prevent you squeezing the lever. That's where the safety pin goes to prevent this. Although yes, why have the two sets of holes...
  10. Steve Smith

    Drop checker Staying Yellow even with CO2 switched off

    Are you using 4dKH water with the indicator fluid or tap/tank water? If the latter, that would affect the drop checker and not give an accurate reading.
  11. Steve Smith

    Drop checker question

    Correct :) It indicates the level of dissolved CO2 in the water by allowing it to gas off into the air chamber, and then mix with the indicator solution causing a reaction. Liquid carbon is carbon in a different form. Sadly I'm not overly scientific, so I wan't even attempt to go into detail :)
  12. Steve Smith

    co2 reactor homemade

    How are you finding your CO2 levels with this Gary? Looks great :)
  13. Steve Smith

    Any body used these ?

    Yes, after a quick google, DIN 477 is FE fitment as well as most/all refillable bottles in the UK (as already stated above) :)
  14. Steve Smith

    Diffusion in a shallow tank

    Hah! what Mafo said :)
  15. Steve Smith

    Diffusion in a shallow tank

    You could try a cheap ebay ceramic diffuser, and position it at the lower front of the aquarium, assuming this is where the spray bar is aimed. So, the flow from the spray bar should hit the front of the aquarium and be directed down. That down current should hopefully hold the CO2 from the...
  16. Steve Smith

    [noob qn] Adding needle valve

    You could try an inline needle valve. ADA do one, but I'm certain you could find a cheaper alternative :)
  17. Steve Smith

    Atomizer, Spraybar & Koralia on a corner tank.

    It might, but it may leave you with a spray bar mounted right above your plants, and not at the back of the tank. You may do better using the outlet without the spray bar, located in the back corner pointing directly forward. Then supplement that with two koralias, one in each of the front...
  18. Steve Smith

    Co2 system next purchase, need some advise.

    I believe Piece-of-Fish (Ed) has the Fluval 88 and his cylinder lasted 17 days!
  19. Steve Smith

    Good quality Non return valve

    Theres some brass ones which seem pretty good. You can buy them on eBay, or I believe some of our sponsors sell them too.
  20. Steve Smith

    Atomizer, Spraybar & Koralia on a corner tank.

    From what you've described, it might be that the Koralia is actually pushing CO2 and nutrients away from the grasses. if you imagine the flow is coming out from the top and across the tank, hitting the right side and deflecting back, the Koralia is then pushing water against it? Of course...
  21. Steve Smith

    Co Regulator with good sensetivity

    Like this one from AquaticMagic http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Needle-Valve- ... 4ceb79411b
  22. Steve Smith

    Co Regulator with good sensetivity

    It could be that the needle valve is damaged. If you over tighten it, it's possible to damage them. You could buy a separate needle valve (usually about £10 from Malaysia on ebay) and connect it after your regulator. You'd leave your regulator's needle valve open and use the new one for fine...
  23. Steve Smith

    [Product] New style dropcheker

    Linked to on the first page of this thread :)
  24. Steve Smith

    [Product] New style dropcheker

    I think that if you make sure that both the tank and the thermometre are dry when you hook it on you'll be OK :) Anyway, off topic now! :D Any idea when these will be on the market?
  25. Steve Smith

    [Product] New style dropcheker

    I think Paulo had a problem with one of his nanos. The glass managed to cause some sort of capillary action which syphoned out water slowly.
  26. Steve Smith

    [Product] New style dropcheker

    Looks very interesting :) It's nice to see some innovation going on. No idea on price? Cal-Aqua tends to be on the expensive side, but they are great quality.
  27. Steve Smith

    Inline diffusers??

    This is the one that's quite popular at the moment. Make sure you order the correct size :) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0377832421 The Boyu one looks pretty good too, but I'm about to order one of the above :)
  28. Steve Smith

    correct mixture ?

    I remember that you should use tepid water to aid with the yeast/sugar reaction. Not too warm though!
  29. Steve Smith

    correct mixture ?

    Theres a post somewhere with the DIY recipe. Can't seem to find it though. I thought it was a sticky post :|
  30. Steve Smith

    Will this reactor work

    Will their be enough oxygen for the bio media/bacteria if your sump is well sealed? Forgive my ignorance on that :) As for reactor, you seem very handy with DIY projects, so maybe building a DIY reactor would be the way forward? Ed Seeley has a write-up which could be customised to your needs...
  31. Steve Smith

    Y Splitter for CO2 Systems

    It actually depends on the length of CO2 tubing on either side also. The shorter side tends to get a higher pressure. I tried to split CO2 to two diffusers in my old 90cm tank and had this problem.
  32. Steve Smith

    Coca Cola

    I think using something like an alka-seltzer would cause the CO2 to be released way too fast :lol: I don't think a bottle of coke contains that much CO2 to be honest. Apparently there is 5 grams of CO2 per litre. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_co2_ ... le_of_Coke
  33. Steve Smith

    Y Splitter for CO2 Systems

    It won't matter what your source of CO2 is when using that as it'll have to come from your regulator anyway, and the pressure has already been reduced. If you want to split the CO2 I would advise using a needle valve on each split to regulate the pressure.
  34. Steve Smith

    Tygon tubing

    Nice find Tel. Will consider purchasing some if I need any.
  35. Steve Smith

    swapped to internal diffuser, assistance please

    Ah damn. Missed that part!
  36. Steve Smith

    swapped to internal diffuser, assistance please

    How's about a Daz's glass joint? They do several, such as this one: http://www.thegreenmachineaquatics.com/ ... %20Set%20J I have the above J pipe and it works fine :)
  37. Steve Smith

    Two Stage Regulators for Disposable Bottles?

    It's something I'm considering myself at the moment. I want a small bottle (500/600g) with either a disposable setup or refilable. I'm not sure which route is cheapest for me, though I'm thinking the refilable might be, as I have a few standard regulators already, and wouldn't have to buy a...
  38. Steve Smith

    lunapet solenoid sticking

    Something like an Air Duster might be cheaper. Usually £3 or £4 if you shop around :)
  39. Steve Smith

    which inexpensive check valve would you recommend?

    Depends how cheap really, but these are good quality, if not so cheap: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0392376421
  40. Steve Smith

    Nano tank and yeast CO2 . Difusor?

    Do you mean for a yeast setup? Theres several kits around, but a DIY setup is cheapest. Check this thread: viewtopic.php?f=37&t=7696
  41. Steve Smith

    Azoo CO2 Regulator Review

    Worth the money then? Not a bad combo, considering a reg would set you back anywhere up to £70 or so, and a solenoid could cost you £15 - £50!
  42. Steve Smith

    Metal diffusers

    That's sorta cool looking, especially if you had the full ADA stainless steel canister filter and lily pipes! Certainly less easy to brake too, compared to glass! Maybe ideal for George? :lol:
  43. Steve Smith

    ADA CO2 Advanced system - Non ADA CO2 cartridges?

    Just wondering if anyone knew if the ADA Advanced system can take non ADA bottles. I understand they are 74g bottles, but not sure about the screw fitment. It looks similar to things like Paintball canisters etc. Any thoughts?
  44. Steve Smith

    Aquamedic co2 equipment

    Aqua medic is a good brand, but I wouldn't bother with the reactor m personally. I'd go with either the reactor 1000 inline reactor, or glass diffuser :) I use an aqua medic regulator, it's not given me any problems as... yet :lol:
  45. Steve Smith

    reading gauges

    You don't necessarily need it, but it's good to know how much the pressure is being reduced. Some regulators have an adjuster so that you can control the low pressure side. I've never really figured out why to be honest. Someone will no ddoubt be able to tell you. I've always been told that...
  46. Steve Smith

    Inlet, outlet, shake-it-all-about-let - help fittin diffuser

    Generally diffusers/reactors are on the outlet, which is the return pipe that feeds water back into the tank :)
  47. Steve Smith

    Co2 Injection Rate

    No problems :) Just be cautious and watch your fish. If they seem to be hanging about or lethargic, consider backing it off. You may find you can increase it gradually over several days/a week and your fish become tolerant to the higher levels. It's also worth making sure you still have some...
  48. Steve Smith

    Co2 Injection Rate

    You'll find a lot of us are at the 2 or 3 bps, so 1 bps could be considered low. That being said, it's subjective really. All bubble counters are not made equal. Bubble size differs, and it's really just something to give you a guide.
  49. Steve Smith

    Dangerous pressures?

    It might be a limitation of your regulator? What reg is it? The pressure will be controlled by how fast you release it with your needle valve.
  50. Steve Smith

    Splitting CO2

    Yep, that'd be a good option but you'd still need the two needle valves (and some non-return valves to protect the needle valves from water damage).
  51. Steve Smith

    Splitting CO2

    I'd buy a decent Y splitter personally, but you might be fine with normal airline connectors, as long as they are one solid piece. If they have moving parts they'll probably leak. Not a problem if it's just air of course... Those needle valves should do fine too :)
  52. Steve Smith

    Boyu CO2 diffuser - so far so good...

    EX1200 is a 16mm/22mm hose. That's cool, I'm thinking of putting it onto an EX1200 :) Actually, I suspect it'll be a case of chopping off some of the hose tail, like you would with a UV light unit or something...
  53. Steve Smith

    Boyu CO2 diffuser - so far so good...

    Anyone remind me if these will fit 16mm hosing? I've been tempted by one since Zig was using one last year, but never gotten around to ordering one :roll: :)
  54. Steve Smith

    4dkh solution help

    It'd probably be the right thing. But if you were to buy, you want the API PH Low range test specifically.
  55. Steve Smith

    which diffuser should i use?

    Re: which dissuser should i use? I would say the one on the right looks a smidge bigger anyhow :)
  56. Steve Smith

    DIY yeast based system

    It's a standard amount :) Only alters if you're using different sized containers with your yeast mix in, but even then there is a certain amount of trial and error!
  57. Steve Smith

    Whats Going On

    Sounds like dodgy solution? Are you using 4dKH solution etc? Edit: Just saw your signature. Have you had your drop checker reading fine in the past? Anything changed?
  58. Steve Smith

    CO2 reactor issues

    A reactor is generally considered to be more efficient, so having to blast it in sounds like it's not doing it's job properly maybe? What reactor is it? It would be worth trying it on the outflow/return to tank side and see if it makes a difference. Reactors usually build up a bit of an air...
  59. Steve Smith

    New external CO2 diffusers

    Thinking of trying one myself, on one of my smaller tanks :)
  60. Steve Smith

    drop checker colour

    It should get darker as the level of CO2 drops, but bare in mind that plants "exhale" CO2 at night I believe. One of the more sciencey guys may be able to help you out more though :)
  61. Steve Smith

    New external CO2 diffusers

    Hey Amy. The first mixer type has been around a while. Not sure if many in the UK have tried it though. I seem to remember someone on the forums trying one and not being too impressed. I think it was difficult to get their filter primed again, as it would sort of air lock, from memory. It...
  62. Steve Smith

    Reccommended CO2 set

    Only major problem so far is that neither of my regulators fit the current FE I have. This is the first time I've had this though, and I think the FE I've got is a bit old. I've been through about 3 2kg bottles and 2 5kg bottles before getting to this one. Best thing is to find somewhere that...
  63. Steve Smith

    Reccommended CO2 set

    Well it kinda depends on budget but Dennerle do a reasonable set I believe, as do JBL (Pro Flora sets). To be honest they're a bit over priced. You could buy a Lunapet set from Germany (via eBay) which tend to be pretty good. With these you get the whole thing, including some sort of diffuser...
  64. Steve Smith

    end of tank disaster!

    Unlucky mate :( On the positive side, it's a chance to start again to an extent :)
  65. Steve Smith

    dennerle disposable co2 regulator

    You're probably wanting one of the thread converters on this page at AE: http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.p ... 94_196_199
  66. Steve Smith

    How many drops of 4KH and PH liquid

    I was always told (I think it's on the AE site) that 3 drops of PH low range (bromo blue) and 1.5ml of 4dKh is what should be used. I find that tends to get my drop checker a smidge over half full :)
  67. Steve Smith

    CO2 and Fish

    I can't really give you an answer, someone more experienced will hopefully read this and help, but it would be useful to have some more info :) What are your water stats? If your PH is already quite low that might not help. Also, algae might not be a lack of CO2, it might be more the...
  68. Steve Smith

    Needlewheel CO2 diffusion

    I gave it a try last year in a more DIY way. I tried using an internal power head with a diffuser beneath, and drilling small holes in the impellor blades to give the needle wheel effect. I think others tried it at the time. Mine was never very successfull :lol: With an additional pump...
  69. Steve Smith

    Thoughts on a co2 system for 50ltr

    Easy Life make a product called Easy Carbo and Seachem make a product called Flourish Excel. Both are bottles of liquid which have carbon in. They provide carbon to the plants instead of using CO2. Personally, if you can afford to go the CO2 route I would. That said, I use Easy Carbo on a 27...
  70. Steve Smith

    can you lie an extinguisher / co2 bottle flat

    JBL site with dimensions for CO2 500g: http://www.jbl.de/factmanager/frame_pag ... e=2&Id=150 "Overall dimensions: 43 cm x 6 cm (with JBL base 45 cm high)."
  71. Steve Smith

    can you lie an extinguisher / co2 bottle flat

    Fire Extinguishers should definately not be stored on their sides. They are a higher pressure than standard CO2 bottles, and I believe something to do with the way the gas is delivered from the cylinder means it's actually quite dangerous to do so.
  72. Steve Smith

    Drop Checker Test - 'Teardrop' versus 'Chameleon'

    How much water do you use andy? For reasons I can't remember, I use 1.5ml of 4dkh in my drop checker, which fills it about half way (as I believe it's supposed to be?)
  73. Steve Smith

    pressurised co2 newbie

    I'd check your connections Andy. It should last longer than that at roughly 2bps for 12hrs a day. Try spraying it with some slightly soapy water (washing up liquid) around the joints. If theres a leak, it should bubble up. Are you using CO2/pressure resistant air line?
  74. Steve Smith

    Rhynox 5000 Diffuser

    Yeah, my Rhinox 5000 did as sam described. Maybe I'll give it another chance some day, but I'm going to stick with the smaller ones for now :)
  75. Steve Smith

    Rhynox 5000 Diffuser

    The Rhinox 5000 is big. I bought one from AM, seeing as the price was so cheap! Unfortunately I think I got a bad one. It produces some fine mist, but some larger bubbles (not massive, but not very misty). I've stopped using it as it didn't seem to work too well. I think it was just a bad...
  76. Steve Smith

    Getting CO2 tubing onto hose-tails

    Yeah, CO2 tubing can be a real bugger to get onto larger hose tails. Good luck :| AquaEssentials carry a line of plastic hosetails and connectors which are pretty good. I have a Y adapter and a connection joint. I must admit, I still had to heat the ends of my particular hose up but I...
  77. Steve Smith

    Getting CO2 tubing onto hose-tails

    Depends on the tubing, but you might struggle. The best way is to heat the ends of the tubing. I tend to use a mug of boiling water, or sometimes use a lighter to heat the ends up for a second or two. Just be careful :)
  78. Steve Smith

    When do I need a new FE?

    Keep an eye on your pressure gauge. If you see it start to drop swap it out. Try and avoid a CO2 dump, though with a needle valve that shouldn't be a problem. 8 months is a good run!
  79. Steve Smith

    AquariumHK regulator help (Please!!!)

    As long as you use a fairly decent (ie, not cheap 99p plastic) one way valve, it should be OK.
  80. Steve Smith

    Reactor choise

    To be honest, they are cheap and pretty crappy. I have a small version without the black elbows. Dan Crawford sent it to me after it leaked everywhere for him. I sealed it up with silicone and it's not leaked in the 3 weeks I've been using it. As for diffusing, well. I find that the CO2...
  81. Steve Smith

    Achieving 30ppm - do I dare turn up the gas?

    Bare in mind that every tank is different. What works for one might not work for another. You've got to go by what your drop checker is telling you, and your plants and fish :) Also, are you sure you haven't got any leaks anywhere? Do you get a good mist of CO2 or just a few bubbles/large...
  82. Steve Smith

    Achieving 30ppm - do I dare turn up the gas?

    I would say up the CO2. Try 2bps and see how you get on. Your fish will soon tell you if theres a problem. The drop checker should respond within a few hours. If it doesn't it might be worth replacing the solution.
  83. Steve Smith

    JBL easy co2 kit???

    Well, if it's not a very old JBL kit (ie, within a year or so) and it's the set that you can put on the metal re-fillable cylinders (not the disposable ones) then I'd say go for it...
  84. Steve Smith

    JBL easy co2 kit???

    If you have the re-fillable 500g then yes, it should fit. I've read that older JBL regulators need a bit of fine tuning with fine wet or dry sand paper, but newer ones should be OK.
  85. Steve Smith

    Spirio III - Any good? Any other suggestions?

    I'm looking for a new diffuser at the moment. Can anyone tell me what their thoughts are on the Spirio range? I'm looking for something to go in my Rio 180. Any other suggestions?
  86. Steve Smith

    Fitted an inline diffuser tonight

    This is what I was thinking too. Eheim double taps would be expensive unless you can source second hand ones. Not sure what else you could use...
  87. Steve Smith

    What Diffuser

    I have a Rhinox 5000 on my Rio 180. I'm not sure it's doing a good job though. I think I got a dodgy one (from Malaysia) as the bubbles from one side of the ceramic are quite large. I'm looking to replace it at the moment.
  88. Steve Smith

    solenoid off ebay

    Lunapet are a good company. I bought my first regulator through them and had no probs, but most people here have bought something from them at some time or other.
  89. Steve Smith

    CO2 FE What to say when getting one?

    "I want a fire CO2 extinguisher please" should work ;) When I went to get one re-gassed I said it was for aquarium use, they just shrugged really.
  90. Steve Smith

    An alternative Co2 reactor

    We also know it will "enlighten" your wallet by a few notes too... :lol: It does look sexy though :)
  91. Steve Smith

    Spiro Diffuser

    Are you using it on a yeast system or pressurised? If yeast, maybe you're not getting enough pressure to force the CO2 through the diffuser?
  92. Steve Smith

    Spiro diffusers

    I have read in the past of people saying their Spiro's make a quiet squeaking sound. Never used one so couldn't comment personally.
  93. Steve Smith

    CO2 drop checkers & bromothymol blue

    It's the Hagen Low Range that has bromo blue: http://www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.p ... ucts_id=81 No idea about the API :|
  94. Steve Smith

    Leaking Regulator

    Good you got it sorted, shame you got no repsonse from Aquatic Magic :(
  95. Steve Smith

    Fixing a leaking seal

    As far as I know it should seal itself. I take it you've tried tightening it up? Might be defective. Dan had problems with a regulator from malaysia and had to have it swapped (after jumping through some hoops to prove it was faulty). Might be worth contacting the seller if you can't fix it?
  96. Steve Smith

    Cleaning a Ceramic Diffuser

    I also use this method. I've also read about someone that simply moves the diffuser to the top of the tank while doing a water change, and puts hydrogen peroxide onto the diffuser, similar to the bleach method fred describes, and then when the water change is complete he just moves the diffuser...
  97. Steve Smith

    CO2 Diffusion

    Venturi is a water current, like a whirlpool.
  98. Steve Smith

    Leaking Regulator

    Too high a pressure I think. If its new and its not just in need of tightening, email the seller asap for a replacement... If its from malaysia, I assume its AquaticMagic? I believe one of the UKAPS founders had some problems with one of their regs but got it replaced after several emails and...
  99. Steve Smith

    Leaking Regulator

    I would use a solution of a little washing up liquid and water and spray a little around the dial and joints to work out where the leak is comming from. The liquid will bubble up and you should see the leak! It may be that you just need to tighten the joint, it may be more serious (lets hope...
  100. Steve Smith

    Cleaning a Ceramic Diffuser

    Use some dechlorinator after bleaching it too :)
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