Paintball CO2 bottle for calcium reactor?

[The R/C Man]

Hey everyone!

I just bought a used reactor that I will be setting up on my 25gal reef. Adding calcium every day is getting old. Anyway, for the small size of the tank I figured I could get away with a small 20oz bottle used for paintball guns. Has anyone done this? If so what kind of problems will I run into adapting the bottle to a regulator? Thanks!!!

 

[wooddood]

i've never heard of anyone using that small of container buy i think it will work but i would try and get at least 5 lb tank. good luck.

 

[The R/C Man]

Hey wooddood!

I posted this on RC in the DIY forum also. I found a guy who has done it. He didn't really mention much about the size of the container. We are more concerned about the fitting issues. About the size, one of my buddies runs a five pound bottle on his 90gal and it lasts 9 months I believe. Since a paintball bottle holds twice the psi, wouldn't that stretch out the time for the bottle? I was hoping for 4-6 months out of 1 1/2lbs. What do you think?

Oh, I need to supply calcium for my 25gal reef. It should be a much smaller load than my friends 90gal correct.....

 

[iamjosh]

Greg -

Keep us posted on the progress of this DIY project, I'll probly be intrested in short order.

 

[wooddood]

i say give it a try who knows it may become the way to go, stranger things have happened lol. and on that size tank it may work just fine. let us know how it all works out. good luck.

 

[acropora]

I would not think that the small co2 cartridge would be worth your time. A 5lb co2 tank would last you a very long time on a small calcium reactor. However on a tank that size a nilson reactor for kalk additioins or the two part additives will work just fine. I have had good results with the two part additives. They can be expensive to use on a larger tank,but on a 25 gallon tank they are ideal.They will easily keep your calcium and Alk levels high.

 

[iamjosh]

Greg -

Ok so I looked @ the profile... U own a small biz.. any chance its an RC hobby shop?

 

[The R/C Man]

Yap it sure is!

Been in the hobby for about18yrs now and have had the business 4yrs..... Let me know if you need anything....

 

[The R/C Man]

Hey guys!

Well I think I am abandening this project. I found a web site where I can get the 5 lb bottle, regulator, solenoid, buble counter, and a needle valve for under $150..... It will save me the trouble of scrounging for parts. Anyway, thanks for the inputs and here is the link to the page I was refering to. http://www.co2-canisters.com/

 

[iamjosh]

Where is your shop located?

 

[The R/C Man]

On the base.. I set up as a consession. I also attend the local rocket launches. There is one this weekend the 9th..... Send me a PM and I'll give you my number...

 

[wooddood]

i just looked at the link and i dont think it includes the co2 tank, unless i missed something.

 

[The R/C Man]

That was the total in my shopping basket....

 

[wooddood]

great then good job.