nathan Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 So I was looking around today at some Co2 injectors. I can't believe how much they cost. Ideally, I was wanting on that would connect to a paintball tank, but the only one I was able to find locally was $200. I currently have a Fluval pressurized kit and for now have just made something like that. I'll be adding a gauge and such later on if I need to. I figured there's got to be a cheaper way to go than to buy the $200 kit though. Here's my results... Tube to MIP elbow with Insert - $3.99 Compression needle valve - $5.19 1/4 X 20' Clear vinyl tubing - $5.19 Connector for paintball tank - $20.00 (From Prevost Paintball in Edmonton Alberta) Leatherman tool - $40 (Ok, I didn't really NEED this, but I WANTED it) The final product... Total cost for actual needed supplies - $34.37 Now I know there is no solenoid on here, I will be looking into adding one as well. Basically, I'm just re-creating the Fluval system to use a paintball tank instead of a $25 Co2 cartridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 If the paintball canister already has a gauge on it to know when it's getting low, I think you've got all that you need! Nicely done! :thumbs: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troni Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 excelent!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cgy_Betta_Guy Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Very nicely done DIY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprucegruve Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 awesome,i have never seen this method yet,good job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubr0ke Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 I would honestly suggest putting a regulator on that. If your needle valve or something else clogs for any reason you have a bomb under your tank.. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/general-planted-tank-discussion/155384-my-co2-line-exploded.html exact same setup as you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathan Posted December 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Thanks for the advice ubroke, I hadn't seen that. I'll be looking at getting a regulator before I use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubr0ke Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 no problem...check on ebay...they're cheap...under $20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisher Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 (edited) I would honestly suggest putting a regulator on that. If your needle valve or something else clogs for any reason you have a bomb under your tank.. I have a propensity to over-engineer... will an inline regulator (fixed orifice) work ubr0ke? I've only seen regulators for peumatic cylinders/tools. http://www.homedepot...e-1-4-in/902681 Having a gauged air regulator (placed between your needle valve and tank) will tell you what your regulated pressure is nathan. A different purpose than having a gauge on your tank (though useful too!). If an inline regulator isn't adequate, then add a pr of tube to 1/4" NPT (or 1/8 NPT). Edited December 15, 2011 by Fisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathan Posted December 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 (edited) ok so I've tossed away all the supplies I had prior and have gone with a different method. Here's the pics. The old hose had a burst pressure of around 300 PSI, the new hose is around 700 PSI. I've added a regulator ($20 at Princess auto, God I LOVE that store), and I'll be adding a needle valve somewhere before the tank. I've got the hose attached to a brass barb without a clamp so that if the needle valve fails or gets blocked, it SHOULD pop the hose off the barb rather than blow the hose. Edited December 16, 2011 by nathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprucegruve Posted December 16, 2011 Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 its just my opinion but i really dont like products from princess auto. hopefully the regulator works for you longterm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathan Posted December 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 Does anyone know what pressure I'm looking at with this? I want to put a purge valve in, but I need to know what one to buy. The highest I've found so far is about 120 PSI. Anyone think that will be ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubr0ke Posted December 16, 2011 Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 co2 tanks are 900-1200 psi... honestly not to kill your momentum but I could help you piece together a 2 stage high purity gas regulator, solenoid, and decent needle valve. for 120 bucks...thats a lab quality setup with no worries.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisher Posted December 16, 2011 Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 (edited) a 2 stage high purity gas regulator, solenoid, and decent needle valve. for 120 bucks...thats a lab quality setup with no worries.. Poor quality line components (and applying teflon tape below pipe threads) can throw debris into your air circuit and cause the problem you're trying to avoid by adding a regulator in the first place nathan. A 20oz paintball tank will produce an fairly impressive sneeze compared to a 20g or 80g CO2 cartridge. Edited December 16, 2011 by Fisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathan Posted December 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 I was trying to do this cheap since my Co2 just ran out and I'm expecting a child any time between right no wand next Thursday. It's not in the budget right now to spend that much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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