Sorry I'm sure this question been asked a million times but I finally came up with enough money for a pressurized co2 set-up and was wondering where are the best sites to get this stuff that people have good feed back on. I will be using on more than 1 tank also, so am I correct in thinking I need 1 bottle (can get this localy), 1 regulator, and 2 needle valves, I have syring bubble counters already are these sufient I hope if not oh well.
I think Rex has said that AquariumPlants copied some of his equipment choices. It looks like they use the same regulator and check valve, but they're using a different solenoid. AquariumPlants is using a Clippard needle valve, and I'm not clear whether Rex still includes Clippards with his regs. He doesn't sell them separately anymore except by special order. Instead he sells Fabcos and Swageloks, which are better.
The fabco are about the best for $ I'd say, easy to add also to an existing system.
John F. from SF wrote this recently:
I compared the STC CV1/4N1/8 ($6.67), the Clippard MNV-4K2
($11.23+shipping) and the Fabco FC-55 ($27.00 from Dave, by
comparison
a local distributor wanted $37.40 for the same one)
Sp the Fabco is 2.8X more sensitive than the Clippard.
The Clippard will get the job done, but skimping on the CO2 is never a wise choice.
The STC is much better and as good as any ADA needle valve. A supply surplus place sells them for peanuts here in CA, but I do not use them.