I just recently bought a couple of Sweetwater Air-stones to try the CO2 mist method. I have a few questions for those of you already using this method.

I will need a solenoid plumbed into my regulator for this right? Unless I want to shut the co2 on and off every morning and night that is…no thanks.

Does anyone know of where I could get a cheaper solenoid valve? I saw some on an aquatic website for like 60 bucks. I’m hoping I can get them cheaper than that, considering I’ve seen them with a regulator for 70ish…

When I set this up what should I set the pressure on the regulator to? I think I had to up it to 40 psi to get good micro-bubbles when I tested the stones.

Doesn’t running it at this high of pressure use more gas?

Sorry if some of these questions seem a bit basic..>I just want to make sure I'm getting things right.

Yes. You should use a solenoid and check valve.


Hydroponic places sell them, 25-40$, ebay also has very good deals and if you can use/add some brass adaptors, you can get something for 10$ or so.

Place the solenoid upline from the needle valves directly into the output side of the regulator.

Reg pressure should be 15psi or so, no need to have high pressure, limewood stones have low backpressure as do the SW stones. The needle valve steps down the pressure to 1-2psi.
High pressure does not use more gas, unless there is a leak.
The gas is controlled via the needle valve.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Aquabuys has one for $29.99.

-Russ