CO2 Regulator Problem(s)...?

So, I finally have my injected co2 system all set up! (Yay!) . . . actually, it's been running for about a month though, I just haven't had the time to make this post.

With that being said, I'm pretty happy with how the co2 is working and all that, however, it seems like I've run into a little problem with my regulator (more so on the solenoid). I have a Milwuakee MA957 co2 Regulator.

Here's what's going on.

I think something may be wrong with my solenoid. As it doesn't turn off when it needs to.
I had it connected to a timer that also controlled my lights at the same time. I've read that people who have done this, have also had the same problem with the solenoid getting "stuck" in the on position, even after the timer has cut off all the electricity. I have also read that people with the same regulator as me have mentioned that they read something in the instructions, that you shouldn't plug the solenoid in with the same circuit/timer as the lights, for whatever reason.

So, I tried getting a different timer, thinking that, that should alleviate the problem with the solenoid not turning off. I tested the timer and forced it to turn off by manipulating the timer so that it turned on and off, and that seemed to work and made the solenoid turn off when it was supposed to. So I figured, "yay, it's fixed!" That didn't work, and the solenoid was still stuck. After the timer turned off on its own! Arg.

I went and unplugged the solenoid from the timer, and plugged it into a regular outlet, and that seemed to make the solenoid work the way it's supposed to. So what's baffling me right now, is why in the world is the solenoid NOT working when I have it on a timer? Is there something wrong with my solenoid? Or do I have to just live with manually plugging and unplugging the solenoid everyday (kinda defeats the purpose of having a solenoid if I still have to turn it off manually. I might as well just have a regulator that doesn't have a solenoid and just shut off the gas with the needle valve every night.)
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Perhaps the timer dosent carry the appropriate amps to run the silnoid properly. I would research the timer you are using, possibly invest in a more industrial (heavy duty) timer. Also, silnoids usually have a thingy in the back that can be unscrewed. If this is to tight it may make the silnoid 'stick'. If the thingy is to loose the silnoid can make a rattling noice.

IDK, this is an educated guess. Hopefully others will chime in.
 
I did read something about the solenoid having some sort of adjustable thingy, which... to be honest, have NO IDEA what they're talking about. LOL... I might have to take off the regulator on a day that I have time to do so.

As for the timer, I've tried two different timers, and it seems to not work on either timer. So, yeah... maybe I do need to invest in a heavy duty timer, unfortunately, I don't know what would be considered a good timer. I'm just using those $10-15 "appliance" timers that have the three holes for plugs that have three prongs (grounded).

What kind of timer(s) do you use on your co2 system(s)?
 

Cory

Administrator
Staff member
While researching regulators for the shop to carry this week. I was reading that the leading problem with the milwaukee regs was the solenoid problem. Lots of people had problems when the power went out, the solenoid would be stuck open and not close. Making for a very bad situation when the power goes out and you can't see co2 still going into the tank and no filtration going.

That being said, it makes me think there is something weird with voltage or something with those solenoids.
 
It seems like the ma957 regulators just aren't good... you're better off buying a better brand, than this. Perhaps when I decide to replace it, I will go with a better brand. Still not sure what other brands are good out there, since I've never really dabbled into co2 that much before.

I've heard some iffy things about the Milwaukee regulators having the same problem with the solenoids failing, with a mix of results, anywhere from "failed" timers, and power outages. Which is really odd.

Going back to my first post, I'd also like to add that when I test the solenoid by plugging and unplugging it in an electrical socket, it works just fine. I can hear the solenoid clicking and I can see the bubbles in the bubble counter when it's plugged in, and lack of bubbles in the bubble counter when I unplug the solenoid from the outlet.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
My timers are super cheep. They are the $5 ones in the bulk bins at Home depot. <not helping. But my silnoid is a little guy not operating with heavy amps. If your silnoid is an old bugger with a big o 3 prong cord and you plug it into a cheep small timer it may , it just may mess with the operation of the silnoid by not opening up the silnoid all the way during operation. In turn, during the release of the electromagnet with a partially open valve may have not driven the needle down hard enough to seal the old a$$ regulator shut.

When you plug it into the wall the silnoid is getting full power opening up the needle inside all the way. Upon release (unplug) the full power of the spring is released and the valve sealed properly. This is the 'clicking noise' you hear.

Did that make any since? o_O
 
No. No it did not. :(
Probably because I'm half awake. LOL... I'll have to re-read this again in the morning.
Hahahaha.... thanks for troubleshooting and helping me on with this though!
 

Nick_87

New Member
Interesting. I can't quite put a finger on what's going on there but if u need some help with it I could check it out for ya. Have you tried testing the power from the wall and the timer with a meter to see if there is any change? I know I have some old spare parts off my old setup with the same solenoid that eventually just died on me if any of them may help.
 

Cory

Administrator
Staff member
worst case scenario you can go oldschool and just leave co2 on 24/7 and have an air stone turn on at night when the lights go out.
 

tazeat

New Member
You can usually quite easily replace just the solenoid too... Burkert makes decent ones, search around though, plenty work.
 
So, I've re-read the posts since I was last here, and yes... I'm totally at a loss with how this solenoid is acting up! I've yet to do more deductive tests, so... I guess stay tuned...?

Thanks for all the help, everyone! :)
 

dleblanc

New Member
I run the 'carbon doser' setup from aquariumplants.com, and have a pH controller. It is not cheap, but you buy it, set it up, and other than having to recalibrate the pH controller once in a while, it is not a hassle.
 

tazeat

New Member
My larger regulator I put the burkert 6011 given it's notoriety on other websites (specifically barrreport they seem to love them over there), but the cheap ones on ebay seem to have dried up at the moment.

Stumbled across these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fastek-USA-Sole ... 1173429833

Very similar specs, 6W and you can get it in several voltages... would be interested to try, the price is sure right.
 
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