What is the best; most cost effective and safest CO2 set up in South Africa? I'm looking to obtain something that does not give me too much hassles with cylinder refilling. Is it worth it to buy imported CO2 equipment from pet shops? Or is it better to use localy available CO2 cylinders?
When it comes to cylinders, your safest bet is to buy a CO2 fire extinguisher locally from a reputable fire service company and having it converted. (Look at the sticky threads in my signature below.) This way you know it complies to local standards and abide by SABS and SANAS regulation.
I'm going through the same process so I'm happy to share what I have gleaned so far. Saw this regulator on Ebay for R338.00 including shipping. Seems quite cheap, even for China, am I missing something here? Also it looks like you could get a 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher cylinder for R600.00 from Builders Warehouse. I'm in contact with someone who has serviced second hand cylinders just waiting for a price. Granted these do not have wheel valves but I hope to get the second hand supplier to consider fitting these. I keep you informed.
Its pretty damn hard to control the amount of CO2 with the one I have. The difference between 1 bpm and 10 is the tiniest of movement on the control knob. If I ever have to buy one again that is something I'll definitely be checking for. So if you are looking at them I'd advise seeing if you can test that or at least hear from others how easy it is to use.
These seem to be marketed a lot on Aussie Aquaria forums, I have seen no negative comments yet. Tempted to take a chance at that price...
Seems the needle valves on these are problematic, but then that's the case with most such cheapies from other brands too.
My one is a pain but it works. I have to set it with my nail to try make the smallest rotation. Once it's set though it does not need to change until the bottle starts getting empty So it's frustrating, but it's doable. And if the cost is the difference between getting an irritating one or nothing at all.... Then I know what I would do.
Fire extinguisher for sale in JHB.... https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-other-h...re-extinguisher-co2/1001831328010910253637009
