I need help and hoping the community can give some guidance as I am not a DIY person. My CO2 leaked out overnight, took off regulator and realised the original plastic washer that connects the regulator to the CO2 cylindert was completely shredded it lasted 2 refills. I refilled and got another plastic washer, however it does not seem to fit correctly, the opening at the centre is not large enough so it partially covers the opening. When connecting the regulator to the CO2 cylinder the CO2 leaks from the cylinder valve and pressure relief valve on the cylinder, no CO2 seems to flow into the regulator as there is no leak at the regulator, it all leaks from the cylinder valve. If I remove the regulator aAthens open the CO2 it flows out of the cylinder with no problems. The problem should be the washer between regulator and CO2 cylinder as it's the only element that has changed but I'm not sure. I took my regulator to Novaa to try and source a correctly sized plastic washer however they onmostly have the standard size previously supplied. I've tried a nylon washer and even an o-ring but neither helped. I'm completely at a loss. I doubt it's the regulator, AquaLabs single stage, it was working perfectly until shredding the washer, which I think was my fault from over tightening. Any guidance you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks
Definitely sounds like you over tightened. The nylon washers generally last quite a few refills and can generally just be flipped over and go another few rounds. Have you asked Richard (Betterweather) if he has replacement washers? Aqualabs do sell the specific ones for this regulator, so he should stock it. Just a side note, you should not put plumbers tape on the cylinder valve thread where reg connector nut screws onto, as this too can cause issues. The seal happens head to head, that's why you use the specific washer between connector nut & stem assembly and the cylinder valve outlet.
Thanks for feedback RC, Richard does not stock these. Any idea who else may have these AquaLabs washers? Valve thread point noted
Do you still have the original? You may be able to have one or a couple made up. Or try organise a group buy on forum for stuff from Aqualabs and get it all couriered.
No, the original was literally shredded in pieces, will have a look online For now my plants are slowly dying Thanks
Looks like you have one of those terrible Safequip valves, lots of warning on the forum about them, if so throw it away ! Nova are quite outspoken about them and turfed the product a couple of years back.. http://www.apsa.co.za/xenforo/posts/95024/ Your plants should not die, they will just take a back seat for a while.. CO2 bottles often end and it takes me some time to catch on..
That was a while back, haven't heard of any issues with the new batch of valves. But, yeah, the turn valves from Nova Marine are definitely better quality and also a fair amount more pricey.
@shihr, can't you help out the man with an o-ring from one of your kit until you get your stock in again.
Yes, the new Nova valves are much better quality and not surprisingly at least double the cost, but worth it..