Best lab gas handling products according to redditors

40 gallons is going to be pushing on what you can accomplish with DIY, so I would avoid going that route, as you wont wind up happy.

As for what you will need, it is really very simple, but not particularly cheap. You need a CO2 tank, a regualtor, bubble counter, diffusor and gas line.

CO2. Go with a 5 or 10 lb tank. If you can find used even better as most places just swap tanks when you fill them, so you get your new shiny aluminum tank, bring it to get filled, they take it and give you a banged up used one back. A 5lb tank should last 3-4 months depending on how many bubbles per second you are pumping

Regulator with Bubble Counter and solenoid, the solenoid is what shuts off flow of CO2 at night, when plugged into a timer. Plants don't utilize CO2 at night, so continuing to pump it into the tank is just wasting gas. Keep it on the same cycle as your lights, or better yet, and hour behind, so it turns on and hour before the lights come on, and off an hour before the lights go off.

Diffuser, you can spend a little or a lot here. I dont really see the need to spend a ton with this part. You do want to see if the unit has a check valve though, and if not, you will need to add one between the bubble counter and diffuser to prevent a back siphoning.

Gas tubing very important you get tubing rated for CO2 gas. Do not use regular air line of the gas will eat right through it

Do you ever plan on doing 5 gallon batches? If you have the space it will be more cost effective to just go for a full size keging system. Mini kegs are going to cost you roughly what a new 5 gallon keg will.

That said if it's only a one-off thing you could use some 2 liter bottles and get yourself a co2 tank and regulator and a carbonation cap and force carb that way, it won't be on "tap" but it will be force carbonated.. and you can keep it carbonated if you leave the cap on and top off the bottle with co2 each time you pour from it.


If you have nothing then you'll need a regulator I have this one: (taprite t742hp primary double gauge co2 regulator, brass https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UZUJ22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_auBCDbBPZ3V0H)

A co2 tank, something like this: (5lb co2 tank- new aluminum cylinder with cga320 valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQQ3WWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BvBCDbXPB33KP)

Some 5/16 tubing l, and a ball lock gas disconnect like this (5/16" gas line assembly - ball lock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064OI77Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6wBCDbSWZWMNY)

And a carbonation cap like this : (stainless carbonation cap counter pressure bottle filling with 5/16" barb，co2 coupling to carbonate soda beer fruit juice water https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K4GGYT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BxBCDbK0V3J35)




I also have this regulator for my mobile mini keg set-up: Ultimate CO2 Regulator works with 5 types of CO2 tanks (0-50psi) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J9FKVD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nABCDbQWF87S3
It works great and I use it with a soda stream co2 tank which are a little pricey for how much co2 you get but they're convenient and available everywhere. This makes a nice compact system since you don't have the big regulator and big co2 tank.

fermwrap is my choice of heat. works great and keeps the whole chamber warm. I usually wrap it around the newest beer(along with the temp probe) and let the older beer ride!

As an aside, if you're already spending $130, you may want to consider spending the extra $20 and just having a pre-built one shipped to you.

You can easily pull off brew in a bag all grain brewing. Just buy a giant grain bag that fits around your kettle. This is the cheapest and most space-efficient method.

Alternatively, you can buy a 10g rubbermaid mash tun and drain into your boil kettle.

Ill second the list /u/asr provided, I have exactly the same stuff except for the co2 tank. I bought this 5 pounder for 42 bucks, it costs $10 to fill (for me). When I went to the beverage distributor to fill it they had the same tank, filled... for $40 bucks, lol.

This is what I use

Yeah there's a discount if you return the canister.

Or you could probably buy in bulk:

https://www.amazon.com/Tank-Aluminum-Cylinder-CGA320-Valve/dp/B00HQQ3WWE

https://www.amazon.com/External-CGA-320-System-Adapter-stainless/dp/B01GIL5EUU/

I wish Soda Stream them self just sold larger canisters so I don't need to change it out so often. Would be cheaper for them and for me too due to marginal cost scaling.

So here we go,

First off a Danby 4.4 Cu Ft fridge, something like this. I got this off of some one on craigslist for a $100. I tried to talk them down but some one had informed them that the fridge was valuable to home brewers.

The tap tower was purchased on amazon.

The line connections were also purchased there, since the ones that came on the tower were incorrect for the five gallon kegs.

The temperature controller was also purchased on amazon. Really amazon was my go to.

Here is the CO2 tank I anticipate buying. I haven't really picked out a regulator yet.

I've gone the DIY c02 route and it is just not worth it. You can buy a regulator and 5lb tank off amazon for like 120$ and that will set you up for a year. Then it's like 15$ per refill. You can dial the c02 to whatever level your tank needs. IMHO I'd get pressurized c02 just so I don't have to deal with algae problems.

The number of hours spent refilling soda bottles, growing yeast, cleaning, dealing with c02 swings and no precise control with very very little benefit to show for it. Easily cost more than 120$ in time, effort and supplies.

Tank

Regulator

I have a 5 gallon crock (likely similar to yours) that I've been running for a little while and love it. Consider having it professionally drilled by a tile installer or similar contractor (with a diamond hole cutting bit and a water cooling system), and installing a spigot like I did: https://www.reddit.com/r/Kombucha/comments/6ab9iw/added_a_spigot_on_my_stoneware_crock/
It will make your life SO much easier, whether you use the batch method or continuous.

Also, to make the 2F flavoring stage easier on this scale, consider flavoring in carboys or a similar container with an airlock that can release excess pressure. Then you can strain before the bottling stage and not have to strain when serving. I talked about the process a bit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Kombucha/comments/6ae9gw/natural_flavoring_test/dhfg9a7/

For a 5 gallon crock, you'll only need a 3 gallon carboy. Here's mine with fresh raspberries, puréed: http://imgur.com/RBemQ1n You usually lose 0.5-1gal of liquid to evaporation, and you need to leave about 0.5-1gal behind for starter for the next batch. You'll be able to harvest 3-4 gallons from your 1F in a 5 gallon crock. That is using the batch method. You can also try continuous, but your results will vary based on a myriad of factors.

Also, consider one of these to keep the temperature consistent, and higher than room temp... otherwise 5 gallons can be a slooow brew:
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Brewing-FE650-FermWrap-Heater/dp/B00ODSS3LI

Or make your own:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Kombucha/comments/68z0d1/diy_fermentation_heat_wraps_instructions/

Hope this helps!

I'm glad you said something because I wouldn't have known anything about this. I'm using a very small 5lb gas cylinder like this. Do you think Air Liquide would have any concern about this tank? I was planning on putting it in the back seat of my 4runner..

Ferts - http://greenleafaquariums.com
Co2 Regulator - http://aquaforestaquarium.com/collections/co2-systems/products/copy-of-archaea-co2-regulator-pro-dual-gauge-fits-cga-320
5lb Co2 tank - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HQQ3WWE/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3ONOLGNT00SR9. Co2 diffuser - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005MLTRR4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bubble counter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004GCPM6K/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Co2 Drop Checker - http://m.ebay.com/itm/New-Aquatic-CO2-Glass-Drop-Checker-PH-Momitor-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Test-CO2-Kit-/391351972319?varId=660586838351&txnId=650126189026 Co2 tubing and check valve - http://aquaforestaquarium.com/collections/co2-systems/products/pressure-proof-tube-parts-set
Co2 Drop Checker Solution - http://aquaforestaquarium.com/collections/co2-systems/products/ph-kit-ph-reagent-refill-for-drop-checker

That should be everything. I would look into EI dosing too. Especially if you're going with dry ferts. You'll have to find a place near you that can fill the Co2 tank. I get mine filled at Beer Depot. Any home brewery store will have the equipment necessary to refill a 5lb Co2 tank. Welding stores also refill Co2 tanks. If you're really luck, you may have an awesome LFS that refills tanks too. If I missed anything, or if you have any more questions, please let me know. =)

It's not thousands of dollars. Likely a few hundred IFF everything is broke. Likely nothing is broke and it just needs to be clicked back in.

See these are used as a safety measure.

They connect the hose to a smaller hose on the pumping station, and are designed to break away under between 100 and 200 lbs depending on the grade. Worst case scenario it's a fail away and not a break away. Though break away are MUCH more common.

A break away can reconnect safely, a fail away seals itself shut hard. Either way, at most it's ~$100 part.

For temp control, you want something like This to control your heating/cooling, and a Carboy Wrap to heat your FV up.

If you get a thermowell you can put the temp probe down in your fermentation vessel, rather than just taping it to the side - you'll get more accurate readings. Downside is you can't set up a proper 1" blowoff hose, and counter-intuitively the first few days of fermentation (When you really need a blowoff hose) are the most critical to temp control (Based on what I've read in other threads here)... Might work well if you get a 6.5 gallon carboy, and do 5 gallon batches in it, so you've got extra head space for all the krausen. You can also use some standard size siphon hose as a blowoff, it's just more prone to clogging than 1" hose.

Why would you go for a shitty paintball setup when you could have really high quality two-stage regulator for 15£≈20$ more, not includimg a CO2-cylinder?

Another option with only a single-stage regulator, this is prone to a end-of-tank-dump, but you can read the fillimg status on the second manometer

Simply get your CO2-cylinder locally. Or from Amazon

edit: To expand on this: Both setups paintball setups are bad. The pressure regulator that fits on a piantball-cylinder does not have a manometer to measure the pressure inside the bottle, so the end-of-tank-dump will likely happen, because you have no way to anticipate it.

IMO: Go for the dual-stage system. No worries about end-of-tank-dumps and a system that will last your whole life as aquarist.

Fluval sells this simple kit. It does get expensive replacing their specialized cartridges, but it's a good place to start if you're only ready to get your toes wet.

If you want to go bigger, it'll cost more upfront, but is cheaper to maintain.

Amazon Shopping list for CO2 under $200:

Cheap Regulator. There are better/nicer/higher quality ones out there. This one is cheap and okay.

Drop Checker

Diffuser

Check Valve

CO2 tubing

Thread tape

Adjustable wrench

5lb cylinder less than $15 to fill at gas supply store

I use Excel ( I actually buy it in bulk 10 gallons at a time and dilute it myself ) with my CO2 BUT I don't use it as a carbon but instead as an algaecide. The supplement is just a bonus. Polycytoglucolsomene (botched it, but that's what's in Excel) is a strong medical cleaner that's been diluted for the aquarium. It changes the DNA/RNA of algae to prevent replication. Some plants do not like this.

https://youtu.be/eIj67-zOrGk

Watch that video.


The co2 tank I use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQQ3WWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_dzYNsK4I2fzHX

Best source of CO2 is to bite the bullet and buy a pressurized system, buying the small paintball canister may run you more money in the long run compared to a higher tech. I got my tank off amazon and also my solenoid, the solenoid can be expensive but that was the one I got and I'm happy with looks and all.

Gas welding shops refill co2 tanks, for my 5lb tanks they cost just under $20 to fill. They may even sell co2 tanks there, youtube King DIY mentioned that in his planted tank series which soon he'll be covering DIY options for co2. Another alternative would be to buy liquid glutaraldehyde.

Yep, temp probe as close to the beer as possible and you're in good shape.

If you want to measure from the middle of the wort, you can use a thermowell, like this:

Eagle Brewing FE612 Stopper Thermowell https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODSS3Q8/

I haven't tested rigorously, but I'd assume it's at least SOMEWHAT more accurate.

PM me if you'd like mine. I got a new fermenter recently that has one built in, so you're welcome to my old one.

These are pretty popular, and cheap. The only time I didn't use mine I couldn't get my beer to go below 1.03

Below are most of parts that are needed for the kettle and electronics controller. I don't think I forgot anything. You would obviously need to be a little handy and have some tools like files, a drill, etc.

--

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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Item| Count | Cost | Link
---|---|----|----
Kettle - SS Brewtech 15 gal|1|$239.00|https://www.homebrewsupply.com/ss-brewtech-15-gallon-stainless-steel-kettle.html
Weldless 1.5" TC|1|$24.00|https://www.brewhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TC15WLF
Hole saw for 1.5" weldless TC|1|$19.00|https://www.brewhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=holesaw40
Pump|1|$94.99|https://www.brewhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Mark2SS
Tri-Clamp Fitting|1|$7.48|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073J5MHRP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1/2" bulkhead|1|$8.50|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IJI0TH4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1/2" Npt ball valve for pump|1|$12.99|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0734QDGZW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1/2" ID silocne tubing|1|$19.61|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074Q6QF9S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Spray Wort Aerator|1|$6.66|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ODSS5J8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
||||
Electronics|||
10x8x6 Wall Mount Box w/ 40A heatsink|1|$75.55|https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=616
RTD probe|1|$64.95|https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_15&products_id=767
High Amp Main Switch|1|$12.00|https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_32&products_id=586
120v 15A Socket|2|$1.95|https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=34&products_id=274
120v 10A Rocker Switch|2|$1.80|https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_32&products_id=435
Fuse holder (pack of 5)|1|$2.99|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQWXW9S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nema L6-30 socket 30A 240V|1|$12.39|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002NAT9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nema L14-30 Extension cord for main power|1|$56.00|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072F8P2SN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nema L6-30 Power cord for Element|1|$29.95|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07935M281/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
240v 5500W heating element|1|$60.00|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075KCJX8W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Inkbird PID temp Controller|1|$23.99|https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LQ8TPDC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are plenty of plastic ones out there, too.

Yeah, you're right. You want something that has more surface area than the opening of the spigot itself, otherwise it would likely get clogged. From experience, I have a steel braided tube, and have had no issues over many batches.

I would say go for the braided tube at first. They are generally pretty cheap. This one is only $20, but I think I got the exact same one for around $8. You may want to dig for some sales.

Define bulk?

I saw this but it's the US site. On the canadian site the same thing is conveniently priced at $1500+.

Try amazon, this one says they can ship to finland. Shipping would be ~30 bucks though. Might buy the whole assembly in that case.

Ball Lock and hose

Coupler and valve assembly

As for getting the tank filled, I would go to your nearest bar or restaurant that uses co2 for their soda/beer and just see who their vendor is.

I agree I linked an item from kind of a random website, but check out the Amazon value. Also check out What's Brewing Supply in Palatine, they filled mine for $12 or so.

some pro use these for shows when they don't have compressors

https://www.amazon.com/Kegco-I22-580-Nitrogen-Pressure-Aluminum/dp/B0037B3BLE/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2IXYSOPAOBSUI&keywords=high+pressure+air+tank&qid=1566535229&s=gateway&sprefix=high+pressure+air+t%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-10

hope that helped

I have a 5 lb. CO2 tank that sits on a small shelf in the back of my kegerator, with a regulator to dispense CO2 at 30PSI. The CO2 is attached to the corny keg using some 5/16" gas line and a ball-lock fitting.

The 40 ft. of beverage line is 3/16" (internal diameter) vinyl tubing that is coiled and wrapped with zipties to make sure it doesn't get tangled. Even though that sounds like a lot of line, there is only ~8 ounces of fluid in it when it is completely full. When the keg runs dry, I detach the CO2 and beverage lines, clean the keg, add about a liter of sanitized water (diluted starsan) to the keg, reattach the lines, and push the sanitized water through the beverage line. When the beverage line looks nice and clean (but still has the sanitized water in it), I can take it off and leave it in my kegerator until it's ready to use again. When I add another full keg, I just discard the first glass (which is half sanitized water and half sediment from the cold crash), and then I'm good to go.

Sorry to keep bugging you but does something like this seem like it would work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CO2-Regulator-aquarium-Two-Gauge-Solenoid-Magnetic-Valve-CGA320-US-thread-110V-/272333167283?hash=item3f68525ab3:g:YSEAAOSwyLlXprmJ

https://www.amazon.com/Tank--Aluminum-Cylinder-CGA320-Valve/dp/B00HQQ3WWE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1472673301&sr=8-7&keywords=5+lb+co2+tank (actually found it for 5 bucks cheaper here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQQ3WWE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3L3Q6EPZRMXO8)

That gets me to ~$110 for full setup as I realized I have a power head I can feed the co2 into for dispersal.

Thanks for your responses.

Yea I feel ya. I'm getting this co2 tank with this regulator

I wanted to get the 5lb cause it will last a long time and is only like $15 to refill at the welding supply near me. I hopefully won't have to upgrade until I get my 250g tank and ill be getting a 20lb for that one.

Ammosorb is useless. It's really only useful if you live next to a swamp or abattoir.

You really need to positively ID the NOx, and quantify how much.

A Draegar tube like this will work.

You also need to purchase a hand pump that fits the tubes. You can probably find a cheaper used hand pump on ebay.

Google the Draegar manual and it will explain how to use the pump, how to do the measurement and how to convert the reading into a concentration.