@$#@ing Clippard Solenoids

[sns26]

For anyone who uses a clippard solenoid and has experienced excessive CO2 usage, your stupid solenoid is probably the culprit. My first one started leaking a year or so ago, and now the replacement is gonzo too. Anyone have a recommendation for something bombproof?

[Aaron]

Yeah, a Burkert 6011. Much more reliable, albeit pricier too, but it will last a long time.
http://www.aquariumplants.com/product_p/sol.htm

The Clippard Mouse series are really nice too, but you need a manifold to run 1/8" NPT connections.

[sns26]

The Burkert was my assumption, but people are now also using various formulations of SMC solenoids. They are about half the price and people seem just as happy with them as the Burkert. I'm going to buy one and see what I think.

Meanwhile, as the plants starve of CO2, the BBA searches for a toehold.

[Aaron]

Yeah, the SMC ones are nice too I hear, though not as easy to find IME. Let us know which one you choose and where you get it.

Meanwhile, turn CO2 on 24/7. It won't hurt any fish.

[sns26]

Yeah, the SMC ones are nice too I hear, though not as easy to find IME. Let us know which one you choose and where you get it.

Not hard to find, as it turns out. I ordered online on Monday through SMCpneumatics.com, and got the shipment today (Thursday). I ordered two valves, one 12v and the other 110v. Picture attached (the 110v one is on the right). Not sure which I'll use, but I'll keep the other in reserve. 110v is easier (no power supply necessary) but there's no way to ground it. I suppose I should be nervous, but my Clippard wasn't grounded either.

In case the picture is hard to see, model numbers are VDW22NZ1B (12v) and VDW21-6F-1-01N (110v).

Each was about $25 and shipping was another $14.

[Aaron]

What kind of wattage do those draw? That's the big issue with our application is finding ones that draw really low wattage. The Clippards fail because they run too hot. In fairness they are not really designed to be run for several hours at a time like we do.

[sns26]

From what I can tell secondhand off plantedtank, 3W.

[sns26]

So far so good with the SMC solenoids. I wired this puppy up and it's been working beautifully.

[Aaron]

Still going strong? How hot does it run?

I have a 24 volt Burkert 6011 on one setup and it still runs pretty hot. I have Clippard Mouse EV-2M-12 on another setup and it's absolutely cool to the touch. Both work well though.

[sns26]

Mine runs hot too.