Top CO2 Regulators for Growing Cannabis: 2023 Reviews

co2 for cannabisAlong with sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important component to sustain cannabis life. Essentially, it is what the plants “breathe” as they use it to photosynthesize. Light fuels the process that combines CO2 and water to create all the necessary nutrients for a plant.

On average, our atmosphere holds about 350-500 PPM (parts per million) of CO2. However, plants (contrary to humans) can handle much higher PPM levels (about 1,500). Therefore, it is no wonder that many growers like to supplement the air inside their grow room with CO2 generator systems.

The necessity for such systems varies, depending on the environment of your grow room. For growers operating a marijuana grow room without proper ventilation, CO2 supplement kits are vital. Without them, the CO2 would be quickly depleted and the plants would suffocate. Others like to use it to give their harvest an extra edge.

In this article, we will look into the best CO2 grow room regulators.

Top 6 CO2 Regulators for Cannabis Growing

Product Image
Product Name
Features

GRO1 CO2 Grow Room Environment Regulator Flow Meter Solenoid

Brass Build, Solenoid Valve, 0-15 CFH Air Flow

SPL Co2 Regulator Emitter System with Solenoid Valve

Brass Build, Solenoid Valve, 0-15 CFH Air Flow

Pro CO2 Hydroponics Regulator Emitter System

Brass Build, Solenoid Valve, 0-15 CFH Air Flow

ProLabs CO2 Regulator w/ Solenoid Valve

Brass Build, Solenoid Valve, 0-15 CFH Air Flow

Titan Controls (CO2) Carbon Dioxide Regulator

Brass Build, Solenoid Valve, 0-15 CFH Air Flow

VIVOSUN Hydroponics CO2 Regulator Emitter System with Solenoid Valve

Brass Build, Solenoid Valve, 0-15 CFH Air Flow

There are ready-made all-in-one CO2 generator kits for grow rooms available on the market. However, as it is often the case in weed growing, the best route is to go custom and research the parts yourself. The CO2 regulator is especially important because you need to control exactly how much CO2 you are releasing to your plants. Too much or too little will kill them!

The products below are specially designed to help you use CO2 in a safe and efficient way that will aid your marijuana plants to produce rich flowers. Remember that before you invest in a CO2 kit for your indoor garden, you should make sure that it will actually aid your crop and not hinder its development.

The 6 Best CO2 Regulators for Hydroponic Cannabis

GRO1 CO2: Grow Room Environment Regulator Flow Meter Solenoid

The CO2 Grow Room Environment weed regulator is a best seller among people who want to provide CO2 in aquariums. However, it can also be used in weed grow rooms as well. This regulator features a sturdy solenoid valve and several presets. The flow meter has a range between 0.5 and 15CFH (cubic feet per hour).

This regulator will help you utilize your grow room’s CO2 generator to the fullest extent. The tube can be connected to a fan for optimal airflow. The company offers a 30-day money back guarantee and users get a one-year warranty with every purchase.

Included in the box you’ll find a 15′ black 1/4″ tubing, 2 whitewashers, a 6′ power cord(120V) and a manual with detailed instructions.

Features

  • Durable solenoid valve and brass build quality
  • 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year warranty
  • Easy to adjust and set up
  • Intuitive design and presets for easier use
  • The tube is customizable and can be connected to a fan to offer better flow

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SPL CO2 Regulator: Emitter System with a Solenoid Valve and Flow Meter (Made of High-Quality Brass)

The SPL CO2 Regulator Emitter system for weed grow rooms is made from high-quality brass. The company is rightfully proud of their product and it indeed looks and feels like it is made from superior quality material. The flow gauge fluctuates between 0.5 to 15 CFH and in terms of pressure, it is rated for 0 to 4000 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch).

Along with the actual CO2 regulator, you’ll find that your package also contains a 6′ power cord, connecting to a 110V socket, which might pose problems for US residents. Included in the package you also get a 10′ 1/4″ air hose to connect to your CO2 tank of your grow room.

Please note that there is a similar regulator for aquariums, however, this is designed especially for grow room CO2 supplement kits. The build quality is the highlight of this CO2 regulator, as it is designed exclusively from brass and features a solenoid valve, a flow gauge, and a precision regulator.

This regulator is specifically engineered for indoor weed crops, grow rooms and greenhouses to enhance carbon dioxide to the growing environment.

Features

  • Feet: 10 feet of 1/4″airline
  • 0 to 4000 PSI Gauge
  • The precision flow-gauge can release between 1/2 and 15 SCFH of CO2 per hour (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)
  • Allow you to maintain ideal CO2 levels for optimum growth
  • Highest-quality brass build with solenoid valve and precision regulator

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Pro CO2 Hydroponics Regulator Emitter System

Much like the SPL model we presented above, the PRO CO2 Hydroponics Regulator Emitter System is also a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. However, this is not the actual aquarium regulator. It is made of brass and it is designed specifically for increasing the CO2 PPM inside marijuana grow rooms.

The package comes with a 10′ 1/4″ air hose and a power cord that’s made for a 110V outlet. The unit is rated for usage between 0 to 4000 PSI and releases between 0.5 and 15CFH.

As you might have noticed, the Pro CO2 Regulator HRES01 is not that much different from what we’ve presented so far. The main difference is that this one does not have a solenoid valve and is made with slightly lower quality brass. However, it can still be a trustworthy and affordable regulator for your grow room’s CO2 generator setup.

Features

  • Feet: 10 feet of 1/4″airline
  • 0 to 4000 PSI Gauge
  • The precision flow-gauge can release between 1/2 and 15 SCFH of CO2 per hour (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)
  • Allow you to maintain ideal CO2 levels for optimum growth
  • Highest-quality brass build with solenoid valve and precision regulator

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ProLabs CO2 Regulator with Solenoid Valve

The ProLabs CO2 Regulator by ProGrowLabs does not deviate a lot from the other units we have presented so far. That means we are dealing with a standard-issue CO2 regulator for cannabis grow room generators that is compatible with 120V power outlets!

Similarly to the previous models, this regulator is rated for up to 4000 PSI and has a flow valve that distributes 0.5 to 15 CFH per hour. The downside with this product is that it doesn’t ship with an air hose. Although air hoses are readily available in hardware stores, the lack of one as a standard is definitely a con.

On the plus side, the build quality of this one is literally, forged-brass solid. The valve system is made from industrial electronic solenoid, and the body is manufactured from high-quality brass. There is also a nylon washer and a pressure meter. The ProLabs CO2 comes with a 4-year warranty from the manufacturer.

This CO2 regulator is suitable for marijuana grow rooms and can work with any monitor or CO2 controller system. Just be sure to connect all the components together and secure your CO2 tank firmly in place.

Features:

  • 4 years manufacturer warranty.
  • Distribution tubing not included.
  • 0 to 4000 PSI Gauge
  • The precision flow-gauge can release between 0.5 and 15 CFH of CO2 per hour (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)

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Titan Controls (CO2) Carbon Dioxide Regulator

Titan Controls is a company that specializes in manufacturing CO2 supplement kits and this shows. Their products are designed to work seamlessly with each other (Atlas monitor controllers, Apollo12 Timers, and others), and their CO2 regulator is designed to offer flexibility to you.

This unit can be connected with not one, but TWO CO2 tanks at the same time or in sequence, drastically increasing their lifespan.

Precision accuracy flow meter runs at a standard  0.5 to 15 CFH. Like all of the other regulators in this article, this one too features heavy-duty solenoid valve and a high-quality oil-less pressure gauge. Included in the pack you will find two plastic tank washers and 12ft ¼” CO2 air hose.

In terms of build quality, the Titan is made from rugged brass of the highest quality for increased durability. It is powered by a 6′ power cord at 120V. This regulator will perform at its peak when coupled with the CO2 Rain System (patented by Titan Controls) and its protected by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

  • Compatible with:
    • Titan Controls Atlas 1 CO2 Monitor/Controller
    • Atlas 2 CO2 Monitor/Controller
    • Apollo 12 Short Cycle Timer
    • Other 120 volt CO2 controllers or timers
  • Use with CO2 Rain System for best results!
  • Brass construction for long-lasting dependability and durability
  • Precision accuracy flow valve – from .5 to 15 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)
  • CO2 helps increase overall plant growth and vigor
  • Features heavy-duty solenoid
  • Includes 12′ of CO2 gas dispensing line
  • High-quality oil-less pressure gauge
  • Powered by 6′ – 120 volt grounded power cord
  • Two plastic tank washers included.
  • Growroom CO2 ‘dosing’ chart included
  • 1 Amp/120 Volts/60 Hz
  • 1 Year Warranty.

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VIVOSUN Hydroponics CO2 Regulator Emitter System with Solenoid Valve

VIVOSUN is a company best known for its hydroponic grow tents, but they do offer an option on CO2 regulators too. This unit is less expensive than the others, but it is similar in quality and design. It is made mostly of brass and has a solenoid valve.

The 1.58″ high-pressure flow gauge is precise and designed from a sturdy material that can work at 0-4000 PSI. The flow meter ranges from 0.5 to 15 CFH and the inlet connection is cga-320. Inside the package, you will also find a 10′ plastic air hose and a USA-standard power cord. The diameter of the hose tail is 4.2mm.

The VIVOSUN CO2 regulators need to be used with a CO2 controller in order to be used safely. You can attach the regulator to your tank ONLY if your tank is turned off. Check your monitor and never exceed 2500 PPM. Not only is it harmful to you, but it can damage your plants too.

VIVOSUN promises impressively increased yields and plant growth rates with this product, however, you should bear in mind that this will happen only if everything else in your hydroponic indoor garden is set correctly.

Features:

  • USA-standard plug
  • 10’ distribution tubing
  • Solenoid Valve
  • 0 to 4000 PSI Gauge
  • 5-15 CFH air flow
  • The precision flow-gauge can release between 0.5 and 15 CFH of CO2 per hour (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour)

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Essential Accessories For Your CO2 Regulator

CO2Meter RAD-0501 Monitor and Controller for Greenhouses

This one is not a regulator, but it is equally important to have if you want to use your CO2 supplement kit for your grow room safely. This little device senses how much CO2 in PPM is in your marijuana growing area and adjusts the flow accordingly.

Just mount it inside your grow room setup and plug both into an electrical socket and your regulator. This device is great for weed growers because the lights go off when the sensor detects absolute darkness around. This is especially important during flowering when plants need absolute darkness.

The controller is adjustable in 50PPM increments and can go all the way from 100 to 9950. Its design makes it resistant to water vapors and chemicals, as well as dust and temperature fluctuations. The device offers integrated reference measurements that will help you understand how to use CO2 for weed growth.

Cyl-Tec 20lb CO2 Tank

A shiny brand new CO2 regulator is not much use without a CO2 tank to regulate! Fortunately, CO2 tanks are also used in beer brewing and they are abundant on Amazon. They usually come in 20lb tanks.

This one is one of the most reliable, keeping the gas at a steady 1800 PSI. It features a handle for easier transportation and a brass cga-320 inlet on the valve, that is ready to be connected to a regulator. The whole unit weighs about 26lbs and is made from aluminum that is stainless and will not rust.

How to Pick the Perfect CO2 Regulator

CO2 generators have three parts: the CO2 regulator, the CO2 monitor controller, and the CO2 tank. The regulator dictates the release of the desired amount of CO2 from the tank, while the controller is used to schedule the time intervals.

You will not see dramatic difference performance-wise by choosing one CO2 regulator over the other. There are of course some important highlights that you should pay attention to, but your goal should be to understand the purpose and the function of a CO2 generator for your plants.

Get a CO2 Regulator Along with a Monitor

As you have seen so far, picking the perfect CO2 regulator is important for the proper flow of CO2 through your grow room. Carbon dioxide is toxic for humans and releasing too much could put your life under serious threat. The safest way to go is to spend the extra buck and get an autopilot CO2 controller that can measure the CO2 levels in your grow room.

Getting just a CO2 tank and a regulator will not give you any valuable insight as to how high the CO2 levels in your grow room are. Instead of simply guessing, it is worthwhile to get a CO2 controller unit and adjust accordingly. The one we presented above, for example, is one of the best on the market right now!

However, in the unlikely event you are on a budget and don’t want to spend much, you can use math to estimate the CO2 levels in your grow room.

First, check the CFH rating (cubic feet per hour) of your regulator and then measure the size of your grow tent in cubic feet. Then, you can do some simple calculations to measure the PPM levels inside your grow room. Please be advised that these calculations are not very trustworthy.

It is strongly recommended that you save up some and get a controller along with your CO2 equipment.

Check the CFH – Air Flow

The Cubic Feet per Hour of your regulator is simply how quickly your generator releases CO2 into your grow room. The CO2 regulator should enable you to adjust these levels adequately. All of the units we presented above have a CFH that ranges from 0.5 to 15 with no exception, as this is the industry standard. Anything less than that is sub-standard, and anything more is most ideal for commercial operations.

Check the PSI Rating

PSI stands for Pressure per Square inch and measures the pressure rating of your CO2 regulator and tank. The actual rating of a tank changes depending on the temperature of the surrounding environment. All of the regulators above can withstand up to 4.000 PSI, which is a safe point for any standard gas tank.

The PSI of a standard 20lb CO2 tank is about 800, although this number fluctuates a lot.

Know Your PPM Levels

The CO2 in our atmosphere is measured in PPM (parts per million). The normal concentration in outdoor ambient air ranges between 250 to 350.  The more this number rises, the more harmful CO2 becomes for humans. But this doesn’t mean that plants aren’t negatively affected by CO2.

We already pointed out that getting a CO2 monitor is important so you know exactly what the CO2 levels in your room are at any given time. 350 to 1000 is still fine for indoor environments, while anything from 1000 to 2000 will start to get noticeable by humans. Anything more is unhealthy both for plants and humans alike.

Alternative Options for Tight Budgets

If you are on a strict budget regarding CO2 supplements for your grow kit, you can always opt for a box of activated carbon dioxide. These boxes are made for mushroom grows but should be suitable for very small hydroponic grow rooms as well.

There is also a huge assortment of buckets and bags that do a similar job. Bear in mind, however, that nothing will ever come close to the results you will get with a CO2 generator kit. If you are serious about your weed growing, you should get a CO2 tank and a regulator.

The Bottom Line

All the CO2 regulators we have presented so far don’t differ from each other. They are all manufactured from brass, they have the same PSI rating and they all share the same solenoid valve design. The final choice really comes down to budget and personal preference.

OF course, there are differences between companies, mainly in terms of warranties and extras. Also, it should be pointed out that some of the regulators we listed above are compatible only with 110V electrical outlets. Our choice this time will be the Titan Controls (CO2) Carbon Dioxide Regulator.

For a start, the manufacturing company is much more professional regarding their products. This CO2 regulator is exactly as sturdy and functional as all of the ones presented alongside it, however, it takes the cake because of its dual-connection capabilities. It also comes with a high-quality gauge and instructions on how to use CO2 in weed grow rooms properly.

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