Betta and Oxy's

[clutter73]

I'm in the process of setting up a studio. I have two Betta's that I will run on N/G and want to hook-up to oxygen. Looking for the best setup for these two torches. Do I need several oxycons or one large oxygen generator? My husband and I will be using the Betta's. Probably not both at the same time, but I'm sure there will be occasions when we do use both. We're newbies so any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Kym]

I would go for 2 smaller than 1 larger, then you have some backup if one should need repairing..... Kim Binkster or Mr Smiley etc could answer this.

[clutter73]

Would that be two smaller per one Betta? I have a Puritan Bennett and one Airsep that I purchased used. I think they are both 5LPM machines. Would I hook those two up to one Betta and then get something else for the other Betta?

[Mr. Smiley]

A Betta runs great on two 5 LPM machines if they're putting out good oxy. Since you already have two, I'd find two more for the other torch. Run them two at a time and don't hook all four together. I run my units to a power strip, so it's still one switch. You can go with the M-5s from Unlimited Oxygen (317)831-5500 or look at Craigs list for something local or go with Kimberly's units... really when you're talking about a 5 LPM machine, you have a bunch of options. Look around and see where you get the best price and a warranty if you can. UO offers a 3 year warranty and so do others that rebuild. ;)

[clutter73]

Thanks! I have an e-mail into Jack at UO. I'm also interested in whether I can hook the two Betta's up to one oxygen generator such as a hurricane or tornado or possible put them each on a M-15. I can always get rid of the 5LPM oxygen concentrators. I just want my studio to be setup as efficient as possible. That way I won't have too many headaches later. Thanks so much for the input.

[Mr. Smiley]

Here's my reasoning for using smaller units in pairs... any concentrator you buy will eventually fail. Hey, it's got moving parts that all wear out. If you have two units, you aren't dead in the water when something goes wrong... hopefully with any unit you buy, that's years down the road. Also, medical units generally have two sieve beds. When they switch from one to another, they may breathe a little... some do more than others. My units don't, but by hooking two together, you will eliminate this possibility.

The Betta is designed to run on low pressure. You could go with an M-15 for each and spend about $1200, or you can go with two M-5s and spend about $600 (keeping the two you already have in the equation). You'll get 2 LPM more with the 5 LPM machines hooked together and your torch doesn't need the extra PSI anyway. ;)

[clutter73]

You da man! Thanks, that makes sense. I'll see you in October in Indiana.

[Reenie]

I have 2 bettas. The way it is set up for me is that if one torch is on....both oxycons run it but if I have someone over to play....both bettas use one of each and I don't even have to disassemble either oxycon. So you can set it up so that one will run on 2 yet 2 will run on the same 2 just by turning on the other torch.
It sure makes it alot easier this way. PM me and I can send a pic of the set up when you need it.

[Reenie]

Oh and BTW.....One 5lpm will run a betta. Two is great for doing Boro but even with one oxycon...you can melt it but hard to get the colors out with just one :-0

[Mr. Smiley]

You da man! Thanks, that makes sense. I'll see you in October in Indiana.

You're welcome... woohoo! ABR is going to be a BLAST! :D

[Kym]

I love my Betta. I am still trying to find a spot for stringer tho cause the Betta is so hot and I am not yet in the zone with it. This is the best torch so far for my oxy setup and now I can play with Boro too, easily.
Looking fwd to the cricket now as well. I hope it runs as well!

Kym