Wyin Aqua Mini CO2 Cartridge Regulator (16g)

A pre-assembled mini regulator, sized for small planted setups

Most CO₂ regulators are built for big tanks. This one isn't. The Wyin Aqua Mini Regulator is purpose-built for desktop aquascapers, nano cubes, paludariums and planted vivariums where a large cylinder simply won't fit, or isn't worth the cost.

What ships in the box is the integrated regulator unit: pressure gauge, needle valve, 12V solenoid, bubble counter with integrated check valve, protective sleeve, and weighted base. All gunmetal-finished, all ready to thread onto a disposable CO₂ cartridge. The hardware side of the setup is sorted in one purchase.

To get it running, you'll also need a 16g CO₂ cartridge, a length of 4/6mm tubing, a diffuser, and a 24-hour timer or smart plug. We stock all of these - see "What you'll need to complete the setup" below, or use our CO₂ System Builder to put a compatible kit together in one click.

Why it works for small setups

• Designed for 5–40L (1.3–10 gal) planted setups. Anything bigger and you'll burn through cartridges too quickly to be cost-effective. For larger tanks, see our refillable 3.5kg and 5kg cylinders.
• All-in-one freestanding design. The weighted conical base lets it stand anywhere — no clamp, stand or wall mount required.
• Solenoid and bubble counter built in. Plug into a 24-hour timer or smart plug to switch CO₂ on with your lights and off at night.
• Cartridge stays out of sight. The protective gunmetal sleeve covers it entirely, so the unit reads as a proper miniature pressurised cylinder rather than a bare cartridge with hardware bolted on.
• No commitment. Try pressurised CO₂ without buying a full-size refillable cylinder. If you upgrade later, your diffuser, tubing and drop checker carry over.
• No refill logistics. Disposable cartridges ship with our other dry goods. No more hunting down a CO₂ refill station.

What's on the unit

• High-precision pressure gauge for at-a-glance cartridge monitoring.
• Brass needle valve with knurled control knob for fine bubble-rate adjustment. Small movements give real control, not on/off.
• 12V DC solenoid valve for automated day/night cycling.
• Glass bubble counter with integrated check valve. Confirms injection rate visually and prevents water back-siphoning into the regulator.
• Push-fit quick-plug fittings throughout. No threading, no Teflon tape.
• Gunmetal anodised aluminium body with chrome accents.

What it's good for

Nano and desktop aquariums (5–40L). The classic use case. Stable pressurised CO₂ for high-tech nano scapes, dwarf carpet tanks, shrimp planted tanks and Iwagumi setups.

Paludariums. Inject CO₂ into the aquatic portion exactly as you would an aquarium. Emergent plants above the waterline benefit too, since CO₂ is denser than air and tends to pool around the water surface where mosses, riparian plants and Bucephalandra growing emersed will pick it up.

Planted vivariums and terrariums (plants only). CO₂ enrichment significantly accelerates growth in mosses, ferns, orchids, carnivorous plants and tropical understory species. The built-in solenoid is particularly useful here - set a short timed CO₂ burst during peak lighting hours rather than running it continuously.

Emersed grow-out trays. If you're propagating tissue culture plants emersed before transferring to a display tank, CO₂ enrichment dramatically improves growth rate and root development.

Compatible cartridges

The 3/8"-24 UNF threaded inlet accepts standard disposable threaded CO₂ cartridges:

• 16g – ideal for small setups

We stock food-grade 16g cartridges as the standard refill. Find them in the CO₂ Cylinders collection.

What's in the box

• 1× Mini CO₂ regulator head with pressure gauge, needle valve and quick-plug output
• 1× Cartridge protection sleeve
• 1× Conical weighted base
• 1× 12V DC solenoid valve with integrated glass bubble counter and check valve
• 1× 12V DC power adapter for the solenoid

What you'll need to complete the setup

This regulator is the hardware. To actually inject CO₂ into your tank you'll also need:

• A 16g food-grade CO₂ cartridge — the gas itself
• 4mm CO₂-rated tubing — to run from the regulator to your diffuser
• A CO₂ diffuser — ceramic for aquariums, or a misting nozzle / open-line outlet for vivariums
• A drop checker with 4dKH solution — strongly recommended for any setup with fish, shrimp or amphibians
• A 24-hour timer or smart plug — to schedule CO₂ on/off with your lighting

Not sure what's compatible? Try our CO₂ System Builder. Answer a few quick questions about your setup and we'll put together a fully compatible nano CO₂ kit ready to add to cart.