Bubble counter and check valve question

[yoshi3k]

I just set up my co2 system and ordered a regulator, metering valve, and bubble counter/check valve. The check valve/bubble counter seems to need a lot of pressure to push a bubble through, is this normal for this type of set up?

[Bettatail]

what is "a lot of pressure"?

and make sure there is no leak on the connections.

[yoshi3k]

I have my regulator set to 20 psi then fine tune it with my metering valve. If it was any less than 20 psi no bubble would go through even if the metering valve is all the way open. When I adjust the metering valve it takes about a minutes for the built up pressure between metering valve and bubble counter to show a change. I checked for leaks and there were none.

[inkslinger]

I've had mine set as low as 10psi to as high as 45psi over the years with no problems , But would not trust that check valve that's built in , I have a check valve before and after my bubble counter just to be safe.

[Bettatail]

what diffuser you use? the back pressure may be at around 20psi, see it you can up the regulator output pressure.
some regulators are 15 psi max output with 30psi LP gauge reading, you can only use these systems with regular ceramic diffusers or co2 reactors, can't use with atomizer type diffuser because the atomizer diffuser back pressure is around 25psi(when bubbling) and initial cracking pressure is around 30psi.

[yoshi3k]

The regulator I am using is Taprite Dual Guage T742HP-02. I am using a co2 reactor I made

[jan db]

What size PVC did you use for that reactor?

[yoshi3k]

It's actually acrylic pipe and I think it was 1 1/4" and about 10" long

[inkslinger]

How big is your tank? You could try 2" or 3" x 12" or even a 24" and enter from top and exit the bottom.

[yoshi3k]

It's only a 20 gallon with a fluval 206. I am going to be setting up a 90 gallon I got in the next couple of months. With the set up I have now when I turn on the pump I have a hard time getting the reactor to fill up with water even with a bleeder line at the top. The reactor is directly above the filter intake. With a 2" or 3" diameter will it be harder to fill? Is there an way around this?

[herns]

Originally Posted by yoshi3k

I just set up my co2 system and ordered a regulator, metering valve, and bubble counter/check valve. The check valve/bubble counter seems to need a lot of pressure to push a bubble through, is this normal for this type of set up?

Attachment 56846

Your Parker seems to be connected to a PVC tubing. This maybe the cause of less pressure.

[inkslinger]

Originally Posted by yoshi3k

It's only a 20 gallon with a fluval 206. I am going to be setting up a 90 gallon I got in the next couple of months. With the set up I have now when I turn on the pump I have a hard time getting the reactor to fill up with water even with a bleeder line at the top. The reactor is directly above the filter intake. With a 2" or 3" diameter will it be harder to fill? Is there an way around this?

A 2" x 12" should work for you but need to be at return back to the tank not at the intake , and it flows in at the top of the reactor and out the bottom to the tank. I've use a 2x12 with a mag 5 but I added mini bio balls to break up the flow and co2 and it always stayed full for my 55g tank only draw back you lose a little bit of flow with the bio balls inside. And like Herns said you might need co2 hose line .

[FlyingHellFish]

Try it without the elbow connector. Have it straight, just try it.