[Smeagol]

Does the water in the bubble counter evaporate? Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems like mine is a little bit lower than when I filled it a couple weeks ago? If I need to add water, what's the best procedure? Is there anything I need to be aware of before I unscrew the top of the bubble counter?

(I use water per GLA's instructions not to use fluid in conjunction with their Atomic diffusers.)

 

[shift]

It can slowly. Just use mineral oil and you won't have to worry about evaporation

 

[OVT]

Is it evaporation or is co2 pushing the water out?

v3

 

[shift]

I would think evap since there is an air spot on top for any bubble splash to be contained. Unless of source you filled it to the top!

 

[Smeagol]

It can slowly. Just use mineral oil and you won't have to worry about evaporation

But GLA's instructions say use water only.

Is it evaporation or is co2 pushing the water out?

Dunno.

So is it okay to unscrew the top and add a little water? Obviously I would do it while the CO2 is off.

 

[shift]

Yes. All good to top it off

 

[Racedoc]

Yes, it'll evaporate over time. I top mine off with water (a GLA unit as well) about once a month or so.

 

[OVT]

I don't know where it can evaporate to, except the tank. I am getting tired of empty bubble counters, I am going to give mineral oil a shot.

v3

 

[HUNTER]

I had mine set up 3 months ago and it evaporates a little, as long as I can read the bubble count, all I need.

 

[exv152]

Personally I've tried mineral oil and found that it just gets pushed out easily by the co2 pressure, and gets into the check valves, effectively ruining/destroying them. So I've gone back to just tank water. For some reason the tank water just evaporates and doesn't make its way to the CVs.

 

[salman]

Please make sure to only use water if you have an atomic diffuser from GLA. It clearly says on the instructions as well. If you use oil it will mess up your diffuser.

 

[tipsy mcstager]

this is common,


Evaporation is not a chemical reaction, its a change of state. With pressurised CO2 the moisture content of the CO2 stream is near zero so water evaporates into it!
as a vapor.


Le Chatelier's principle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Chatelier's_principle

the more CO2 you run, the faster the change of state.
and the need to add water

i have to add about every 4-6 weeks.
just unscrew the top of the bubble counter, and pour some more in, i don't even turn it off. i see no need.





i use a 10 mil syringe, leave a little air gap at the top.





if you have a top gasket ring, seat that first then screw the top back on.:thumbsup:



















​

 

[Smeagol]

Thanks for the details, Tipsy! Much appreciated.