Filling up Bubble Counter

5214 Views 21 Replies 11 Participants Last post by RyanMan, May 13, 2014

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · May 7, 2014

2

Just wanted to ask a Physics related question as to how I fill my bubble counter when the water has evaporated. I learned the hard time last time that even though I shut my filter off the water still comes firing down the CO2 tubing as soon as that airtight seal is broken. This is my CO2 setup:

As you can see I inject the CO2 gas into a reactor which is installed on the output of my Fluval 406 filter. When I unscrew the top of the bubble counter to fill it and the filter and solenoid are off you hear that trapped gas escape and then water comes pouring out.

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Korya

· #2 · May 7, 2014

Do have check valves on any of the tubing?

jrman83

· #3 · May 8, 2014

Doesn't sound like it. I put mine about 2 inches off the reactor to keep all water out of the tubing.

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RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 8, 2014

Korya said:
Do have check valves on any of the tubing?

The only check valves are between the needle valve and bubble counter. Are you saying using a check valve inline somewhere between the reactor and the bubble counter would stop the water when unscrewing the bubble counter to fill it?

exv152

· #5 · May 8, 2014

Yes, a check valve inline should do the trick. I wouldn't rely solely on the built in CV, the extra CV inline can save your regulator.

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 8, 2014

exv152 said:
Yes, a check valve inline should do the trick. I wouldn't rely solely on the built in CV, the extra CV inline can save your regulator.

Alright, well thanks guys! As soon as it was mentioned it made perfect sense!

Smeagol

· #7 · May 9, 2014

I recommend paying a little extra and getting a good high-quality check valve for your CO2 line. Don't use the cheap ones they sell at the major pet stores. They aren't super reliable. And you don't want to risk damaging your expensive regulator just to save a few bucks on a check valve.

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 9, 2014

Smeagol said:
I recommend paying a little extra and getting a good high-quality check valve for your CO2 line. Don't use the cheap ones they sell at the major pet stores. They aren't super reliable. And you don't want to risk damaging your expensive regulator just to save a few bucks on a check valve.

I also already have two check valves on this system so this one doesn't have to be anything too premium. I just need to be able to fill the bubble counter every few weeks without having to clamp the tubing and potentially making a mess.

Subtletanks91

· #9 · May 9, 2014

So a check valve between reg and bubble counter and a nother between counter and diffuser?

oldpunk78

· #10 · May 9, 2014

RyanMan said:
I also already have two check valves on this system so this one doesn't have to be anything too premium. I just need to be able to fill the bubble counter every few weeks without having to clamp the tubing and potentially making a mess.

The two on the regulator don't count. You need another between the regulator and whatever you're diffusing with.

Smeagol

· #11 · May 10, 2014

Subtletanks91 said:
So a check valve between reg and bubble counter and a nother between counter and diffuser?

Yes, exactly. And good quality ones.

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 10, 2014

oldpunk78 said:
The two on the regulator don't count. You need another between the regulator and whatever you're diffusing with.

Well I guess I'll order another.

Mathman

· #13 · May 10, 2014

Ryan,

How do you like your bubble counter? I've been wanting to pull the trigger on one of them but the high price keeps me from doing so.

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 10, 2014

Mathman said:
Ryan,

How do you like your bubble counter? I've been wanting to pull the trigger on one of them but the high price keeps me from doing so.

I'm probably the wrong person to ask... I mean it's great... Like it counts all the bubbles and stuff

but I couldn't tell you anything else.

Smeagol

· #15 · May 10, 2014

RyanMan said:
I'm probably the wrong person to ask... I mean it's great... Like it counts all the bubbles and stuff but I couldn't tell you anything else.

I've always thought that "bubble counters" are mis-named. I mean, they don't actually count the bubbles. They just let you see the bubbles. You have to count them yourself. They should be called "bubble viewers." :icon_cool

jrman83

· #16 · May 10, 2014

Smeagol said:
I've always thought that "bubble counters" are mis-named. I mean, they don't actually count the bubbles. They just let you see the bubbles. You have to count them yourself. They should be called "bubble viewers." :icon_cool

Absolutely agree. Although, with smaller tanks you probably can achieve the right CO2 level with a bubble count that is "countable". On my 75g and 2-125s I have no clue. However, I do use the BC to see that an adjustment to my metering valve is having an affect.

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #17 · May 10, 2014

jrman83 said:
Absolutely agree. Although, with smaller tanks you probably can achieve the right CO2 level with a bubble count that is "countable". On my 75g and 2-125s I have no clue. However, I do use the BC to see that an adjustment to my metering valve is having an affect.

Yeah I know what you mean. When the water has evaporated out of my bubble "viewer" I feel like I'm not changing the flow of CO2 but it's obviously still flowing. It's just a reassurance to see it happening.

ua hua

· #18 · May 12, 2014

Why not use mineral oil in your bubble counter and not have to worry about it evaporating?

RyanMan

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 12, 2014

ua hua said:
Why not use mineral oil in your bubble counter and not have to worry about it evaporating?

That's an excellent suggestion. Any downsides to using this or is it the way to go?

foster

· #20 · May 12, 2014

I use Glycerin in mine. Works pretty well.

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