Bubble counter rate and diffusor output does not match

[stormydax]

Hi ,
my bubble counter is registering 3bubbles per second. However, my diffuser ( the small glass container with a white band) does not diffuse any CO2 into the tank.

why is this so?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[Cacatuoides]

Check if there is any leakage from the bubble counter to your diffuser....if not there might not be enough pressure to diffuse your CO2.....what kind of diffuser you're using? is it "choked"?

[stormydax]

Hi caca,
everything is new leh...unless the tubing leaks...i think there is not enought pressure. But if i increase the bubble frequency, thre wil be diffusion of CO2. However, it will be overly strong already for my small genoah tank...

Btw, do we need the small mechanism to prevent the water from flowing back from the tube...
pls advise

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[|squee|]

Although it's new, bubble counters tend to leak. While you're injecting CO2, submerse the bubble counter under water to see if there's any bubbling.

It really sounds like you're leaking gas from looks of things.

[mecedesfish]

Hi ,
my bubble counter is registering 3bubbles per second. However, my diffuser ( the small glass container with a white band) does not diffuse any CO2 into the tank.

why is this so?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

Please check the diffuser if the water is full to the white band, if so suck all the water out and also disconnect to tube to the duffuser. By using the tube, check if it is bubble on the tube to your tank?

Cheers

[stormydax]

Hi mecedesfish,
what do you mean by sucking out all the water? is it suppose to be full or not?...

thanks

yours sincerely,
storm

[richietay]

squee is right, do check on your bubble counter to see any sign of leakage.
The diffuser should be without any water trapped inside. i think what mecedesfish trying to say is disconnect the diffuser from the tube, and check to see whether any normal flow of co2 bubble.
I used to get a glass diffuser where it seems only a small area be able to emit bubbles out. tried it several times, and doesnt work.

[stormydax]

hi,
so i should
1) check for leakage on bubble counter
2) ensure that the diffuser do not have any water inside. Does it means that i should connect the tube to the diffuser before inserting it into the tank?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[zenscape]

The leakage can be anywhere. Typically the bubble counter itself or the connection between the tube and the bubble counter. At times a hissing sound can be heard which indicates a leakage. Test for leakage by submerging it in water or, alternatively, spray soap solution on the surface.

Cut the tip of the tube if it is expanded.

I don't think it makes a difference whether diffuser is with water or not, as the co2 will still be able to pull through at the rate of 3 bps.

[stormydax]

hi,
do i need to buy a small device to prevent reverse siphon effect?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[zenscape]

Yes. It is called a stop valve (cheap-S$1 to S$3) to prevent reverse flow of water to co2 tank when solenoid is off.

[|squee|]

It is called a stop valve

Also known as the check valve.


Ignore the words... source:http://www.ec21.com/image/allinone4/...r_Aquarium.jpg

[stormydax]

HI guys,
thanks a lot for all your help. But still does not work... Have checked for leakage as such. Everything fine.

Tried increasing the pressure to 2bubbles per second. CO2 will be diffused for a while...afterwhich, there will be nothing again.

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[zenscape]

HI guys,
thanks a lot for all your help. But still does not work... Have checked for leakage as such. Everything fine.

Tried increasing the pressure to 2bubbles per second. CO2 will be diffused for a while...afterwhich, there will be nothing again.

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

Ok, Terence is correct, it is called a "check valve".

Stormydax, it seems strange to me if everything is fine with no leakage and there is nothing coming out from the diffusor.

Maybe we narrow down to two areas:-

Are you using a manual co2 regulator or solenoid? Manual co2 regulator may be problematic at times, and i had horrible experience with it. When no bubbles are out from the diffusor, we are most tempted to blast the co2 and the co2 is likely to be used up in a few hours.

What type of tubing you are using and how long are they? What is the height between your co2 canister and diffuser? Although it is not absolutely neccessary, i would suggest you to test the whole tube for leakage or alternatively, change to the black colour type. It is more tough. NA is selling.

[stormydax]

hi ,
Whats a solenoid? Yeah man, i have been blasting the CO2 a few times...hahaha...

so what can i do now?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[bryan]

He is refering to a solenoid regulator.

Since you have bubbles coming out of your counter and none from your diffuser, there is probably a leak somewhere. The CO2 gotta go somewhere! Maybe you would like to try other types of diffusors? I got issues with ceramic types.

The check valve is necessary to prevent water backflowing into your regulator. Fix it between the regulator and bubble counter.

[stormydax]

hi guys,
CO2 up and running however the tube which is connected to the diffuser kept on coming loose...u guys met with this issue before?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[stormydax]

hi guys,
CO2 up and running however the tube which is connected to the diffuser kept on coming loose...u guys met with this issue before?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

[FishFan]

Push the diffuser tip deeper into the tube. The tube would expand a little to accomodate the tip snuggly. You could also use one of those suckers that hold tubing and use the holding part to grip across the joint of your tube and diffuser tip.

[mecedesfish]

hi guys,
CO2 up and running however the tube which is connected to the diffuser kept on coming loose...u guys met with this issue before?

thanks

yours sincerely,
Storm

I have the same problem with you.

The tank water had went into the diffuser (full H2O inside), this result when you +/- CO2, it cannot escape out of the white surface of the duffuser. The presure built up at the tube/diffuser connection. CO2 cannot escape out thus tube being disconnected.

Get the water inside of the diffuser out ( i use mouth to suck it out ). it should work but after some time ( few week) the water will get it again and repeat the procedure again

Hope this would be a help.

Cheers