How to fill bubble counter?

**nicklimzhiwe** · 29th Dec 2009, 00:44

Yo.. I'm having a slight problem with my bubble counter now.. The bubble counter I have is those that we place water in and count the bubbles that come out that type..

In recent days I've notice the water level in the counter dropping slowly.. I wanted to refill the water in it, so I tried opening the cap.. Man it is hard to open.. Impossible I tell you.. Notice the pressure inside the counter was strong too.. Tried pumping water in with the tube but failed..

So I want to ask if there is any tips or trick to open that cap on the counter?

**crazyhanz** · 29th Dec 2009, 01:58

Take out the tubes and place the counter in water. Make sure the inlet and outlet is upside down. Then tilt the counter a little. Water should be able to enter the counter.

**eviltrain** · 29th Dec 2009, 02:39

if not just use a air tube and a syringe to top up the water.

**nicklimzhiwe** · 29th Dec 2009, 04:01

The air tube and syringe method has been trial and tested to have failed already..

**stormhawk** · 29th Dec 2009, 07:42

If your bubble counter is something like the one in the picture attached, just disconnect the air tubes from both input and output connectors. Then using the syringe + tube method, fill up via the input marked with the red arrow. That should allow you to fill it up. Did you do that?

If it still doesn't work, it is possible that your bubble counter might have a fine crack somewhere. I found this on one of my older bubble counters, similar to the one in the picture attached, after prolonged usage.

**Shadow** · 29th Dec 2009, 08:13

failed? I assume you have check valve, if so, make sure you inject same direction as the CO2 flow. I've been doing it for years.

**nicklimzhiwe** · 29th Dec 2009, 09:56

Thanks guys.. Will give it a try.. Tried the opposite direction.. Anyways, now the hard part is to remove the tubing.. Not easy leh.. Stuck on the bubble counter..

**Shadow** · 29th Dec 2009, 10:20

Normally, I just cut the tube

By the way you need to remove your diffuser first.

**bossteck** · 29th Dec 2009, 10:27

Cut the tube with pen knife.
I tried pulling the tube out in the past, one time, I snap the inlet of the bubble counter and had to get a replacement.

It is cheaper to cut the tube then to buy a new bubble counter.

**nicklimzhiwe** · 29th Dec 2009, 20:22

Okay man.. Thanks.. Just cut the side where the tube flows water into the counter right? Then can inject water in already right?

**stormhawk** · 30th Dec 2009, 01:49

Nope you have to remove both sides. If you just remove the entry tube via cutting, you'll have to fight against pressure from the tank side. Best to remove both sides and re-attach later after you have filled your counter with enough water. They have those small white plastic connectors, that make disconnection and reconnection easy.

**juggler** · 30th Dec 2009, 18:14

I do it this way: Remove the "outgoing" tubing. Then use a syringe with needle to inject the water into the bubble counter. This way, air can escape as the water gets in.

There are some other ways but need to remove all tubings. Eg. Use your mouth by sucking water into it or blowing water into it.

**edwardchuajh** · 4th Jan 2010, 15:32

Yes, please do cut the pipe with a penknife to get the old tubing out.

I tried to pull and broke the inlet (it breaks damn easily). and now I have to spent $3 to get a new one.. haiz.