How to use electric solenoid?

[benkho]

ok..this is my situation..

this is my setup see if its ok first

outlet of canister--reactor--rainbar underwater(to improve water current)

co2 canister--electric solenoid with build in bubble counter--check valve--reactor


ok now the situation...
plug the electrical point to power point. solenoid led lights up...
then i turn off all valves just in case...then i turn on the co2 tank valve a little and then turn on the solenoid's valve a little to adjust 1bps.
the setup runs for quite a while when i notice no bps after 2-3hrs...thats my first try...

so i turned the co2 tank valve a little more and then more bubbles come out into the counter..while this is happening...i turned off the solenoid's electricity BUT there is still bubbles coming out...

so what is the problem here?

[FishFan]

Your set-up sounds normal. Just do a quick check to see that your check valve is in the right direction. Often, some of them may not work very well and let some air through even when placed in the reverse direction.

Are the bubbles coming out continuously or just for a few seconds after the solenoid is turned off? If continuous, it appears that the solenoid could be busted. If just a few seconds then it is normal as the residual CO2 is just being released.

Good luck.

[Shadow]

As FishFan said, if it is continuos then your solenoid probably busted.

Although your bubble counter have build in check valve, I still recomend to add aditional check valve between solenoid and bubble counter. Incase the build in check valve fail, check valve cost is nothing compare to solenoid.

[benkho]

thanks bro...its a build in bubble counter...those metal type...can solenoids be fixed?

[Goondoo]

Firstly, most (at least none I knew) solenoids do not come with a on-off switch. Meaning the moment the power is on, the solenoid is on. We control the on and off using a timer(need to purchase separately).

Check your one way valve to make sure its on the right direction.

You should tune the pressure from zero-up, not up-zero. Meaning, you should turn extremely slowly towards "max" until your desired BPS is reach (allow lag time though) and avoid turning towards "close" as the compressed pressure in the tube might give you a hard time getting your prefer BPS.

Hope this helps.

PS: You should always "open" your CO2 tank to the MAX. Controlling the output is performed on the solenoid only.

[benkho]

Firstly, most (at least none I knew) solenoids do not come with a on-off switch. Meaning the moment the power is on, the solenoid is on. We control the on and off using a timer(need to purchase separately).

Check your one way valve to make sure its on the right direction.

You should tune the pressure from zero-up, not up-zero. Meaning, you should turn extremely slowly towards "max" until your desired BPS is reach (allow lag time though) and avoid turning towards "close" as the compressed pressure in the tube might give you a hard time getting your prefer BPS.

so what you are talking about the solenoid's valve am i right here?