co2 bubble problems

[greatbarrier52]

Hello all,
I am new to AQ. I have added co2 system to my tank . I am having problems keeping the bubbles constant though. I am using a needle valve. I am using a aquamedic bubble counter. When I get the bubbles just right I leave for serveral hours and when I get back the water in the counter is reduced it looks like it is pushed up in the hose connected to the regulator. Please help.
Thanks in advance.

[Aeon]

Put a check valve between the bubble counter and regulator.
Or use the $18 JBJ counter that have a built-in check valve, looks good too.

Are you using manual valve (single gauge) or regulator?

[cbong]

It would be difficult to keep the rate constant if you are using a manual valve. I have experiment with 4 manual valves and only 1 was reliable. Gave up and switched to a solenoid, which reduces the pressure from the cylinder to a constant rate.

[geoffrey]

Firstly, it's tough. Very little we can do except trial and error.

To be safe, remove the CO2 tube going into your tank from the outlet of your bubble counter. Adjust your CO2 output at 2~3 above your desired BPS and allow it to stablised. Once it slowed, gently tweek your needle valve again until you reach your desired BPS. Keep doing that without pulling your hair :P

[tawauboy]

[quote:e6232c76aa="cbong"]......................................switched to a solenoid, which reduces the pressure from the cylinder to a constant rate. [/quote:e6232c76aa]
solenoid is an electrically operated open/shut valve.
the regulator does the job of reducing the output pressure.

[vinz]

GB52,

You did not mention a regulator. If I'm not wrong, your problem indicates that you either do not have a regulator, or the one you were sold is not a regulator.

A regulator should have 2 gauges.

[crandf]

But most people use "solenoid" to mean a solenoid-operated two-stage regulator.
greatbarrier52, Are you sure what you have is a needle valve? What's the maximum pressure range on its gauge? Its probably not a needle valve if the maximum reading exceeds 1000Psi. Otherwise, it may be spoilt if it can't maintain a constant bubble rate.

[heavenhell]

hi greatbarrier52, does ur regulator looks like this? This pic is taken from another post by Aeon.

[greatbarrier52]

Thank you Thank you Thank you. I can not tell you how much I appreciate they help from all of you. Yer, I do have a regulator very similar to the one pictured above . It does have a needle valve on also. I think that I just have to keep tweekin and tweekin and tweekin untill my eyes look like this and my face looks like this

[PeterGwee]

Bubble rate should be pretty constant after it is being set unless there is a leak in the tubing connections or high back-pressure from the reactor side.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[bobalston]

YOu might try a lower output pressure which will make adjustments with your needle valve less touchy. I have mine set at 8 pounds of pressure.

Also what brand/model of needle valve do you have? If it is a very cheap one, that might be your problem.

Also agree with the earlier post that a solenoid only turns on or off the flow. And regulators commonly have two gauges but can also come with a single gauge.

Bob

Pressurized co2 equipment information
http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/...Pressure%20CO2

[XDiabloX]

** Edited by Simon **

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[budak]

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