How I repair my seeping JBJ Bubble Counter

[inkslinger]

I didn't know what was going on and I think it was my solenoid valve sticking open when the timer went off at night . Pressure built-up would cause my JBJ Bubble Counter to seep fluid at the top and bottom of the brass caps {where the plastic cylinder would screw into}
I would have a puddle of fluid on the floor and the bottle would get empty in a week.



So I found a rubber gasket about the same thickness and plan on just adding it on top of the other. In the pic the original gasket is on the right and the new gasket that I will be adding is on the left and it fit's perfect in side the cap {as you can see the cap on the left side} , Then I will be adding tape on the treads of the plastic cylinder top and bottom and hopefully this will stop the seeping when I tighten it all together.

 

[Veloth]

If it is a just bubble counter why would it build up any more pressure than normal when the timer goes off. I'm not saying you're wrong in your assumption just trying to understand. I don't use a counter like the one you show but I'm setting up a 20g and will need one for it.

 

[inkslinger]

I don't know! That is all I could think of! , I had tape both ends of the plastic cylinder and it seep at the brass cap to plastic cylinder top and bottom ?? The rubber gasket at the bottom cap to needle valve was dry?? The new rubber washer should give it a little more padding to seal better I hope .
My Clippard Solenoid Valve would get stuck open when the timer goes off and it would still bubble 1-2 bps all night?? I am thinking of replacing the solenoid valve with a Burkert Solenoid Valve.

 

[ordloh]

try wrapping the threads with a generous amount of teflon tape before screwing it back on

 

[Gerryd]

Ink,

I had a bubble counter very similar to that one and it leaked just like yours does. Played with it a lot to get it to stop with not total sucess.......

I just removed the counter and since I did not change the rate, I just stick the c02 tube in a glass of water when I want to check the bubble rate or if I am adjusting it. My system stays very stable with my Sumo regulator and mazzei setup so I can get away with this

I find I don't need to look at a bubble rate once it is set. I can tell by the fish, plants, mist, ph, etc if things are different.

You can try a different brand bubble counter maybe that is designed differently. I had others of the same type that NEVER leaked so go figure.

I don't think the solenoid is bad or sticking. Are you getting c02 output 24/7? Can you tell?

Hope this helps.

 

[inkslinger]

Hi Gerryd,
My bubble rate would be hi during the lights where on , An when the timer shut off the bubble rate would drop to very slow rate threw out the night. I re-did all my teflon tape on my regulator an solenoid valve and replace them with a thick even coat of pipe thread sealant and also blew out my solenoid valve with compress air and hopefully this will work. I hope to get a couple of JBJ Bubble Counter before there gone and looking at a Burkert Solenoid Valve.

 

[tedr108]

Gerry,

I just removed the counter and since I did not change the rate, I just stick the c02 tube in a glass of water when I want to check the bubble rate or if I am adjusting it.

What a simple and great idea! I'll remember that for the future.

 

[inkslinger]

So Gerryd Even when you were leaking co2 from your JBJ BC you were running a Mazzei set-up? You would think that the Mazzei would suck the co2 out 24/7? I was hoping that's what it would with my BC once I got my Mazzei up an running , I have a check valve between the BC and my AM 1000 CO2 Reactor maybe when the timer goes out it dose not have enough pressure to go thru the check valve because of the low bubble rate?

 

[Gerryd]

Ink,

No, at the time I was using an AM1000...

The venturi will always have suction, but it is the solenoid that keeps c02 out when the lights are off. A bubble counter is just that - to count bubbles. It will only affect the bubble rate if a restriction in the unit occurs or it leaks

I do not get c02 when the solenoid is off although the venturi is still in operation....

Personally, I just use the end of line in cup method to see the rate and do away with the counter.

Not sure I understand your last question/comment????

Can you explain further for me??

 

[Gerryd]

Gerry,



What a simple and great idea! I'll remember that for the future.

Thanks Ted. I did find it easier and one less component to be concerned about.

 

[inkslinger]

maybe when the timer goes out it dose not have enough pressure to go thru the check valve because of the low bubble rate?

My check valve is a couple of years old an it sits between my Bubble Counter an AM1000 , I just wounder if when the timers shuts off and the Bubble rate drops to about 1-3 bubbles per min. that it is not enough CO2 to pass thru the check valve the it built up the pressure in the Bubble Counter and makes it seep? And by bypassing this check valve and going strait thru too my Reactor it would stop my seeping.