JBJ Bubble Counter Liquid

[rcalzadilla]

Does anyone know what liquid should go into this bubble counter? See attached picture.
I use water but it evaporates weekly.
My bubble rate changes (ususally to faster), from one day to next and might it be because I am using water?
Temperature has been going down, 5 deegress or so, here in South Florida.

 

[Tom Barr]

Vegetable glycerin

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[VaughnH]

When I found I was losing water from my bubble counter, a Milwaukee one that looks like the photo, I finally discovered that the water was leaking out at one of the O-ring seals on the clear tube. I discovered it by noticing that the area under the bubble counter was always damp. I tried everything I could think of to stop the leak, but finally gave up and removed the bubble counter in favor of one I made myself. That one held water for months at a time. Since then I have been suspicious that those who have to replace the water once a week have that same kind of leak.

 

[FacePlanted]

Very interesting. I also have the same bubble counter, and the water does evaporate (or leak?) out, but over the course of weeks. I have to refill it maybe once a month to 6 weeks. I'll check for a leak though. It makes me wonder.....

-Mike B-

 

[rcalzadilla]

I am confident mine is not leaking since everything outside is bone dry.
One can see tiny evaporation bubbles inside the clear hose and would like to avoid any growth in that water, in the long term.

Anybody out there who has used the vegetable glycerin ?

 

[Tom Barr]

Me

I use a 16 oz condiment bottle and squirt it in the bubble counters.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[FacePlanted]

I really like those condiment bottles. I use them to dose my fert solutions.
They are cheap and handy and readily available.

-Mike B-

 

[rcalzadilla]

Could you show a picture of the 16 oz condiment bottle?

 

[rusticitas]

Something like this, I would guess...

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[FacePlanted]

Yes, exactly. I have a bunch of the clear ones. They also have a little cap that covers the squirting tip. It holds a little more then 300ml. and are less than $1 a piece at walmart.

-Mike B-

 

[Gerryd]

I have the same scenario as MikeB, in that I see no moisture (and have placed tissue around it to verify) and thus no leak, but I have to fill every 7-10 days anyway based on the amount of c02 output.

However, I have a second counter of the same type (MW) with the same issue as Vauhgnh WITH a leak, and simply used some white teflon tape on the threads. Leak solved!

I will try the vegetable glycerin as Tom has never steered me wrong, and I am tired of having to fill that stupid thing!

One thing I noticed was that the PH was .1-.2 lower and better pearling when the counter ran dry??????????

I also like the idea of the condiment bottles for the fert solutions........

Thanks,

 

[sayhy2mark33]

Vegetable glycerin

Regards,
Tom Barr

Where can we find this vegetable glycerin?

 

[Crazy Loaches]

I have a JBJ all in one on my 75G tank and due to the heat [I assume] of the solenoid right on it the water does evaporate fairly quick. Might also be in part due to the food grade co2 that is much drier than welding grade I beleive.

Anyways... Under suggestion elsewhere I tried mineral oil - especially since I had several bottles of it for some high voltage projects I was doing. It works great, 0 evaporation since, and it also has the effect of slowing the bubbles down a little since its so thick - makes it easier to count.

 

[Gerryd]

Sayhy2Mark,

I did a google search and found:

Miscellaneous Bulk Ingredients from Moutain Rose Herbs

the veg glycerin is at the bottom of the page as it is alpha sorted...........

 

[sayhy2mark33]

Sayhy2Mark,

I did a google search and found:

Miscellaneous Bulk Ingredients from Moutain Rose Herbs

the veg glycerin is at the bottom of the page as it is alpha sorted...........

I found some too, I was just hoping to not have to order it. Thanks anyhow.

 

[swylie]

You can find it at some drug stores and it's sometimes used in cooking.

 

[Crazy Loaches]

....mineral oil also very easy to come by locally

 

[naman]

Glycerin is much, much better than water - it leaks less and bubbles come out of a tube m u c h s l o w e r (=better counting).
It is a "standard" liquid for “professional” and mostly quite costly Sera Bubble Counter etc.

I am using glycerin in bubble counters for 4 years, simplest and cheapest of them is 5ml plastic syringe with inserted in it back valve for air compressor.
No glue needed.

Glycerin can be found in any Drugstore (dirt cheap).

As for Dropcheker – I use Non-spill inkpot (inkwell) turned upside down