Looking for recommendations for a bubble counter.

[Mog]

Hi,

I'm building a Victor VTS253A-1993 and looking for recommendations for a bubble counter. I've heard mixed reviews on the JBJ's... and all the sites in the US say they are discontinued. So I'm wondering what you guys are using these days?

There are 4 on Ebay, but same seller and 3-4 week eta on shipping... never thought there would be a shortage on bubble counters

Should have all the parts in next week, just need a good bubble counter.

Thanks!

 

[oldpunk]

I have owned just about all of them. The in-line glass counters are my favorite. The ADA or the CAL-AQUA are the best quality. The eBay ones are more fragile. It usually only takes about 10 days to get a jbj style counter from Asia.

 

[Left C]

Rex's Ghetto Bubble counter: http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html#bc



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180629509195&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Aqua Medic bubble counter

 

[Mog]

I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading that the inline glass one's need high pressure tubing and require around 30psi to get a good stream?
I like the look of the JBJ's mounted; they have a small footprint, mount nicely, and keeps things neat.

I looked at GLA and the basic Cal Aqua's are out of stock, the drop checker I wanted that Left recommended was shown as out of stock is no longer even listed... lol

Decisions, decisions...

I find it odd that the basic items like these always seem to be out of stock... you would think if a supplier was out of your product, you would make sure they had more in stock.
I guess some folks do have too much money

 

[Matt F.]

I use ADA glass bubble counters. No chance of leak or wear out (unlike the plastic screw-type units or the JBJs with their leaky check valves that fail often).
The JBJ bubble counter is a weak link in any good regulator build. Of the two I've owned (JBJ BUbble counters), one failed and leaked its content into my ideal valve, solenoid, and god knows what else. Good thing I was using mineral oil and not water.

 

[nipat]

I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading that the inline glass one's need high pressure tubing and require around 30psi to get a good stream?---

That's for inline diffuser, not inline bubble counter.

 

[Left C]

... the drop checker I wanted that Left recommended was shown as out of stock is no longer even listed... lol ...

Stepped in what?

evil bay to the rescue: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370455623092&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[fjf888]

I use ADA glass bubble counters. No chance of leak or wear out (unlike the plastic screw-type units or the JBJs with their leaky check valves that fail often).
The JBJ bubble counter is a weak link in any good regulator build. Of the two I've owned (JBJ BUbble counters), one failed and leaked its content into my ideal valve, solenoid, and god knows what else. Good thing I was using mineral oil and not water.

Do these need to be in the tank? I don't see how it would hold fluid in-line. I think if I am using an inline atomizer/diffuser I would need to use a BC in which the fluid is self contained, wouldn't I?

 

[Matt F.]

The ADA bubble counters are mounted on the outside of the tank. Here are pics of how ADA recommends the install:

MiniM

55 Gallon (the water has evaporated this much in 1 week)

I use this to fill the bubble counter with water as needed (usually every week to two weeks)

These are not hypodermic needles. They are not sharp. They are for refilling ink catridges and can be bought on ebay.

 

[Lost Csr]

Would the ADA beetle counter be ok to use on a 60P?

 

[Matt F.]

Would the ADA beetle counter be ok to use on a 60P?

IMO, the ADA beetle counter would be overkill on a 60P. They are made for larger tanks where bubble rate is fast. But, if you like it...

 

[Lost Csr]

I had gotten one for my 75P and I was thinking of using it on the 60P till my 75P arrives (should be late June early July).

I might just pick up the other bubble counter.

 

[Matt F.]

I had gotten one for my 75P and I was thinking of using it on the 60P till my 75P arrives (should be late June early July).

I might just pick up the other bubble counter.

If you already have it for your 75P and it's not in use, I'd say go for it. Looks like you're going to need another once your 75P comes, anyway. The standard ADA bubble counter is about half the price of the beetle ccounter, iirc.

 

[Lost Csr]

This is true. Bubble counter here cost around 60euros and 144 euros for the beetle counter.

Might have to get one from the states again.

 

[doubleott05]

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