[Wet Thumb Forum]-DIY bubble counter ? - DIY Aquarium Projects

Doomer · 03-19-2003, 06:00 AM

Anybody ever make their own bubble counter ?

I'm discussed with these things. The first one I had was a total piece of crap. I replaced it with an Aqua Medic and wasn't inpressed with the quality of it either. Now I have a problem with it. The top wants to randomly pop up and out. The only thing holding it in is the fit of the O ring which seems to me like a bad idea.

It has to have a way to replensh the water as it evaporates and of course has to be co2 tight.

Anybody got any plans or failing that, can someone recommend a good quality bubble counter.

I can't believe this low tech piece has caused me so much grief.

Thanks

imported_molahs4 · 03-19-2003, 07:25 AM

There are some previous posts with people's suggestions.

I just made one with an empty spice container, aquarium silicone sealant, and airline connectors. Cheap, quick, and easy. Designs can be found on the krib, but it's pretty simple.

===================
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Doomer · 03-19-2003, 12:29 PM

How do you refill it when the water evaporates ?

Rex Grigg · 03-19-2003, 02:23 PM

I make them out of little water bottles, the 8 ounce ones. I have never had to add water to one. I just drill two holes ( 11/64th ) in the cap. Cut the tubing at an angle and pull it though. It gives a gas tight seal. One short tube for the output and a long one for the input side. Fill most of the way with water and you are good to go.

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Doomer · 03-19-2003, 02:36 PM

Thanks Rex, I have to add water to mine about ever two weeks. Is there a trick to keeping it from evaporating ? On second thought, maybe it's evaporating through the o-ring seal, not good.

I'm going to see what I can throw together this weekend. Might add a third tube I can use to refill when necessary with a syringe. I've heard of people using baby oil or mineral oil in it, might have to research this a little more also.

Moe · 03-19-2003, 03:45 PM

I have one like Rex's and its been running 3 months and it hasn't lost any water.

Moe

Rex Grigg · 03-19-2003, 05:08 PM

I ran one for over 9 months and never lost a bit of water.

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Doomer · 03-20-2003, 11:34 AM

It must be evaporating via the rubber o-ring. This means I'm loosing co2 also. Time to get to work on a new one.

farm41 · 03-21-2003, 12:28 AM

Mine have been running over a year, the water level hasn't dropped 1".

Matt
If you're not making any mistakes, you're not doing anything

otherguy · 03-21-2003, 02:59 PM

Hmm, I have the same bubble counter as you doomer and have the same problems. I am also thinking I need to make my own. Thats a bummer cause like the way the aquamedic one looked.

Brandon

75gallon tank, wetdry filter, pressurized co2 with controller, uv, flourite substrate, 220watts lighting