Nowherman6

I've been having trouble with my CO2 set-up. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong here but I don't know what it is.

CO2 tank connected to Green Leaf "Choice" regulator. Tubing connects to bubble counter on one end, and ADA pollen diffuser on the other end. Pollen diffuser goes in the tank. Not only are no bubbles coming out of the diffuser, but it appears that water is getting sucked backwards through the diffuser and creeping into the tubing. Anyone have any ideas what's going on?

When I just stick the tube into the tank without the diffuser, it bubbles like normal so I know the gas is making it through.

Thanks!

Left C

Do you have a check valve between the diffuser and the bubble counter? If not, get one. This is a safety device so that water doesn't enter the needle valve, solenoid or regulator. Some people also run a check valve between the needle valve and the bubble counter. I run two check valves.

What is your working pressure? If it is too low and no bubbles are coming out of the diffuser, crank it up a bit. Be sure to adjust your needle valve accordingly.

Nowherman6

No check valve, thanks for the advice. Didn't use one because I've run a system like this in the past for a long while and never had any issues.

PSI right now is 30. Had been running it at 20 but turned it up a little. Is it worth going to 40 or 50?

Tom Higgs

I keep my pressure at about 40 psi. I do notice that my CO2 rate slows down and needs to be bumped up with the needle valve. My guess is that your CO2 pressure needs to be bumped up or your bubble counter isn't sealed fully allowing water to run back.