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Snowsrfr 
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 Topic: Bubble Counter Fluid
Posted: August 10 2011 at 11:25pm |
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Just curious what kind of liquid people use in their bubble counters.
From what I've read most people use water, but I've seen bubble counter fluids for sale on places like Marine Depot, actual ingredients are not listed. My only concern with using just water is corrosion in the needle valve, etc. I used water on my Milwaukee regulator and it stopped working after only about 8 months. Want to avoid any issues like this on the new regulator. I don't know if the Milwaukee was just a POS or if the fresh water added to the failure.
I've also read that people use stuff you can find at the local pharmacy such as mineral oil, or glycerin.
Any input would be beyond appreciation. Thanks
Edited by Snowsrfr - August 11 2011 at 12:02pm
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 8:15am |
That fluid slowly enters the Ca Reactor and then the aquarium. I always let it fill it with tank water. To use anything else would be silly and just extra wasted effort, IMO. I find it hard to believe that anyone has trouble seeing a bubble or two every second. I'd first ask them if they had the bubble counter upside-down(it makes a big difference), then I'd suggest they turn on the lights or get a flashlight. 
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 12:04pm |
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I've reworded my concerns, thoughts, research, etc., in hope of getting some helpful input from people that actually use Ca reactors, instead of the belittling of other reefing communities and topics that seem off topic.
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tcfab
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 12:23pm |
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Mark, Bret has the type of Regulator with a bubble counter built into the reg, not the calcium reactor. I wouldn't use water/saltwater in a metal housing it will ruin it. I think I would use some bubble counting fluid.
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 1:58pm |
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Double post....
Edited by Snowsrfr - August 11 2011 at 2:00pm
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 1:59pm |
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Tyler, I've done much research and it appears that mineral oil is the most common alternative to water. Probably the same stuff Marine Aquatics sells for $12 shipped packaged as Bubble Counter Fluid, and I picked up a bottle of it at WalMart for $1.48.
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laynframe
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 6:06pm |
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ro water works well. Also make sure you have a check valve after your reg and before your bubble counter
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: August 11 2011 at 7:49pm |
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My bubble counter is on the regulator and not on the reactor, so I have the check valve between the reactor and reg/bubble counter.
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: August 12 2011 at 9:20am |
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Good point, I have not used one of those types of Ca Reactors
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TriggerHappy
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Posted: August 12 2011 at 3:14pm |
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Mineral oil here before I went with a GEO...have a whole bottle if you want it.
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210 gallon Mixed Reef
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: August 12 2011 at 3:16pm |
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Thanks, sir, but I just picked up some at WalMart for a couple bucks.
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TriggerHappy
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Posted: August 12 2011 at 4:31pm |
 Any time!
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210 gallon Mixed Reef
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Snowsrfr
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Posted: August 13 2011 at 10:30pm |
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Ended up using glycerin, after discussing with people on Reef Central. The more viscous fluid definitely makes minute/fine adjusts with the needle valve much easier and precise.
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