Flow meter

[PBITAWA]

Could someone enlighten me on the benefits of using this to check how much CO2 I am putting in? I plan on using just a regular bubble counter obviously not really the count bubbles but just to see my adjustments.

I already have this other item and I would like to incorporate it I’m just not aware of the benefits

Thanks in advance

 

[Immortal1]

Well, not sure the flow meter can actually tell you "how much CO2 you are putting in".
What the flow meter will help you do is to finely adjust your metering valve.

In my particular case, my flow meter ranges from 0 to 15 units stretched over about an 8" long tube.
I have learned if I adjust my regulator to 20psi, and adjust the flow to "8" on the scale, I get about a 1.2ph drop.
If I go to 8.5 on the scale I get a little over 1.3 drop and the fish get real unhappy (swimming at the surface).

If I were to use a bubble counter - I would have no clue how to set my metering valve as it would be a continuous stream of bubbles.

 

[Immortal1]

FWIW, if you find the factory valve on the flow meter is a little sensitive for adjustments, there is a fix for that. Just let me know if yo need more into.

 

[Immortal1]

LOL, if you really want to get deep into the flowmeter discussion - Flow meters for CO2

 

[GreggZ]

In my particular case, my flow meter ranges from 0 to 15 units stretched over about an 8" long tube.
I have learned if I adjust my regulator to 20psi, and adjust the flow to "8" on the scale, I get about a 1.2ph drop.
If I go to 8.5 on the scale I get a little over 1.3 drop and the fish get real unhappy (swimming at the surface).

Agreed. The biggest advantage is being able to fine tune CO2 injection, and have a known number that you can easily dial in.

Also many needle valves drift. But you can't tell by looking at the bubble counter. With a flow meter you can "see" how much flow you have at all times.

In the bigger picture to me it's just a more elegant solution. When I first got into the hobby I couldn't believe people were trying to count a constant stream of bubbles. It made no sense to me, and seemed like a terrible way to control CO2 flow. With a flow meter I can just dial in a specific number and confidently adjust from there.

I can tell you when I first added one to my tank I think a lot of people thought I was nuts. But over time there have been a lot of people adopting the method and now it's pretty common, especially in larger tanks with a high flow rate.

 

[PBITAWA]

Agreed. The biggest advantage is being able to fine tune CO2 injection, and have a known number that you can easily dial in.

Also many needle valves drift. But you can't tell by looking at the bubble counter. With a flow meter you can "see" how much flow you have at all times.

In the bigger picture to me it's just a more elegant solution. When I first got into the hobby I couldn't believe people were trying to count a constant stream of bubbles. It made no sense to me, and seemed like a terrible way to control CO2 flow. With a flow meter I can just dial in a specific number and confidently adjust from there.

I can tell you when I first added one to my tank I think a lot of people thought I was nuts. But over time there have been a lot of people adopting the method and now it's pretty common, especially in larger tanks with a high flow rate.

So I should get this going then !

To go with my new Parker regulator and swagelok post body !

 

[PBITAWA]

So does orientation matter on the unit ? Sideways ect ?

Do you run the knob on the unit wide open and rely on your metering valve ?

 

[Immortal1]

So does orientation matter on the unit ? Sideways ect ?

Do you run the knob on the unit wide open and rely on your metering valve ?

Generally speaking, you will want to mount it vertically so that gravity will move the ball back to zero when co2 is off.
You will find that you get more precision using both metering valves. Adjust your regulator metering valve to something a little higher than you need. Then use the flow meter valve to fine tune the flow.

 

[PBITAWA]

Generally speaking, you will want to mount it vertically so that gravity will move the ball back to zero when co2 is off.
You will find that you get more precision using both metering valves. Adjust your regulator metering valve to something a little higher than you need. Then use the flow meter valve to fine tune the flow.

thank you

New regulator comes in a week or so I’m eager to try this out

 

[PBITAWA]

Generally speaking, you will want to mount it vertically so that gravity will move the ball back to zero when co2 is off.
You will find that you get more precision using both metering valves. Adjust your regulator metering valve to something a little higher than you need. Then use the flow meter valve to fine tune the flow.

Any idea where to buy the 1/4” brass fittings for the flow meter ? What size is co2 tubing ? Is it 6mm ?

 

[Immortal1]

Any idea where to buy the 1/4” brass fittings for the flow meter ? What size is co2 tubing ? Is it 6mm ?

Guess my first question - what hardware stores do you have in your area? Here, I would go to Menards, Home Depot or Lowes.
I would think in Dallas TX there would be some supplier that would have various brass fittings. Not exactly sure on the co2 size. the 6mm seems correct.

 

[PBITAWA]

Yeah I have access to a lot . Grainger , zoro ect .

Elliots hardware , depot , lowes

I guess I just didn’t realize they carried the tubing Barb that small .

 

[Immortal1]

Yeah I have access to a lot . Grainger , zoro ect .

Elliots hardware , depot , lowes

I guess I just didn’t realize they carried the tubing Barb that small .

I would think they would have something. I have gotten all my various fittings from Menards. Something also to consider would be compression fittings for your hose size vs barbed fittings. The last picture I posted above, near the bottom of the pic, you can see one of the compression fittings that I used on my system.

 

[PBITAWA]

I would think they would have something. I have gotten all my various fittings from Menards. Something also to consider would be compression fittings for your hose size vs barbed fittings. The last picture I posted above, near the bottom of the pic, you can see one of the compression fittings that I used on my system.

Ok yes I see what you mean .
I’m lost on finding that
Thanks

 

[Immortal1]

If you make it to a hardware store with your flow meter and some co2 tubing, just ask an employee for brass compression fittings and find something that fits your needs.

The 2nd item from the left is a brass tube that goes into the co2 tubing to keep it from crushing.
The 3rd item from the left goes around the co2 tubing.
The 1st item tightens on the 4th item to compress the 3rd item and create the seal.
Once the 3rd item is compressed onto the co2 tubing, you can disassemble the connection as needed.

 

[PBITAWA]

Ahh so yours is a standard compression fitting with the copper stiffening ring on the inside of the tube then ?

I found this linked on another thread here

1/8" NPT 3/16th ID Hose Barb.

But this is the standard barbed fitting

 

[PBITAWA]

If you make it to a hardware store with your flow meter and some co2 tubing, just ask an employee for brass compression fittings and find something that fits your needs.

The 2nd item from the left is a brass tube that goes into the co2 tubing to keep it from crushing.
The 3rd item from the left goes around the co2 tubing.
The 1st item tightens on the 4th item to compress the 3rd item and create the seal.
Once the 3rd item is compressed onto the co2 tubing, you can disassemble the connection as needed.

Thank you
Yes I’ve used this type before.

Seeing what i saw in your picture made me think it was a Barb inside of the compression . It’s just store bought compression except with a fancy outer nut . Plumbing supply item .

Hey I didn’t realize those were used on co2 line . Good to know .

 

[Immortal1]

Ahh so yours is a standard compression fitting with the copper stiffening ring on the inside of the tube then ?

I found this linked on another thread here

1/8" NPT 3/16th ID Hose Barb.

But this is the standard barbed fitting

Yes, mine is a standard compression fitting - nothing special.
the 1/8" NPT hose barb fitting should also work for your needs. I was just concerned with a hose barb fitting holding back 20psi line pressure.
Guess I typically over engineer things, LOL

 

[PBITAWA]

Yes, mine is a standard compression fitting - nothing special.
the 1/8" NPT hose barb fitting should also work for your needs. I was just concerned with a hose barb fitting holding back 20psi line pressure.
Guess I typically over engineer things, LOL

Totally , I’m new to co2 for sure learning what fits .

I have a brass check valve that has barbs and a Ferrell nut . No stiffeners ect

But I guess the barbs acts just like a stiffener and compression ring .. where is this magical fitting . Made for co2 line x 1/8” npt. Lol

 

[ryancamaratta]

I already have this other item and I would like to incorporate it I’m just not aware of the benefits

Just chiming in on the fact that you happen to have a flow meter laying around, I got a good chuckle and would expect nothing less from you

I'm definitely invested in the co2 upgrades, the handles on my metering valves give a perfect point of reference in lieu of a flow meter but I (like every single person in this thread I believe, I'm definitely in kindred company) do also like to overengineer things lol.

Keep us posted with some pics of the new reg etc when you get everything in!