AQUATEK CO2 Brass Bubble Counter with Integrated Check Valve

I had one just like this one and it lasted about three years. I had to replace it about three years ago because the interior of clear plastic developed cracks all over and eventually began to leak. I replaced it with one of a different design but it lacked the built in check valve and never worked as well. The plastic of that one got soft over time causing me to have to replace it once again. I am sure the CO2 is causing these problems with the plastic. I decided to switch back to this design because it fits well on my regulator assembly and has the built in check valve. To combat the plastic crazing problem I am using Mineral Oil (from the drug store) in the bubble vial instead of water. My hope is that the mineral oil will protect the plastic from the bad effects of the CO2. It works very well as the bubble media and has the added advantage that it does not evaporate. I have been using it for two months and I have not had the issue with the check valve that the previous two reviewers have described.* UPDATE* It's April 2014 and, no fooling, the Aqatek counter is doing just fine.

I had read that some customers were experiencing evaporation. I too seem to be having. The unit directions say to use water but I think I am going to try a bubble counter fluid to see if that helps. Unit also came with an o-ring or seal that I have no idea where it goes as not shown on directions. Directions a bit lame also. I think manufacturer assumes anyone who purchases knows what to do but I like many are novices so a little more instruction would be nice. So far working okay though but need to watch that the water level does not continue to evaporate.

I found it difficult to get the airline tubing end attaching securely. There is a tiny little O ring on there that gets in the way of the airline tubing so I had to take it off therefore what's the point in it being there. Also don't buy this if you are planning on using it with a paintball canister because the paintball canisters attachment is vertical (unlike most larger Co2 canisters where the attachment sits horizontal on the canister) that means this bubble counter will sit horizontal and it doesn't work horizontally. You need to fill this counter with water in order to see the bubbles meaning it should be upright when used (not side on). So its useless to me. Would be okay if I used a normal Co2 canister and not the paintball one.

When I got these in first thing I noticed was how well made they felt in my hand. I have bought many bubble counters and this one actually feels like metal. They fit nice to other fittings and are easy to use, the only reason I took one star off was the needle in every one was bent at an angle. This did not affect the performance but annoyed me that each one was like that. I did not want to wait to ship it back and then wait to get new ones so I kept them. Great buy.

This is a great looking bubble counter. It can be taken apart for cleaning and I've never had a problem with the seals leaking.I do recommend an inline check valve on the air hose to your reactor. Also, this does nothing to restrict gas flow. For those complaining about it 'dumping' their co2 tanks, you need a needle valve to restrict flow (in the picture it's the thing with the white knob). The bubble counter just gives you a visual indicator of when and how much gas is flowing.Had one of these from a few years back, but the plastic cylinder got cracked. Thrilled to find this one is the same size. Was able to replace the clear plastic cylinder and seals without messing with the brass plumbing connections.

After a year of use my 1st brass bubble counter developed a crack. Leaving me no choice but to order a new one. Not being very happy with the 1st one breaking. I contacted Aquatek and after emailing them back and forward they told me they never heard of this happening. I was also informed that Aquatek only offers a 3 month warranty on there products. At this point I was totally bummed, but Aquatek did tell me to try and return it threw amazon and to my surprise aquatek took it back and refunded me my money. I'm only giving this item a three star rating because I now know that this item isn't any better then other brass bubble counters and will most likely fail again.

I went from using a GLA bubble counter that you have to connect with co2 tubing to trying this out. I liked the idea of just screwing it on to the regulator. Unfortunately it didn't work out. I screwed it on there, turned on the co2 and saw no bubbles were going through it. I had to increase my working pressure and turn the needle valve all the way up to see any indication of a bubble trying to form. That's when I heard a hissing noise where the bubble counter was supposed to screw on, it wasn't a good seal and co2 was escaping out of the bottom rather than going through it.I removed it and wrapped Teflon tape around the regulator and put the bubble counter back on. This time there was no co2 escaping but now the oil was leaking from the top and from the bottom. I finally just removed it and put the GLA one back on and threw this one aside as a "just in case" piece.

So...at first I thought I got a dud, but I then realized my Co2 was depleted. Changed tank out and everything worked great. Love having the bubble counter right on my valve over the worthless suction cups attempting to hold the cheaply made bubble counters on the side of the tank., love the METAL parts, everything has to be plastic these days, so thats a nice change. All-in-all a great new addition to my planted tank. Great product.