If you are new to bongs, or if you want to improve your smoking experience, you might be wondering how much water to put in a bong. The amount of water can make a big difference in how smooth and cool the smoke is, and how easy it is to pull it through the bong. In this guide, we will explain the basics of bong water level, how to fill your bong with water, and some tips and tricks to get the best results.
Why Does Bong Water Level Matter?
Bongs are designed to filter and cool the smoke by passing it through water before it reaches your mouth. This makes the smoke less harsh and more enjoyable, and also reduces some of the toxins and tar that can irritate your lungs. However, if you don’t have the right amount of water in your bong, you might not get the full benefits of this process.
If you have too much water in your bong, you will have to inhale harder to pull the smoke through the water. This can make the smoke feel more dense and heavy, and also increase the risk of getting water in your mouth, which is not pleasant. On the other hand, if you have too little water in your bong, you will not filter and cool the smoke enough, and it might feel harsher and hotter on your throat.
How Much Water to Put in a Bong?
The general rule of thumb is to put enough water in your bong so that the downstem or percolator is completely submerged in water. The downstem is the tube that connects the bowl where you put your herb or tobacco to the base of the bong where the water is. The percolator is an additional device that further aerates and cools the smoke with small holes or slits.
If your downstem does not have any slits, then make sure that the bottom of the downstem is about half an inch or so into the water. If your downstem has slits for air circulation, cover them with water as well. If you have a percolator in your bong, make sure that all of its openings are submerged in water too.
You can add more water if you prefer, as long as no water reaches your mouth when you inhale. Some people like to have more water for a smoother and cooler smoke, while others like to have less water for a stronger and more flavorful smoke. Experiment with different levels of water until you find what works best for you.
How to Fill Your Bong with Water?
Filling your bong with water is easy if you follow these steps:
- Pour water into the mouthpiece of the bong. You can use tap water, filtered water, or distilled water. Some people like to add ice cubes or cold water for a cooler smoke, while others like to add warm water for a smoother smoke.
- Fill your bong until the downstem or percolator is covered about half an inch with water. You can tilt the bong slightly to see how much water is in the base.
- Check if all of the slits or openings of the downstem or percolator are submerged in water. If not, add more water until they are.
- Inhale from the mouthpiece without lighting the bowl to test if the water level is comfortable. If you get any water in your mouth, pour out some water until you don’t.
If your bong has multiple chambers or percolators, you might need to fill each chamber separately with water. Start from the top chamber and work your way down until all of them are filled with enough water.
Tips and Tricks for Bong Water Level
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your bong:
- Clean your bong regularly to prevent mold, bacteria, and residue buildup. Dirty bong water can affect the taste and quality of your smoke, and also pose health risks.
- Change your bong water after every session or at least once a day. Fresh bong water will give you a cleaner and more enjoyable smoke.
- Try adding different liquids or ingredients to your bong water for extra flavor or effects. Some popular options are fruit juice, tea, lemon slices, mint leaves, or essential oils. However, avoid using anything that contains sugar, alcohol, or dairy, as they can clog your bong or spoil the water.
- Be careful not to overfill your bong with water, as it can cause water to splash into the bowl and ruin your herb or tobacco. It can also make your bong harder to clear and increase the risk of spillage.
- Be careful not to underfill your bong with water, as it can make your smoke harsher and hotter. It can also reduce the filtration and cooling effects of your bong and expose you to more toxins and tar.
Conclusion
Bong water level is an important factor that can affect your smoking experience. The optimal amount of water depends on the size and design of your bong, as well as your personal preference. The general rule is to put enough water to cover the downstem or percolator, and adjust it until you find what works best for you. By following this guide, you can enjoy smooth and cool smoke from your bong every time.
