If you are a fan of glass bongs, you know how important it is to get the right water level and temperature for your smoking session. The water in your bong acts as a filter and a cooler for the smoke, enhancing the flavor, smoothness, and potency of your herb or tobacco. However, finding the perfect balance can be tricky, as different factors can affect how your bong performs. In this blog post, we will show you how to measure and adjust the water level and temperature in your glass bong for optimal filtration and cooling.
Why does water level matter?
The water level in your bong plays a significant role in how much filtration and drag you get from your hits. Filtration refers to the process of removing harmful substances and impurities from the smoke, while drag refers to the resistance or difficulty of pulling the smoke through the bong. Ideally, you want a high level of filtration and a low level of drag for a satisfying hit.
There are three types of water levels and their effects on your bong:
- Overfilling: This is when the water level goes over the downstem almost up to the neck of the bong. This provides a lot of filtration, as the smoke has to travel through more water before reaching your mouth. However, this also creates a lot of drag, as you have to inhale harder to overcome the water pressure. Additionally, this increases the risk of getting bong water in your mouth, which is unpleasant and unsanitary.
- Underfilling: This is when the water level barely covers the slits or holes of the downstem. This provides less filtration, as the smoke has less contact with the water before reaching your mouth. However, this also creates less drag, as you can inhale easier without much resistance. Additionally, this preserves more flavor and aroma of your herb or tobacco, as they are not diluted by the water.
- Optimal: This is when the water level covers the slits or holes of the downstem just right, leaving some space between the water and the neck of the bong. This provides a balanced level of filtration and drag, as the smoke gets enough contact with the water to be filtered and cooled, but not too much to be restricted or diluted. Additionally, this reduces the chance of getting bong water in your mouth, as there is enough clearance between the water and your lips.
How to measure the water level?
To measure the water level in your glass bong, you can use one of these methods:
- Ruler or tape measure: You can use a ruler or a tape measure to measure the length of your downstem and then add an inch or two depending on whether it has slits or holes. For example, if your downstem is 4 inches long and has slits at the end, you can add 2 inches to get 6 inches as your optimal water level. Then, you can pour water into your bong until it reaches that mark.
- Bubbles: You can use bubbles as an indicator of your water level by blowing air through your downstem while holding it over a sink or a bowl. You should see bubbles forming in the water as you blow. The bubbles should be small and consistent, not large and sporadic. If they are too large or too few, it means you have too much or too little water in your bong. You can adjust accordingly by adding or removing some water until you get a steady stream of bubbles.
Why does water temperature matter?
The water temperature in your bong affects how hot or cold your smoke is when it reaches your mouth. The temperature of your smoke can influence how smooth or harsh it feels on your throat and lungs, as well as how much flavor or potency it retains. The optimal water temperature for your glass bong depends on your personal preference and the type of herb or tobacco that you are smoking.
There are three types of water temperatures and their effects on your bong:
- Cold: This is when you fill your bong with ice-cold water or add ice cubes to it. This provides a cooling effect on your smoke, making it more refreshing and soothing on your throat and lungs. However, this also reduces some flavor and aroma of your herb or tobacco, as they are muted by the coldness. Additionally, this increases resin build-up in your bong, as THC solidifies faster in lower temperatures.
- Warm: This is when you fill your bong with warm or hot water. This provides a warming effect on your smoke, making it more relaxing and cleansing on your throat and lungs. However, this also increases some harshness and irritation of your smoke, as it is more dry and dense. Additionally, this decreases resin build-up in your bong, as THC dissolves faster in higher temperatures.
- Room temperature: This is when you fill your bong with water that is neither too cold nor too hot. This provides a balanced effect on your smoke, making it neither too refreshing nor too relaxing, but somewhere in between. However, this also does not enhance or diminish any flavor or aroma of your herb or tobacco, as they are not affected by the temperature. Additionally, this does not affect resin build-up in your bong, as THC remains stable in moderate temperatures.
How to measure the water temperature?
To measure the water temperature in your glass bong, you can use one of these methods:
- Thermometer or digital device: You can use a thermometer or a digital device that can read the temperature of liquids to measure the water temperature in your glass bong. You can either dip the device into the water or attach it to the side of the bong. You can then read the temperature on the display or the scale. The optimal water temperature for your glass bong depends on your preference, but generally, it ranges from 40°F to 140°F.
- Hand or mouth: You can use your hand or your mouth as an indicator of your water temperature by touching or sipping the water. The water should feel comfortable to you, not too cold or too hot. If it feels too cold, you can warm it up by microwaving it for a few seconds or adding some hot water. If it feels too hot, you can cool it down by adding some ice cubes or cold water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, measuring and adjusting the water level and temperature in your glass bong is essential for getting the best smoking experience possible. The water level and temperature affect how much filtration and drag you get from your hits, as well as how smooth or harsh they feel on your throat and lungs. By following the tips and methods we shared in this blog post, you can find the optimal water level and temperature for your glass bong and enjoy smoking your herb or tobacco to the fullest.
