If you enjoy smoking herbs or tobacco from a bong, you might be wondering how much water you should put in it. The water level in your bong can affect the quality and smoothness of your smoke, as well as the ease of inhalation. Too much water can make it harder to pull the smoke through and cause water to splash into your mouth. Too little water can reduce the filtration and cooling effects of the bong and make the smoke harsher on your throat and lungs.
So how do you find the perfect balance? In this guide, we will show you how to fill your bong with the right amount of water for an optimal smoking experience.
The Basic Rule: Submerge the Downstem or Perc
The basic rule for filling a bong with water is to submerge the downstem or percolator (perc) in water. The downstem is the tube that connects the bowl to the base of the bong. The perc is a device that creates bubbles and filters the smoke as it passes through the water. Some bongs have multiple percs in different chambers for extra filtration and diffusion.
By submerging the downstem or perc in water, you ensure that the smoke is properly filtered and cooled before it reaches your mouth. If the downstem or perc is not fully submerged, some of the smoke will bypass the water and be harsher on your throat and lungs.
Depending on the type of downstem or perc you have, you may need to adjust the water level slightly. For example, if your downstem has slits at the bottom for air circulation, you need to cover them with water. If your perc is flat, like a honeycomb or vortex disc, you need to have the entire perc submerged about half an inch or so under water.
How to Fill a Bong with Water
Filling a bong with water is easy once you know how much water you need. For a regular bong without any extra percs, you can simply pour water through the mouthpiece or the downstem into the base until you reach the desired level. For a bong with multiple percs and chambers, you may need to pour water from the mouthpiece and let it work its way down. Once the water has settled, check if all of your percs and downstem are properly submerged.
Here are some tips to help you fill your bong with water:
- Use clean and fresh water for better taste and hygiene. You can also add ice cubes to make the smoke even cooler and smoother.
- Avoid overfilling your bong with water, as this can make it harder to pull the smoke through and cause water to splash into your mouth. You may also lose some of the flavor and potency of your herbs or tobacco.
- Underfilling your bong with water can also have negative effects, as this can reduce the filtration and cooling effects of the bong and make the smoke harsher on your throat and lungs.
- Change your bong water regularly to prevent bacteria and mold growth, as well as unpleasant smells and tastes. Ideally, you should change your bong water after every session or at least once a day.
- Clean your bong thoroughly with warm water and soap or alcohol every few weeks to remove any residue and buildup that can affect the performance and appearance of your bong.
Conclusion
Filling a bong with water is not rocket science, but it does require some attention and experimentation. The optimal amount of water can vary depending on several factors, such as the size, shape, and design of your bong, as well as your personal preference. The basic rule is to submerge the downstem or perc in water, but you may need to adjust it slightly depending on the type of downstem or perc you have.
By following this simple guide, you can fill your bong with the right amount of water for an optimal smoking experience. Enjoy!
