Diy Co2 Reactor

[love_fish]

OK, I know how to make one, i found a good article on the net. Seems really easy but how do i know if its working, and how do i know when to change the solution?

Heres the link BTW
http/www.plantedtank.net/co2.html

 

[love_fish]

Anyone know?

 

[smithrc]

if your contemplatig adding CO2 you need to know what you are doing a why... do a bit of a search first - I'm sure you'll find what your after and it more rewarding to be able to make your own conclusions from what you read, rather than being told

 

[love_fish]

Actually, i asked the person who wrote that and he told me replace the solution every 2 weeks, and i know its working if i see bubbles.

 

[sub.42]

Hmm,

I have found that the only way to keep my DIY Co2 ppm stable is to use two bottles, and change one of them every week. The gas output varies, and drops off after seven days (unless you retard it). The alchohol level rises, and starts to reach the point where it becomes lethal for the yeast. If you use one bottle, then get two bottles of the same type when you first make the unit up, that way you have two bottles that fit the top you have manufactured, and you can swap them over once a week, to keep your Co2 stable.

sub.

 

[Native American]

Hmm,

I have found that the only way to keep my DIY Co2 ppm stable is to use two bottles, and change one of them every week. The gas output varies, and drops off after seven days (unless you retard it). The alchohol level rises, and starts to reach the point where it becomes lethal for the yeast. If you use one bottle, then get two bottles of the same type when you first make the unit up, that way you have two bottles that fit the top you have manufactured, and you can swap them over once a week, to keep your Co2 stable.

sub.

I've got DIY CO2 on my 38g and 100g, and simply switch out every two weeks. The small tank uses 20 fluid oz pop bottle, and the big tank a 2L pop bottle.

I just change out when they stop producing CO2 bubbles.

My small systems don't add enough CO2 to cause huge pH swings, but my plants are doing great. However, I'm with sub.42...it's best to use two bottles and change out weekly in alternating fashion. That is my next project.

I'm going to purchase champagne yeast (just do a google search) soon so that my CO2 output will go for longer (champagne yeast tolerates alcohol much better than bread yeast).

v/r, N-A

 

[love_fish]

Hmm, never heard that before. I might try that when i have to switch out my solution.

 

[MoreCoffee]

^^^ I've read that adding a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per 2 liter yeast/sugar solution prolongs the yeast life. Something to do with lowering the alcohol levels. Can't find the actual link now

I'v also seen that and was advised to start using it as my DIY brew was only lasting for about 4 days. I'm currently using bicarb in my brew for the first time and it is still going strong on the 4th day. Not sure how much longer it will last, but it certainly seems to make a difference !

 

[vic]

Hmm,

I have found that the only way to keep my DIY Co2 ppm stable is to use two bottles, and change one of them every week. The gas output varies, and drops off after seven days (unless you retard it). The alchohol level rises, and starts to reach the point where it becomes lethal for the yeast. If you use one bottle, then get two bottles of the same type when you first make the unit up, that way you have two bottles that fit the top you have manufactured, and you can swap them over once a week, to keep your Co2 stable.

sub.

I've got DIY CO2 on my 38g and 100g, and simply switch out every two weeks. The small tank uses 20 fluid oz pop bottle, and the big tank a 2L pop bottle.

I just change out when they stop producing CO2 bubbles.

My small systems don't add enough CO2 to cause huge pH swings, but my plants are doing great. However, I'm with sub.42...it's best to use two bottles and change out weekly in alternating fashion. That is my next project.

I'm going to purchase champagne yeast (just do a google search) soon so that my CO2 output will go for longer (champagne yeast tolerates alcohol much better than bread yeast).

v/r, N-A

Or Brewer's yeast. It will likely be cheaper as you can buy in bulk rather than the sachets that wine yeast comes in. Pay attention to the storage instructions.