View Full Version : No CO2 Bubbles after 4 Hours - What'd I do Wrong?
This is the recipe that I followed:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/9916-jello-co2-thread.html
And my setup is basically this:
http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/separator.jpg
I put the mixture together probably 4-5 hours ago (the last part, the part where I add the yeast and the water, the Jello has been setting for about 3 days now) and I have yet to see any bubbles.
So what did I do wrong? My seals all seem tight, my check valve is on properly. Not really sure what else I should be looking for
give it more time. If after 24-36hrs you dont see bubbles then something is wrong.
oh really? ok lol. I couldn't find anywhere that said about how long it would take the CO2 to start bubbling out, so I figured it couldn't be more than a couple hours.
it all depends on the temperature of the mix and how much the yeast hydrated.
Also since its getting closer to winter time and colder temperatures, those with diy co2 bottles should get a bucket with water and a heater and place the bottle with the mix in the bucket to maintain warm temperature.
jmhart
10-03-2008, 4:22 PM
If you haven't seen bubbles after a 24 hours, chances are you didn't reheat the yeast properly. Use a kitchen thermometer and make sure you rehydrate it the correct temperature water.
MrGoodbytes
10-03-2008, 4:54 PM
30 C is a good start for yeast. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours, at the most, to get some bubbles. There may be a leak in your caulking somewhere.
jmhart
10-03-2008, 4:58 PM
which is?
The preferred temperature depends on the specific yeast you are using. The temperature should be on the package.
I live at about 4800 elevation. For some reason, yeast reacts differently at this elevation (both with baking bread & DIY CO2).
I HAVE to add about 1 tsp to the sugar/water mixture when it is between 80 d F & 90 d F. Then it will take about 2 hours to start aggresively bubbling.
Charles
I live at about 4800 elevation. For some reason, yeast reacts differently at this elevation (both with baking bread & DIY CO2).
I HAVE to add about 1 tsp to the sugar/water mixture when it is between 80 d F & 90 d F. Then it will take about 2 hours to start aggresively bubbling.
Charles
Thats actually what ive been doing when i was doing diy. To hydrate the yeast and to have it start consuming the sugar.
About the setup I'm using...that 2nd bottle. Would not all the O2 in that bottle need to be forced out before you start seeing CO2 enter the tank (you'd still see bubbles, but they wouldn't be CO2)
I saw 4 bubbles randomly get pushed out in sucession, but then nothing after that. There seems to be a bubble formed at the end of the air line, but it's just kinda sitting there.
It happened again. There was just a random burst of 4-6 bubbles. And then nothing after that.
Does this signify anything?
swirl the main bottle a bit so the top yeast solution can mix a bit with the almost melted jello at the top.
so it's definitely producing CO2...when i shook up the bottom I got a whole stream of bubbles. But for some reason they're either getting trapped in the liquid in the bottle (I do see a film on the top of the surface of the liquid) or for some reason they're not getting out of the bottle (at least not one at a time).
suggestions?
how are you diffusing the co2? aka whats at the other end of the airline?
how long is your tubing from the gas separator to the tank?
I don't have it connected to a diffuser right now because I wanted to make sure it worked before I hooked everything up (I'm going to be using a small submersible filter as a diffuser. see here: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/44053-tiny-super-efficient-co2-reactor.html)
The line from the main bottle to the second bottle is about 5-6inches and then from the second bottle to the end of the line is maybe another 12 inches (it's broken up by a check valve, but that's about the total length from the second bottle to the end of the air line)
well just wait it out. From what i remember jello co2 took a while to start but once it did it was working well (though the top needs to be recharged every 2 weeks)
Also might sound stupid but make sure check valve is on right :P
yea I made sure when I was putting it on lol. came with instructions thankfully :clap:
Hopefully it'll work itself out. Keep you posted :duh:
Cory Keeper
10-03-2008, 9:59 PM
I found that a check valve can cause that. a whole bunch of bubbles will come out rapidly, and then stop, start again and so on. Removed it and it stopped.
Also a small leak could be the trouble. I've had it before where just a small airleak would not allow bubbles, but when you shake the solution, it starts bubbling.
If that sytem doesn't work out for you, check out Nutrafin Natural Plant System? It's a semi DIY CO2 system. It comes with packets that you can buy from them, or you can add your own components. It cost me about $30 for the hardware. It's good for up to 20gallon tanks so may be perfect for you.
DGalt
10-04-2008, 12:00 AM
I found that a check valve can cause that. a whole bunch of bubbles will come out rapidly, and then stop, start again and so on. Removed it and it stopped.
Also a small leak could be the trouble. I've had it before where just a small airleak would not allow bubbles, but when you shake the solution, it starts bubbling.
i was thinking that the check valve might be the culprit. but I'm a bit wary of taking it off since the co2 bottles are below the water line and the last thing I need is water damage in my dorm room. how much of an issue is the possibility of siphoning occuring if I remove the check valve?
DGalt
10-04-2008, 12:07 AM
so I removed the check valve, and voila, steady stream of bubbles (1 bubble every few seconds).
I'm still a bit concerned about not having a check valve on there though
Cory Keeper
10-04-2008, 5:04 AM
its a sealed bottle right? then how can it wind up on the floor?
good question...lol :duh: