DIY CO2 Success!

[enrique4jc]

Well, I finally decided to give CO2 a try in my 29-gallon planted. Currently I'm running one bottle (that was all the sugar I had) through an airstone. When I first set it up it bubbled for all of about 30 minutes and quit, but I added some more warm water, shook it up, and it took off. It's been going for about 4 days now, and the bubbles are slowing, but for a first try at least its working! Should I shake it up or something to keep it going good?

[enrique4jc]

Also, I've got a check valve installed so there should be no danger of the mixture getting into the water. Are there any other concerns I should be aware of?

[Teto]

Sugar... more sugar... mine starts slow down a just add more sugar forget about changing yeast... yeast can last almost forever as they are a colony of living things if u just keep feeding them they will last a very long time over 2 weeks i will dare to say. two cups of sugar every week and a half would make the trick. it has been working for me. sugar is what fedds the yeast if you dont give the yeast enough sugar u are just starving the colony to death. i just realized this thing few weeks ago

[ChrisK]

You could also add a vitamin source to your mix to make the yeast last longer, tomato sauce works well.

[DSR]

I haven't done anything to mine in a week and it is still going. What kind of filter are you running? I was instructed to feed the co2 directly into my canister filter and wow did it make a difference. If you have a canister or a powerhead, considering putting your co2 in that to act as a diffuser. Works very well.

[coach_z]

Congrats!
i found that diy co2 was simply too much work and switched to pressurized.

yes, a large initial investment but a small amount of work and money after.

[enrique4jc]

My filter is HOB so I can't run it in a canister. I also don't have a powerhead. Just diffusing through an airstone right, looking to get a class diffuser soon.

In fact, after I take my vacation ($$$) I've been thinking about putting aside some money to buy a pressurized system. Just researching in the meantime.

[carolinyens]

I did the DIY CO2 as well. Shake the 2L about every 3 days. I used a 20oz to catch any extra stuff ( not sure if you did that or if its really necessary). I used a limewood diffuser, nice tiny bubbles.

[coach_z]

i have a spare glass diffuser with a built in glass check valve. dont know if it would work in a diy setup but PM me if you want it and ill get you a price etc.

[SuBXeRo]

yeast turns to alcohol and starts to kill itself, the process is finite depending on how much of everything you add, u just need to decide if u need alot of co2 or a smaller amount, the more co2 the shorter the reaction, the less co2 the longer it lasts, the sugar plays a role in how how vigirous the reaction is. the mix i use stays steady for about 10-12 days and then i make a new batch, i dont want it slowing down and i want consistant co2 injection.

i use 1 packet of red start active yeast, 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda and warm water in a 2litre bottle. make sure everything is airtight or u will have co2 loss which sux.