DIY CO2 still doesn't work

joephys

joephys

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Dec 22, 2005
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My diy CO2 doesn't want to work for me. There was one time that it produced CO2, but after 4 tries its really only worked once. I use 2 cups sugar and 1/4 table spoon of yeast in a three litter bottle. I have tried to start the yeast by putting it in warm water before adding the sugar. I have tried adding a multi vitamin. I have checked for leaks in the system and can't find any. I don't know what else to try? Any Ideas?
 
Mix the sugar first in the bottle with hot water. Let it sit and it will cool down to a warm temperature. Put yeast + luke warm water + some sugar into a container and mix vigorously for a minute or two. Let it sit out for 20 minutes. When you come back the yeast will be bubbling a little bit. now put it in the bottle close the lid give it a shake and let it sit another few minutes and its good to go.

THe problem is you're not activating your yeast.
 
one more thing you might want to check for would be old yeast. If yeast is old it could be died and there for not work. I would also double check for leaks (there really easy to miss)
 
bugkill said:
one more thing you might want to check for would be old yeast. If yeast is old it could be died and there for not work. I would also double check for leaks (there really easy to miss)
Click to expand...

Also, the yeast should be purchased from a winemaking store not the local grocery store.
 
Check the bottle for leaks by squeezing it into a deformed shape (with the sugar/yeast mixture in it). If there is a leak (assuming you use a one way valve) it will regain its original shape within minutes. If there is virtually no leak it will take several hours for it to regain the shape.
 
I always treat the water before doing anything with it, i.e., add the Kordel stuff that gets rid of chloramines, chlorine, and suspended or complexed metals. I forgot to do this once, and my DIY CO2 bottle was stillborn. I think all of the disinfecting agents used by our municipal water plant not only kills bacteria, but yeasts, too.

Once treated, I heat it to a lukewarm temp, add the sugar and yeast, and away it goes, generating positive pressure overnight.

v/r, N-A
 
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