Brand Newbie with Co2 question???

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woodyblueeyes

Woody
Apr 11, 2003
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Hello everyone,

I just found this site today and I'm stunned at the information readily available...my wife and I started a 10 gal tank a few months ago, but after reading a while I'm ready to scrap it and start over from scratch. One thing that I'm confused on and please bear with me....this Co2 thing and the DIY Co2? You make your own Co2? Could someone please break that down into it's easiest explanation please??? I have hornwort and red ludwigia and banana plants, and want them to thrive, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Woody
 
Welcome Woody

Along with Potassium,Nitrogen,and Phosphates(Macros), Carbon is a needed element for plant growth. We supply it in the form of Carbonic acid by injecting CO2 into the aquarium.
This is simply done by mixing sugar,yeast(usually baker's) and a pinch of baking soda in a 2-liter soda bottle. We drill a whole in the cap and insert air line. Run the air line into the tank to an air stone, or better a power filter, or better yet what we call a reactor and it is then dispersed into the water table where the plants can use the carbon.
Can you tell us your water's pH, and kH and how many watts of light you have over your tank?
Len
 
Len,

I wish I could tell you but I cannot at this point, but I will be able to tell you either tonight or tomorrow. Like I said in my first point, I'm a brand newbie and ph and nitrites and etc. is all new to us...we have found there is MUCH more to just filling up a tank with water, introducing fish and plants and watching....and I'm glad that we have found this and another forum to assist us in our learning process. I'm going to Petsmart at lunch to get a couple of testing kits, and I'll be able to supply that information to you over the weekend.

Woody
 
I use a 1 liter soda bottle for my ten gallon with the following:
1 small package jello.
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 tsp yeast dissolved in 1/2 cup warm(nothot) water.

I mix up the jello as per package instructions in a small bowl and add the sugar. I have a small funnel and pour the mixture in the bottle and let it set up.

I mix the yeast and water and add to the bottle.

The mixture begins producing C02 within 45 minutes and produces well for at least two weeks. When the jello is totally dissolved, I replace the bottle.

My ten gallon tank has an eclipse hood on it so I needed a better way to dissolve the Co2. I put a small sponge on the end of the output to cut down water turbulance also. I use a plant guild reactor for small tanks but there are many cheaper solutions. You can just disperse through your filter in many cases.
 
Ok, I suggest you get one of the "master kits". It should contain a pH,gH,kH,nitrates,ammonia test kits all in one for about $20. If you buy them separately it'll cost a lot more money in the long run. They run about $8-10 each in the stores if bought separately.
A good outlet for supplies of all sorts is www.bigalsonline.com The prices are lower and delivery is about 5 working days.
But if you're in a hurry pick up the master kit and let us know what your water parameters are so we can assist you further.
If you're using a standard hood over the tank you're probably running about 15-25 watts, but it would be good to know how much light you have.
Hope this has helped.
Len
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Tempest
The mixture begins producing C02 within 45 minutes and produces well for at least two weeks. When the jello is totally dissolved, I replace the bottle.
Click to expand...

TWO WEEKS? Your Jell-O recipe only lasts two weeks? I just replaced mine today and it has been running for 3 months. It only started to taper off about a week and a half ago. Mine is a 10-gal as well, but I use 1/2 to 3/4 tsp yeast. I guess it also depends on your reactor, it sounds like yours is more efficient. I just use an airstone. Still, if you really meant 2 weeks and not 2 MONTHS, then you should take another look at your recipe.
 
Starry== I don't wait until the solution stops making CO2 to replace it. I found that once the jello is liquified through, the amount of CO2 produced is not sufficient for my purposes.
 
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Here's a link to help you calculate your CO2...

CO2 Table
 
Originally posted by Tempest
Starry== I don't wait until the solution stops making CO2 to replace it. I found that once the jello is liquified through, the amount of CO2 produced is not sufficient for my purposes.
Click to expand...

Ahhh I see. Last summer I was in a similar situation - the Jell-O was more like syrup. Now, I'm not sure if it's the recipe or if it's just colder since it's winter (winter in april - gotta love canada), but the Jell-O stays solid, and it goes really strong for a lot longer. Maybe if you try adding less water. You really really shouldn't have to replace it that often.
 
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