CO2 Injection

will room temperature affect CO2 levels?

I set up a DIY CO2 reactor four days ago, using the jello recipe provided above.

I have been monitoring pH levels, and have only today seen a small drop, from 7.6 to 7.4. I can't see any bubbles coming out of the bubble counter.

The room the tank is generally cool, currently about 60-62 degrees F. I am wondering if this low temperature could be slowing the metabolic activity of the yeast, and if so, does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Keeping CO2 reactor warm

Any suggestions on how to do this? The tank is kept in a very cool part of the house- the central heating vent is pretty inadequate, I have a space heater I use when I am in the room, but I can't safely leave that running all day (not to mention that would be expensive.)

Is there something that I could wrap the reactor in to keep it warmer? Would that help? I have a polystyrene box I think the reactor would fit into. I'll try that out and report back.
 
happychem said:
Warm water bath? Never tried it, but if you had a spare heater and a water tight box to keep it in you could regulate the temp. that way.
Click to expand...

Good idea. I do have an extra heater, and I have some extra 5 gallon buckets from when I moved and was saving tank water. I will try that when I get home. Thanks!
 
You could also try putting the Yeast Bottles on one of those reptile warmer heat pad type things. Avoid that whole floating issue. Or maybe just don't fill the buckets too high.

Yeast should be OK in the low 60s, not booming but stable and longer lasting. Heat will definitely increase the activity of the yeast (and likewise their output), but it also opens the door to bacteria that may successfully outcompete the yeast. Most beer and wine is fermented sub 70 to avoid this. Not an argument against heating, just something to keep in mind.

You might add more capacity and enjoy the longer lasting mix or add heat and keep output high. But you should be getting production as is.

Is there activity in the bottles?

Have you checked for leaks downline from the bubblecounter?
 
happychem said:
It may take a little work to keep the bottle submerged. Like I said, I've never tried it, but I can imagine the bottle trying to float or turn sideways on you, make sure you anchor it securely.
Click to expand...

Yes, I was thinking about that. Right now, the jello mix is new, and fills probably 2/3 of the bottle, so that would weigh it down pretty well, but as the yeast consumes the sugar, I could see that becoming a problem. But I think that even if I just keep the water bath at the same level or only slightly above where the jello is in the bottle, and keep the bucket covered (without crimping the airline or the heater's power cord) it should be an improvement over where things are now.
 
Go to a do it yourself wine store. They sell heating belts that keep things warm. They work on giant carboys and help the yeast keep working even in my dad's cold basement. Depending on the size of the reactor you might need 2 but 1 should be good enough and you won't have to run a heater too long or risk spilling a tub of water.
 
carpguy said:
You could also try putting the Yeast Bottles on one of those reptile warmer heat pad type things. Avoid that whole floating issue. Or maybe just don't fill the buckets too high.

Yeast should be OK in the low 60s, not booming but stable and longer lasting. Heat will definitely increase the activity of the yeast (and likewise their output), but it also opens the door to bacteria that may successfully outcompete the yeast. Most beer and wine is fermented sub 70 to avoid this. Not an argument against heating, just something to keep in mind.

You might add more capacity and enjoy the longer lasting mix or add heat and keep output high. But you should be getting production as is.

Is there activity in the bottles?

Have you checked for leaks downline from the bubblecounter?
Click to expand...

This is useful to know. Maybe I will try the water bath, but gradually increase the heater temp until I find a happy medium spot where things are just a little more active. The yeast is active in the bottle, and I have looked for and haven't found any leaks in the line.

Before happychem suggested the water bath, I was thinking about getting one of those electrical heating pads, wrapping it around the bottle and sticking it in the polystyrene box. But then I wouldn't have as much control over the temperature as I do with an aquarium heater.

I might think about adding another bottle as well, especially if the water heater in the 5 gallon bucket turns out to be more complicated than it sounds. As it is, I'm storing the (empty) buckets in the cabinet under the tank, so it's not too complicated to put some water in one of them right where it is.

I'll keep you all posted on how this turns out. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions!
 
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