CO2

jpappy789

Plants need meat too
Feb 18, 2007
26,364
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Gainesville, FL
Real Name
Josh
Well, got duped into buying a CO2 "system" from my LFS...turns out it is the EXACT same thing as DIY CO2, so basically a waste of money...anyways, I set it up, mixed the stuff together (followed directs correctly as far as I know) and have yet to see continuous bubbles in the counter. When I shake the solution, some come out but there larger, then when I stop, the bubbles stop...I am confused as to what is going on...also I have bubbles stuck in the plastic tubing from the container to the counter, is it possible that the tubing is too long?
 
Its hagens Co2 system...sorry no pics at the time


basically I followed the directions, added sugar, then their "stabilizer" and "activator" packets (I read that it is yeast and baking soda?) and then added water...stirred and hooked it up to the counter/diffuser
 
Did you use hot or cold water? Very warm water is needed to activate the yeast. The baking soda supposidely stabilizes the ph of the solution. I personally have never had any luck with the store bought mixtures. The yeast coud have been out of date..

My DIY mixture for a 2 liter bottle when I am not to lazy to mix it is..1/4 tsp yeast, 2 cups of sugar, ~3/4 bottle water. I first put hot water in the bottle, then put the sugar in. I then cap the bottle and shake it really well, then let the bottle sit for a few min for the water to cool down a touch. I then put in the yeast, cap the bottle, give it two good shakes and then hook it up to my reactor and in about an hour i have co2.
 
Yeah..I pretty much use hot water. Not hot enough that i cant put my hand in, but pretty hot..lol
 
I have this Co2 system and I was about to get it started and running for a couple of weeks. It did not last as long as a month, as the directed stated it would, but it was about to last maybe 2/3s. Close enough. Try having a look at the packages for the expiry date.
 
It can also take up to a couple of hours to get running at full strength. Warm water, but not hot (that can kill off the yeast) should be used. Also, make sure you check to make sure everything is tightly fitted and not leaking the co2 out before it gets to the tank.
 
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