DIY CO2 recipe for 20oz bottles

I really appreciate your input Jeff!

I will implement when I return from a road trip.

I understand where you are coming from with the drop checker but my experiments are are controlled by algae density.

TR
 
Ok Folks: Prior to the road trip.

I have the CO2 generation going in a 2L coke bottle.

The relief tube is placed through an orifice in the capped lid such that gas escape from the bottle is not possible other than via the tube.

The CO2 generation terminus of the relief tube is placed above the surface of the reaction liquid.

The exhaust terminus of the relief tube is placed approximately half way into the tubing from the sump to the tank return pump.

How do I know if CO2 is being generated and induced into the tank water other than by observation of plant growth the next two weeks?

TR

BTW: I just flat do not believe that secondary testing observations are anywhere close to accurate.
 
You could make an inline bubble counter to keep tabs on when CO2 is being generated.
 
jones57742 said:
I really appreciate your input Jeff!

I will implement when I return from a road trip.

I understand where you are coming from with the drop checker but my experiments are are controlled by algae density.

TR
Click to expand...

Algae grows for many reasons other than co2 concentration. A straight correlation cannot be drawn.
 
Folks: I am not trying to be a bad a...s but just asking questions.

sp:

I know where you are coming from with respect to typical applications but when I have a CO2 discharge tube run half way up an external pump intake tube how do I count bubbles?


Jeff:

You are speaking to the choir here. Can you help me with details?


TR

BTW: Folks I would appreciate yall's thinking with respect to what I am trying to accomplish which is a CO2 generator the gas outflow of which can be induced into the suction tube of an external pump.
 
Jones I think what sploke is trying to say is to add a gas separator, such as the one in the image below
bigdiyco255.jpg


It will allow you to know what your current bubble rate is and know if theres a change in the production.
 
Yes a gas separator can be used as a bubble counter if you add enough liquid to cover the end of the incoming hose. I would put a U in the hose though so the gas is coming straight up to get a more accurate count/consistently sized bubbles. Or make one of these:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idproduct=DE1131
 
jmhart said:
2) There is not a universal consensus on a proper DIY mix. For me, I used 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 1/8 tsp yeast, and pinch of baking soda. Mix lasted 14-16 days.
Click to expand...

But there is a stiochiometrically correct formula assuming that your yeast will die off once the alcohol reaches a certain percentage and that you are producing essentially all of your CO2 as a result of anaerobic fermentation. Taking these factors and the specific gravity of your typical cane sugar into account, you get very close to a 3:1 volume:volume ratio of water to sugar. This is enough sugar, per unit water, so that the yeast consumes the last of the sugar just as the alcohol concentration is reaching lethal levels.

I've done the math on this. Trust me.
 
Not only that, but if you use too much sugar as a "just in case", the osmotic pressure on the yeast cells becomes so great that they actually lose effectiveness, so you end up with less CO2 production, which at first glance is counterintuitive, but makes sense.
 
Still not getting very good production off of the 20oz but it is better than the nothing that it was doing before. Maybe the baking soda was impacting it or just my crappy well water but can't see that making that big of a difference. Repeating the 2L recipe w/o the baking soda. Definately gotta get the CO2 going. Algae really trying to set in. Guess I will have to leave the lights off for a couple of days to control it.
 
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