DIY CO2?

StereoKills

Hey intern, get me a Campari.
Sep 10, 2007
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Ithaca, NY
I have a diy co2 setup on my 10g planted tank. (2) 20oz bottles hooked together with a t adapter. The first time I mixed a batch up I used the sugar, yeast and baking soda combo. What's the reason for the baking soda? Does it slow the yeast's reaction down? I ask because I mixed a batch last night with only sugar and yeast which started up much faster than when I used baking soda.

Oops, I though I posted this in DIY :)
 
The fermentation process, the yeast creating CO2, creates alcohol. Which in turn kills off the yeast. The baking soda some how buffers that, so the yeast live longer. Not really sure on the how the baking soda buffers it, but that's it's purpose.
 
From what I've read, the baking soda also slows down the fermentation process. So you might get the same amount of CO2, it'll just be in a shorter time frame.

Also I just found this article on DIY CO2 systems. I haven't read the whole thing yet, but so far it has some good information.

http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html
 
I was thinking the same thing! I also have a DIY CO2 system on my 10 gallon tank and i use yeast, sugar, and warm/hot water. It lasts around 7-10 days. How long will it last with some baking soda?
 
well, on my first batch with baking soda, it was running for about a month and it was still going when I had to tear down for my move. I wasn't getting near the volume of co2 i am now(which i like), but it was a steady stream none the less.
 
well, on my first batch with baking soda, it was running for about a month and it was still going when I had to tear down for my move. I wasn't getting near the volume of co2 i am now(which i like), but it was a steady stream none the less.
Ok. Thanks! I like my way that im using (warm/hot water, sugar, yeast) also because its shooting out more CO2 that with baking soda. You don't have to do it over with the recipe im using, just add some more sugar and its good for another 7-10 days.:)
 
Cool, I hadn't even thought of just doing that....but then I never had to refill before teardown. What mix are you using? I used 1 cup sugar + 1/4(maybe a tad more) teaspoon yeast in each 24oz bottle(2)
 
I add 2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of yeast, and warm/hot water to the top of the soda bottle where its got a curve that becomes a cone. Its for one (1) soda bottle thats 2 liters.
 
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