Hagen CO2 Questions

[MidnightPyro]

Hey everyone, I have a planted tank, and my current headache is CO2. I can't get CO2 levels to where I want them. I have a Hagen CO2 system, but for the life of me, I cannot get the yeast mixture right.

First time I used it, it didn't work very well. Second time I tried a DIY mixture and I had bubbles out the wazoo. This time I tried the same mixture again, and there's a bubble every few light years. Maybe I added more yeast or something. I bought the little packets of yeast. Does opening the little packet and not using it for a month cause it to go bad? That might be my issue, but I'm not too sure. If it's that simple... Is there any better way to buy yeast? :

I'm planning on using this with Flourish Excel every other day. Do you think both of these 2 things would satisfy the CO2 requirements for my tank? (65 watt PC over standard 29 gallon for lighting)

Hopefully these 2 things will do okay for my CO2 supply until I (if ever) get enough money for pressurized. DIY's not too bad though

After CO2, I'm onto nutrient problems!

 

[John N.]

Yeast does go bad once opened. Stick it in the fridge once open in an airtight container or ziplock bag to preserve it. If you see a low bubble count, then toss out the yeast and purchase a new one.

If you are using Excel every other day, then you will be fine using that solely. But the cost of excel will add up. Try the DIY CO2 method again, and it also doesn't hurt dosing excel at the same time. But once you get the DIY CO2 mix down you probably won't need it.

Recipe for a 2 liter or Juice bottle
2 Cups of sugar
1/4-1 teaspoon of yeast
1/4 baking soda
Water to the cone area

Add another bottle with a plastic T-valve and you'll have even higher CO2 levels with more bubbles on your ladder.

-John N.

 

[EtUxor]

I also just started to use the Hagan system in a 29gal and have a similar problem with insufficient CO2 levels. I dose with Excel every other day tto make up the difference, and I am experimenting with different DIY mixtures. I have been trying the Nyberg mixture, and have gotten at most 1 good week of bubbles with regular bread yeast. Yesterday I found a homebrew store and picked up some champagne yeast, which should have a higher alcohol tolerance (I also saw a "super yeast," which can supposedly tolerate up to 20% alcohol). Depending how long the champagne yeast lasts with the Nyberg mix, I may try a gelatine mixture next. By the way, if anyone has a sure-fire mix tailored to that litte odd-sized Hagan bottle, please share- I mix a 1-litre batch and wind up wasting some.

In any event, I think I am going to add a 2-litre bottle and either use it with the ladder or maybe try a limewood/sweetwater airstone in addition to the ladder.

Finally, I have read that removing biowheels will help prevent CO2 from escaping- I am a little paranoid about doing this, but may give it a shot. Has anyone tried this? Did it cause a mini-cycle? Was there significant improvement in CO2 levels?

 

[John N.]

If you have a fair amount of plants in your tank, you won't have to worry about a cycle. Since your tank is already established, I'm willing to bet that you have enough bacteria colonies on the surface areas within the tank. So removing the biowheel will not pose a problem.

If you haven't already, increase the water level to minimize further aggitation.

Hagen Recipe:
Sugar to the first line
Water to the Second Line
1/4 teaspoon yeast
1/4 baking soda

Best thing to do with DIY is again add two bottles with a T-valve to whatever diffusing source. The reason is b/c you can swap out one bottle while the other one still produces and there won't be a time gap waiting for CO2 to start again. Not to mention the increased levels of CO2 in the tank with two bottles. Just make sure you use a binder clip or a clothes pin to clamp off the hose while replacing the bottle.

-John N.

 

[EtUxor]

Thanks. I think I'll try removing the biowheels this weekend- I already keep the water levels as high as possible. I have also heard it is possible to add some plastic/foam pieces to a HOB filter output to minimize surface agitation- sounds like a good idea, but I would like to know more about this before attaching anything to the filter. Any links/info on how this is done? Might not be necessary, and sounds like it might be a hassle, particularly if it involves glue/silicone.

Also, any thoughts about ladder placement in the tank? I may try and reposition the ladder higher in the water column and on the side of the tank to take advantage of water circulation (it is currently near the bottom in a back corner). I suspect this will reduce line pressure and help the mixture last longer too.