Trying DIY Co2 for 1st time.
- Thread starter AngeloG
- Start date
I was just checking out the Perpetual Preservation System, where it mentioned that UV sterilizers can only kill free-floating algae which circulates around the bulb in the water. Algae already attached to a surface will never enter the device.
DIY CO2 can cause fluctuating levels which lead me directly to BBA. The more bottles you run (within reason), the better, in terms of stability. Keep them on individual cycles so you aren't seeing a drastic drop and rise when the batches age and then get replenished.
i have b4 and after pics of tank, I also have a 55 gallon that *used* to run 2 2-liter bottles of diy yeast.
I used very little yeast, a lot of sugar, and 1 cricket food/vitamin jelly cube thing as my co2 recipe ( about 1/8 -1/4 tsp dry yeast, 1 cup sugar, 1 cube of cricket food, and fill up to taper.)
I would change 1 bottle then a two weeks later do the other, thus keeping the co2 flowing at least. I ran the co2 into a Red Sea Reactor 500 for diffusion. Growth rates doubled after a week or two (once the co2 started really going, about a day) - I suspect it took this long for nutrient levels to even out the right way or for the water to reach a stable state or maybe for the plants to get used to it. Who knows? I wasn't doing nearly as much testing in those days, nor did I have the amount of light I have now.
My point is, that it did work. I will not suggest that your results will be the same at all. There are waaaay too many variables to consider.
DIY YEAST Co2 IS NOT:
*accurate
*dependable
*clean
*consistent
So, yes. There are problems and flaws. Some of which are somewhat controllable. In the end, most serious planted tank people will get a small taste of plant growth success. Then, the PITA that diy is due to the things that are out of balance, uncontrollable, or the possible algea growth that could happen will leave you wanting a better system.
I bought a 5lb co2 tank at my local gas+welding supply shop
$99 - first fill free
A double gauge co2 reg.
$50
Valve and plumbing
$25
I haven't looked back since. The difference is truly huge. It's sooo consistent, dependable, safe, clean, and awesome by comparison. My plants are waaaaay happier. AND the co2 lasts for months on end and costs a mere $18.90 to have refilled.
I hope that info helps a little. I say go for it, and see if the high tech side of FW planted side of the hobby is fun and exciting enough to spend the $$$ on lights and co2.
I used very little yeast, a lot of sugar, and 1 cricket food/vitamin jelly cube thing as my co2 recipe ( about 1/8 -1/4 tsp dry yeast, 1 cup sugar, 1 cube of cricket food, and fill up to taper.)
I would change 1 bottle then a two weeks later do the other, thus keeping the co2 flowing at least. I ran the co2 into a Red Sea Reactor 500 for diffusion. Growth rates doubled after a week or two (once the co2 started really going, about a day) - I suspect it took this long for nutrient levels to even out the right way or for the water to reach a stable state or maybe for the plants to get used to it. Who knows? I wasn't doing nearly as much testing in those days, nor did I have the amount of light I have now.
My point is, that it did work. I will not suggest that your results will be the same at all. There are waaaay too many variables to consider.
DIY YEAST Co2 IS NOT:
*accurate
*dependable
*clean
*consistent
So, yes. There are problems and flaws. Some of which are somewhat controllable. In the end, most serious planted tank people will get a small taste of plant growth success. Then, the PITA that diy is due to the things that are out of balance, uncontrollable, or the possible algea growth that could happen will leave you wanting a better system.
I bought a 5lb co2 tank at my local gas+welding supply shop
$99 - first fill free
A double gauge co2 reg.
$50
Valve and plumbing
$25
I haven't looked back since. The difference is truly huge. It's sooo consistent, dependable, safe, clean, and awesome by comparison. My plants are waaaaay happier. AND the co2 lasts for months on end and costs a mere $18.90 to have refilled.
I hope that info helps a little. I say go for it, and see if the high tech side of FW planted side of the hobby is fun and exciting enough to spend the $$$ on lights and co2.
Hi AngeloG, is there any chance you can snap a photo of the check valve?
My DIY CO2 generator seems to have a good CO2 escapade from the soda bottle cap!
