DIY co2

[airborne_r6]

Originally Posted by Aquarist_Fist

... bubble counter. I'm not quite sure why you'd need one on a DIY setup though.

I used one to let me know when to change the mix, when the bubbles were less than 15/min I knew that I needed to change the mix that night. I also used the counter to evaluate the effectiveness of different mixes, by counting the bubble rate and comparing it to the results of previous recipes.

[redza]

Originally Posted by airborne_r6

I used one to let me know when to change the mix, when the bubbles were less than 15/min I knew that I needed to change the mix that night. I also used the counter to evaluate the effectiveness of different mixes, by counting the bubble rate and comparing it to the results of previous recipes.

hes got a point there,
well, it wasnt my pictures, i just found them on ebay, sorry for that,
if this thread causes quite a stir, you can delete it if you guys want to.

[JakeJ]

I have a question, could I use an airstone instead of that what-cha-ma-dingy inside the aquarium? (defuser I think).

[GhostShrimpBoo]

No, you cannot use an airstone to diffuse co2. The bubbles it creates are too large and will float to the surface and pop, defeating the purpose of injecting co2 into the water column.

You don't have to use a diffuser though. You can use a co2 reactor - either internal or external. I'm currently using the Red Sea co2 Reactor 500 on my 10 gallon. There are pros and cons of using a diffuser vs a reactor.

If you're interested in getting a DIY co2 setup working and don't have a diffuser or regulator, try the chopstick method. It isn't going to be as good as a diffuser but it will be better than an airstone. Search for "chopstick diffuser" on this forum and on Google and you should find something. I used this method temporarily after I broke my glass diffuser. Although it wasn't nearly as effecient as the diffuser, it did get me by for a week or so. Good luck.

[toughtimes]

Hey I know it's not the best Idea, But I want to supplement until I can get a regulater and needle valve. How many jugs of solution should I use for a 90 gallon?

[Craigthor]

Originally Posted by toughtimes

Hey I know it's not the best Idea, But I want to supplement until I can get a regulater and needle valve. How many jugs of solution should I use for a 90 gallon?

3- 5g jugs. People run 2-3 2L DIY setups on 20g tanks to even come close to stable. For what it will cost to set this up consider a milwaukee regulator, used co2 tank and a cheap Diffuser and drop checker from ebay. you could probably get everything setup for around $130-150 if you look hard enough.

Craig

[asimkhatri]

2cups= how much grams ?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by asimkhatri

2cups= how much grams ?

Depends on the type of sugar you're using, and how packed it is, etc.

In general, DIY CO2 is a rough estimate anyway, so just grab a mug and measure out two cups.

[Steez]

I've read where some people turn their co2 off at night. If you are using a DIY set up, how is that possible?

[SvenBoogie]

Originally Posted by Steez

I've read where some people turn their co2 off at night. If you are using a DIY set up, how is that possible?

There are a couple different ways to do this with DIY co2. You can use an airstone on a timer to turn on when your lights go off to de-gas the co2 from the tank, or if you want to get crazy with it, you can use an airline splitter with a solenoid. One end of the splitter would be run into the tank as normal. The other would run from the splitter, through the solenoid, with an open airline on the end. During the day, the solenoid is closed and the co2 is directed into the tank. At night, the solenoid is open, and the gas just goes right out the open airline.

[hbosman]

Steez,

You can't with diy because if anything restricts flow, pressure will build up and probably blow sticky, smelly yeast juice all over the place.

With pressurized, you can close an electric valve (soleniod) to block co2 flow. The solenoid is turned off or blocked with a timer or ph controller. This is done to save co2 gas from being released when the lights are off or when co2 concentration gets to high in the aquarium.

[Steez]

I had a real nice regulator that I sold on ebay about 2 months ago. I used it for indoor tropical bonsai. I sure wish I had it back. I still have a partial tank of co2. Now thats just plain ole bad timing now that I want to do planted tanks....geez

[Miss Jinkx]

Originally Posted by hbosman

Steez,

You can't with diy because if anything restricts flow, pressure will build up and probably blow sticky, smelly yeast juice all over the place.

I have been taking the diffuser out of the tank at night, and place it in a open container of tank water.. The next day I pop it back in the tank.. Is there are problem with doing this?

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Miss Jinkx

I have been taking the diffuser out of the tank at night, and place it in a open container of tank water.. The next day I pop it back in the tank.. Is there are problem with doing this?

Not at all.

For less work, you could just leave the diffuser in the tank, and have an air pump (on a timer) come on when your lights go off. It will help degas the CO2, and is less work.

[Steez]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

Not at all.

For less work, you could just leave the diffuser in the tank, and have an air pump (on a timer) come on when your lights go off. It will help degas the CO2, and is less work.

So...You do not want to have air pumping into the tank when you are diffusing Co2 except at night? How bout a no Co2 set up wit an airpump on 24-7? Is that ok for low tech?