DIY CO2 for beginner

[GraphicGr8s]

Originally Posted by funkman262

I'm assuming you already know how to set up the reactors so I'll skip that unless you say otherwise. As far as CO2 fluctuation, you can't simply plug the solenoid into a timer to shut it off at night but what you can do is run an airstone at lights-off to strip the CO2 out of the water. I will say though that several years ago when I was running DIY CO2, I don't recall running an airstone at night and I don't remember any major issues caused by the pH swings. The important thing would be to check the fish at lights-on to make sure they're not gasping for air. Plants may consume CO2 during the day while producing oxygen, but at night they consume oxygen and may remove too much oxygen at night making it difficult for the fish to breathe.

otherwise

[funkman262]

Originally Posted by GraphicGr8s

otherwise

lol. Seeing as how I'm pretty exhausted right now, and it's been quite a while since I've done DIY CO2 (I've had pressurized for the past 1.5 years), I don't recall the exact mixing amounts yeast, but I think I would add 1 teaspoon of dry yeast to a cup of warm water, occasionally mixing for a half hour. That would get added to 3/4 gallons in a one-gallon container. I believe I added something to the water to increase the efficiency of the yeast mix, but don't recall off hand. From there, you would follow tbonedeluxe's diagram to finish the set-up. There are plenty of sources with all of the details and if you do a quick google search, but hopefully this helps out a bit. If I remember any other tips to improve the system then I'll let you know.

[bennyjam]

I think someone posted pics from this earlier but I didn't see the link.

http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html

Its a solid write up regarding DIY co2 that covers the different components. I'm running diy on my 29g. Duffusing through an my hob filter but I feel like it could be better. Gonna try the reactor that's detailed with the power head/siphon. Could be worth a try for you too.

[funkman262]

Originally Posted by bennyjam

Duffusing through an my hob filter but I feel like it could be better.

When injecting CO2, you really shouldn't be running a HOB filter because it causes turbulence at the surface which will strip the CO2 back out of the water. For large tanks, canister filters are preferred with the outflow being aimed to not disturb the surface too much, while internal filters are good for small tanks.

[bennyjam]

Yep. Canister filter is on my wish list. Co2 wasn't in the plan a year ago when I set up the tank. I've learned a lot since then. :-)

[funkman262]

That's good. And thanks for posting that link. I skimmed through it because I felt like a dummy forgetting about all of that and I realized that I completely forgot about the sugar in my earlier post lol. That write-up is pretty much as good as it gets. There's absolutely nothing that I could add.

[bennyjam]

No problem. Glad it was helpful. :-)

[plantedtankfan]

Should I add water to my DIY CO2 separator? I saw some with water and some without water. I am confused. Help...

[funkman262]

Add water so that it can be used as a bubble counter.

[plantedtankfan]

Originally Posted by funkman262

Add water so that it can be used as a bubble counter.

So the airline tubing from the CO2 canister will go under water and the other airline tubing will be above water right?

[funkman262]

Yes

[AnotherHobby]

You also don't want all that air space. Any air in the separator will have to be passed through your diffuser as "air" and not CO2. Fill it with water, leave air, but not a ton.

[plantedtankfan]

Originally Posted by AnotherHobby

You also don't want all that air space. Any air in the separator will have to be passed through your diffuser as "air" and not CO2. Fill it with water, leave air, but not a ton.

I am using a powerade 16 oz bottole as my diffuser. How far should I fill it up with water.

[AnotherHobby]

Originally Posted by plantedtankfan

I am using a powerade 16 oz bottole as my diffuser. How far should I fill it up with water.

I assume you mean separator and not diffuser. I'd fill the separator maybe 3" from the top. You need a little room for potential over flow from the reactor, and you obviously need an air pocket at the top or fluid will get pushed up your airline.

Also, not all DIY's show this, but you'll want a check valve between the reactor and the separator, and as close to your reactor as possible so you can disconnect it for a swap out without depressurizing and loosing the CO2 that's in your separator.

[plantedtankfan]

I just made my second batch of co2. It is not producing any co2 into my diffuser and my tank. But when I shake the bottle, a little bit came out and in to the tank. I checked for leaks already, none was found. I did 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 tsp of yeast and a dash of old baking soda. I mixed the sugar and baking soda with warm water and activated my yeast with some warm water and sugar. then i dump the mixture together and sake and then hook it up to my tubbing.Does the temperature effect the rate of fermentation of the yeast? or what am i doing wrong?