CO2 system and different mixes for the aquarium??

[greenthumbs]

OK so i purchased a DIY co2 system called the DIY CO2 system pro from [Ebay Link Removed] In the instructions it uses vinegar and baking soda. It requires two 2L bottles, and has a needle valve and pressure gauge.. anyways.... I noticed most people use yeast and sugar mixes, and in the horticulture world i learned the yeast method as well. Is there a reason why people use yeast over baking soda? Does one last longer than the other?? or is one more toxic?? i remember the yeast method was smelly and id like to avoid the yeast method if possible. Im just not sure if i would be harming my plants or fish? any thoughts or suggestions?? sorry if this seems like a noobie question.

[Darkblade48]

I'm not quite sure what the purpose of the pressure gauge and needle valve on a 2L pop bottle system would be...

In any case, using vinegar and baking soda will generate CO2, but it is uncontrollable. CO2 gas will just be generated, and I suppose with your product it "should be" controlled by the pressure gauge/needle valve. However, 2L bottles are not designed to hold a significant amount of pressure, so you may find that your bottles explode instead.

The yeast method consumes sugar and produces CO2 as a byproduct of metabolism, and this method generates CO2 more slowly, but also over a longer period of time (weeks versus instantaneously for vinegar/baking soda). Because of this, you do not need to put a pressure gauge/needle valve on it, thereby not stressing the pop bottles to enormous pressure.

I would avoid using the vinegar/baking soda method. If you want to avoid using DIY CO2 using yeast due to the smell/hassle/etc, then I would suggest you take a look into pressurized CO2 (take a look at the articles that I have written (linked in my signature) for more information).

[greenthumbs]

Well after reading your post i think i may modify the co2 system i bought, remove the gauge and maybe add another bottle of yeast mix or install a DIY bubble counter. I know i said id like to stay away from the smell, but id prefer the smell of yeast over a highly pressurized system. thanks for your reply.

[laqu]

i was just looking at that 'kit' as i don't really do well with drills and soda caps ... how do you like it?

[R.sok]

Sorry to thread jack but what is the smell you guys are talking about? I don't smell anything with my diyc02 unless I open the cap for a new batch.

Laqu-You don't need to use a drill. I just take a philips screwdriver that is smaller than the tube & jam it into the cap then take the hose and cut the end so it's pointy & pull it through with needle nose pliers. For sealant I just use straight superglue

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by R.sok

Sorry to thread jack but what is the smell you guys are talking about? I don't smell anything with my diyc02 unless I open the cap for a new batch.

That's the smell I don't like dealing with. Everytime I opened up my bottles, it smelled like a medieval mead factory

[matnez82]

Originally Posted by laqu

i was just looking at that 'kit' as i don't really do well with drills and soda caps ... how do you like it?

I have been looking at this system too. Does it have a pressure relief valve built into it? In your opinion is it a good product?

[laqu]

Originally Posted by R.sok

Sorry to thread jack but what is the smell you guys are talking about? I don't smell anything with my diyc02 unless I open the cap for a new batch.

Laqu-You don't need to use a drill. I just take a philips screwdriver that is smaller than the tube & jam it into the cap then take the hose and cut the end so it's pointy & pull it through with needle nose pliers. For sealant I just use straight superglue

LOOKING FOR YEAST NOW!

screwdrivers i can use/abuse!!!!!

[laqu]

Originally Posted by matnez82

I have been looking at this system too. Does it have a pressure relief valve built into it? In your opinion is it a good product?

from the video what i can tell is they don't do yeast or baking soda they do citric acid mix.. and only mix a small amount to get pressure to 1.5 then dose for x period of time... so minimal pressure build up and no overnight doesing... sort of a 'timed thing' ... i get why they have the pressure gauge when they are setting it up to run for x hours only as the time it will run is determined by the pressure gauge.