diy co2 problem

Hello every friend, I just set up my 55g planted tank. I've been trying to produce CO2, but failed. I think I did follow the procedure. However, no bubbles came out. Here is what I did: 1. Add 2 cups of sugar to 2L bottle 2. 2 cups of warm water (about 80-100F), then add into bottle and shake...

I was just wondering if my lights are too close to the water in my tanks? Also if I take the bubble counter off my DIY CO2 mix system will it kill my plants, this is the only way to get it into the tank without buying a regulator and co2 tank setup...

LET THIS THREAD MARK MY FIRST PLANTED TANK EPIC FAIL so i always read those "epic DIY failure" threads in good spirit, feeling sorry for the people who had their tanks bust, or their buckets knock over...or their entire tanks drain out onto the floor. oh, but i never thought it could happen to...