[zackg337]

i am trying to build a diy co2 generator with 3 20 oz bottles yeast sugar and water. I've mixed it up and water a day and nothing is happening?? whats going on?

 

[Hoppy]

More information will help. Is this set up now, so it delivers the CO2 to the aquarium? Do you have a bubble counter in the system? Have you checked the whole thing for leaks by using a mix of detergent and water applied generously to every single joint in the system, and waited 5-10 minutes to look for mounds of tiny foamy bubbles which indicate leaks?

 

[Maryland Guppy]

My recipe.
3 liter bottle 2/3 full, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 95 degree water.
Activate 3/4 teaspoon of yeast in separate say 4 to 8 ounces of 95 degree water.
Still until all yeast is mixed up and pour into 3 liter bottle with other ingredients.
Bubbles start in 6 to 12 hours, full strength @ around 24 hours.

Did you activate the yeast with high enough temperature of water?

 

[zackg337]

i re made the mixture. i boiled the water and mixed the yeast separately. everything isthe same except for the 2 liter bottle and the baking soda. i put 1 cup of sugar in each bottle and 1/4 teaspoon in each aswell. i did this before you posted, so should i add baking soda? or will it be fine? thanks a ton guys

 

[burr740]

Why did you boil the water? Anything over 105 degrees can kill the yeast.

 

[Maryland Guppy]

i re made the mixture. i boiled the water and mixed the yeast separately. everything isthe same except for the 2 liter bottle and the baking soda. i put 1 cup of sugar in each bottle and 1/4 teaspoon in each aswell. i did this before you posted, so should i add baking soda? or will it be fine? thanks a ton guys

Water at boiling point(212) will kill the yeast and not activate it.
90 to 100 degrees will just activate it.

Baking soda acts as a buffer to balance CO2 production over time.

 

[zackg337]

ok ok theres my problem! I've boiled it the past two times. ill go redo it now and give an update in the morning

 

[Nordic]

even if it is just slightly too hot, it will drastically reduce the amount of gas... I like making my bottle in the afternoon, by the next morning it is ready to plug in.

 

[zackg337]

thanks guys! co2 is now running smooth. borrowed a food thermometer from work to get it at exactly 100. saw results within 2 hours and put it in the tank the next morning!

 

[Nlewis]

i am trying to build a diy co2 generator with 3 20 oz bottles yeast sugar and water. I've mixed it up and water a day and nothing is happening?? whats going on?

IMO you would be best served to use just one big bottle, as it's just easier.