Help w/ DIY CO2...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
X

xEchOx

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Mar 2, 2006
2,142
2
68
ND
Hi there. After playing around and killing several different plants, I decided to actually read a little bit through this part of MFK, and get some good info. I have some Watersprite, a small sword, and an unidentified plant in my 10g right now with a 15 watt bulb. I use some liquid ferts, but nothing fancy. I have silica sand mixed with some gravel as substrate. I have an Aquaclear... something for filtration. I would like to add a DIY CO2, but not quite sure how to go about it. I have a 2 ltr bottle, and some yeast, but I'm not too sure where to go from there. How long will this last? How much yeast do I add? Do I need water and sugar as well? The watersprite is already thriving, so I expect the CO2 will only improve its growth, so I might upgrade the lighting on my 30g and do the same thing in that tank. I love the way the plants look. Thanks for any help. :D
 
DIY co2 will be useless with that filter. Most of the co2 produced will be gassed off. All it takes for reaction co2 is yeast, sugar, water, a 2L bottle, some form of diffuser, and co2 tubing. Approximately 2 cups of sugar and 1/4-1/2 tsp yeast, and 1 quart water.
 
DIY co2 will be useless with that filter. Most of the co2 produced will be gassed off.



What would you suggest?

And what exactly is a diffuser? <- Noob. :(
 
Diffusers are many different devices used to diffuse the co2 gas into the water column. I would suggest either a sponge filter with a powerhead for filtration.
 
The watersprite seems pretty fragile, bending away even from the flow of the aquaclear. Wont a powerhead be too much flow? And what is this sponge filter business, and how do I use it with a powerhead?
 
Sweetness. I will look tomorrow. How long will this last? What if I use two bottles?
 
I meant how long will the co2 setup last?
 
It depends on the defuser, average 5-9 days. At 3 days start a second one and at 7 days start a third one. At 10 days clean and redo the first one then it starts all over. You want this overlapping because it takes days to start one bottle. This will give you a continuous supply of co2. If you find the bottle doesn't last this long adjust the schedule accordingly.You can use a limewood diffuser http://www.thereefshop.com.au/index...id=436&zenid=27c4fd019ce71cc74996e88e6c73ae82
it puts out very fine bubbles and won't clog as easy as regular air stones.

And here's a DIY page...
http://www.plantedtank.net/articles/DIY-Yeast-CO2/7/

Dr Joe

.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom