DIY CO2 -- how often make new mixture?

[Hazel]

Hi,

I've just made a DIY CO2 system (yeast, sugar, sodium bicarb) and it is connected to a CO2 diffuser (reactor). How often do i need to make a new mixture? Do I need a bubble counter to monitor the CO2 flow?

Thanks.

[vinz]

Observe the bps over the next few weeks, when you think it has dropped significantly, or quickly then remix. You'll need a bubble counter to do that. Just get a cheap one from any planted LFS.

Usually, every 2 weeks.

[xter]

you can add a bubble counter to judge the pressure. (used to do that)
time to change it if you see that the pressure is getting lower, or BPS is getting longer.

a diffuser might not be a good choice for DIY CO2 cos of the low pressure that DIY CO2 produced.

you might want to consider getting a Nutrafin DIY CO2 set, saw it priced at 30+. comes with a CO2 flipper..can reuse the DIY bottle as well.

[:]

[juggler]

If you follow the similar setup at http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/co2-faiz.html, the 2nd bottle of water will serve as a bubble counter.



In my case, the bubbling stabilises at 1 bubble in 3 to 4 seconds after a few days. This rate will last about 2 to 3 weeks. After that it drops to as low as 1 bubble in more than 8 or 10 sec. Then it is time to change the mixture. I usually do so once a month.

[Hazel]

Thanks for the info/advice.
One other thing : do I need to turn off the CO2 when I switch off the lights?

[xter]

DIY Co2 can't be turn off. use pump with airstone to reduce the co2 level during lights off time.

[joe]

turn off? ... hmmm the bottle might explode! [:0]

[Hazel]

Oh, thanks! Disaster averted![]

[juggler]

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On 2/21/2003 1:36:44 PM

DIY Co2 can't be turn off. use pump with airstone to reduce the co2 level during lights off time.
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Actually may not be necessary if you have a lot of plants and not heavy fish load. I don't need to use air-pump at night for my tanks. You can monitor first to see if the fish are stressed in the morning.

[xter]

orh...

[dettol]

There's a method to stop CO2 from going into the tank when u dun need it. It was mentioned b4 in another thread. It goes like this:

After the bubble counter, connect the output tubing to one of those metal air splitter valve u find in all lfs(i.e 1 input split to 2 outputs), one of them into ur tank(1) and another to the atmosphere(2). During lights on, open(1) and shut off(2) and vice versa during lights off.

Besides this method, I also use an air pump after lights off, just to play safe. Hope my explation is clear enough. He he.

Cheers.

[Hazel]

Yes, I understand.
Thanks a lot.

[tawauboy]

how big is your tank?

try adding a check valve after the bubble counter. prevents tank water from flowing into bubble counter when you change your sugar/yeast mixture.

i don't think you'll need to switch off or divert the co2 when lights are off. fix up you diy co2 and observe your fishes in the mornings before lights come on. if they do not go to the surface to gasp for air, you need not do any thing.

and the mixture should usually last about 2-4 weeks.