CO2 Help

jollygreen

jollygreen

Well-Known Member
J

jazlm

Active Member
There is one piece of the puzzle you are missing. You need a way to measure the CO2 concentration in the garden so you know what flow-rate to set the regulator at.
Here is a link to one: http://www.hydrofarm.com/product.php?itemid=13785
This is just one for you to use as a reference. You can do the research to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Hope this helps.
Happy gardening.
 
jollygreen

jollygreen

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply. I'll add one of those to my list. I have a couple more questions though:

1. Is a monitor/controller (like http://www.amazon.com/Titan-Controls-Atlas-Monitor-Controller/dp/B004MU9NU2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1390763633&sr=8-9&keywords=digital+C02+regulator) just something extra to buy that can be digitally programmed to maintain a specific PPM and go off at night? That would be hooked up to a regulator somehow, right? I could just buy a normal regulator and hook it up to a timer like the lights, so it goes off when they do, and then at other intervals to make sure the levels dont get too high... and achieve close to the same thing as that titan controls box?

2. There are really only two non-organic, efficient ways to get C02, right? Burning propane using a generator, or using a C02 tank with a regulator?


Thanks for the help, and sorry for the stupid questions.

-jg
 
stonedest

stonedest

Well-Known Member
If you want to get co2, do it right and get a controller. Otherwise you're just guessing. You'll have no idea how much air is leaking from the room, nor how much co2 your plants would be using. You'll have no way to gauge whether it's working. Yes they're expensive, but getting co2 in the first place is expensive.
 
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budleydoright

Well-Known Member
I agree Co2 needs to be consistent, not here and there in unknown quantities. You can pick up a cheap controller on ebay for under 200 bucks. Timed release was the norm for many years.

I would only suggest you use Co2 if you are planning on running a sealed room.
 
J

jazlm

Active Member
If you have the $, go for the Titan or Autopilot. Yes, they can control the CO2 along with the lighting. They offer several options in their system's packages. just need to research them and find the one that works for you.
To get the best performance out of a CO2 system, your room need to be air tight (or as much as possible). This way you don't create a bunch of wasted gas.
There is another option depending on the size of your garden. Here is the link: http://www.hydrofarm.com/product.php?itemid=14867
Hope this helps.
 
S

spandy

Well-Known Member
A monitor is a must. Drop the coin, seal the room, and if you can keep up with what co2 does to a garden you will be happy with your decision. Sealed rooms are environmentally easier to control, including pests. GL.
 
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spandy

Well-Known Member
One more thing. Get a co2 monitor that allows you to change the max co2 set point. Reason being is the last couple weeks.of flower, you will need to dial back your co2 somewhere near normal atmospheric levels for them to mature properly. Co2 monitors that are preset are fine though, as long as they have a couple presets tonchoose from, maybe a 500, 1000 and 1200-1500 setting would work well.
 
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anzohaze

Well-Known Member
Yes get a cos sniffer controller etc amd dont waste time w co2 tanks unless you in a small tent. Getba controller and burner andvuse propane much much cheaper. Also you will neednto be in a seaped enviorment of course were you can control everything
 
S

spandy

Well-Known Member
anzohaze said:
Yes get a cos sniffer controller etc amd dont waste time w co2 tanks unless you in a small tent. Getba controller and burner andvuse propane much much cheaper. Also you will neednto be in a seaped enviorment of course were you can control everything
Click to expand...
Tanks arent as efficient as a burner, but efficient nonetheless. Using a 1000 watt light and appropriate sized space for said light, a 20lb co2 tank should last 3-4 weeks during 12/12 at 1200-1500ppm. Any less and you have a leak somewhere, your room is too big or circulation sucks and your co2 is on the floor and/or in the corners. So 2-3 20 pound tanks per 1000 watt bulb, which will run you about 20-30 bucks per tank fill.


Why more aren't doing it is beyond me.
 
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anzohaze

Well-Known Member
I fill a propane 2 times it cost 40 dollars together and I flower with and cook on grill w same tank so its cheaper then co2 bottles and its not obvious as I run 2 1000 watt lights and another 1000 the last 2-3 weeks so its was cheaper in my 7x12x9 high room
 
jollygreen

jollygreen

Well-Known Member
anzohaze said:
I fill a propane 2 times it cost 40 dollars together and I flower with and cook on grill w same tank so its cheaper then co2 bottles and its not obvious as I run 2 1000 watt lights and another 1000 the last 2-3 weeks so its was cheaper in my 7x12x9 high room
Click to expand...
You fill it twice from start of veg to harvest? How big is the tank?
 
jollygreen

jollygreen

Well-Known Member
Also, I have to take heat into account. My flower is a 7x7x7 tent inside a closed room with the veg nearby in a open closet. So until I get a better set up it gets into the 90s in there or worse, unless I crank up the AC. Does a generator create a significant amount of heat?

Also, why is a controller necessary, if I'm home often, and I get a monitor? Why would it be so awful to be slightly inconsistent with the PPM? If its 900ppm one day and 1400 the next... I don't see how that's the end of the world? Just means slightly less development for one day, right? It's not detrimental other than that is it?

Thanks
 
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