help with co2

Lookin to make some sort of cheap co2 setup for a small closet. I saw the stuff on the faq, but do they work decent? I'd like to try something with like one or two of those refillable 24oz c02 tanks for paintball guns, but other than that I'm lost. Any ideas?

... How about dry ice?

richjames said:

Lookin to make some sort of cheap co2 setup for a small closet. I saw the stuff on the faq, but do they work decent? I'd like to try something with like one or two of those refillable 24oz c02 tanks for paintball guns, but other than that I'm lost. Any ideas?

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A tank and regulator are the best solutions. Propane burners give off too much heat. Everything else is a joke.

Don't forget to seal your room and lights.

You need lots of light and hydro to make CO2 worthwhile.

I've used a timer but the best solution is a Controller that monitors the CO2 and turns on/off the regulator solenoid to keep the room at 1500 PPM.

Hey stink, I got plenty of light, but are u sayin it'd be more effective in a hydro setup?

richjames said:

Hey stink, I got plenty of light, but are u sayin it'd be more effective in a hydro setup?

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I know guys who use CO2 and soil with good results.

Hydro is a trip. The plants grow so fast it's amazing!

That's what I hear! like an inch or two a DAY! I was thinkin of tryin a dwc system for the next grow just to see if I can pull it off without screwin it up. Just a little worried about fungus probs

Is *everything* else *perfect*?

IE: lights (no CFLs, real lights)
Temps? Can dial in any temp you desire?
Humidity? (see temps)
Plants have no nute burn, no pests, ultra healthy?

CO2 is not for playing with. Too much (only possible with a tank) can kill a plant. Yeast or vinegar will produce far less then optimal levels (aka: playing)

Tank $100 -$150(refills $10-$30)
Regulator $30-$60
Solenoid $30-$100
ppm controler $400-$1000.

I see *zero* reason why hydro is needed for CO2; but open for ideas/reasons.

Make everything else perfect first. Putting CO2 on a start up/learning room is like $3K stereo into a '74 Pinto wagon.

As for the paintball cans? Find a big balloon and poke a tiny hole in it. Fill the balloon and let it slowly leak out. *zero* control, but cheap. (no control=pointless in my eyes.)

I see what ur sayin. I'll stick to what i'm workin with for now, I'm definately not ready for the co2 yet...wax-on wax-off daniel son

richjames said:

I see what ur sayin. I'll stick to what i'm workin with for now, I'm definately not ready for the co2 yet...wax-on wax-off daniel son

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Oh, on a good note, let me say this. When I got my CO2 meter, my indoor CO2 levels were about twice that of outside (~700 vs ~400) So just work on the ventilation. Now my grow room hovers around 600ppm with no CO2. I have the tank and all, but the room needs a little work.

One of these days I plan on doing some tests with the yeast and vinegar methods and see what the real skinny is. (with a meter, not subjective plant growth)

richjames said:

That's what I hear! like an inch or two a DAY! I was thinkin of tryin a dwc system for the next grow just to see if I can pull it off without screwin it up. Just a little worried about fungus probs

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A fast strain with lots of light is amazing in an Aero/NFT system. The growth rate is more than double over soil. I have a large container with soil I put a couple of extra clones in. The soil seams like slow motion now. I forgot how slow plants grow in soil compared to Aeroponics.

The CO2 equipment is a one time expense. My refill costs $17. I use about 6 tanks a month. For an extra 4 oz. you can see how it is worth it for me.

Hydro is way easier than soil for me. Once you have it down, you can't screw up. It's as easy as reading numbers on a LCD.

You're only dealing with nutrients (PPM) and PH. It really is too easy!

Read my journal for my formula and make your own Aero system to try it out. You'll see how easy it is.

I brew my own beer and wine.... would be silly not put it into that warm cozy growroom!!
So theres a cheap and easy way for co2.

i found somethin that im probably gonna be pickin up here in a week or so, i think u might find it handy too- AND CHEAP, lol.

CO2 Boost Bucket System Hydroponics Growing CO2 System - eBay (item 270277429345 end time Oct-18-08 08:14:28 PDT)

a C02 machine, thats not all complicated and involves a air tank. Its an all natural machine producing natural C02.

It breaks down some organizms or some shit, n lasts for six months before you have to replace the bucket, and apparently whenever the bucket is done producing c02 you can add the contents to your soil for a high grade fert. Im just quoting the blurb on the item page, but check it out.

hope this helps
-K1.