Phytoplankton
Well-Known Member
Depending on how big the space is you may need a lot of CO2. You'll also need CO2 monitors to keep the level at the desired PPM. As long as the monitors are working correctly you should be safe. But I'd have redundant monitors and an alarm if the CO2 gets too high. When using CO2 you need to increase your grow temps and light intensity. Truthfully, unless your growing large amounts, CO2 might not be cost effective.
Do you use co2? I was thinking of only using about 800 ppm to 1000 ppm with all the controllers and monitors. This is in my basement btw.
Kola_Kreator
Well-Known Member
1200 ppm is the optimum level. If you are going to go to all the effort of setting up a sealed grow you might as well run 1200.
Before you try C02 you need to master vpd. You can get bigger gains from nailing the VPD than you will get from C02 and without optimum vpd your CO2 won't work nearly as well as it should.
Been growing for a bit. My vpd is on point. Just thinking I'm leaving something on the table not using co2 but my open grow room is fairly big (300sqft) so at 800 ppm it will save me on co2 costs
Herb & Suds
Well-Known Member
I wouldn’t induce co2 in an unsealed room
Your return air ducts could carry it to a living area and your monitors will just keep adding more
Kola_Kreator
Well-Known Member
If it properly sealed the only CO2 you will use is what your plants are consuming so the size of the room is basically negligible. Once your ppm gets to where you want it you are only doing what the plants are taking out. 1200 won't cost you any more in CO2 than 800 but your harvests won't be as big.
Phytoplankton
Well-Known Member
No, I don't, I crunched the numbers and for my size grow it wasn't cost effective. I know a few guys with commercial setups that use it, and for large grows it is can be cost effective. i.e., you get enough additional yield to cover the cost of the CO2 and associated gear.
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