Carbon Dioxide DIY

[Angry_Platy]

I have been running DIY carbon dioxide on my 30gal planted tank for about 6 weeks now. It would bubble really fast for 3 days then pretty much die off to practically nothing. I had changed the amount of sugar, the amount of yeast the mixing method....everything.

Then I read somewhere that if I add a teaspoon of bicarb soda to the mix it would last longer....WELL...it has been a week and I have had a steady supply of CO2 for the whole period. It hasn't even slowed down yet. Which as you can imagine, I am thrilled about

Now...I know that bicarb soda causes the mixture to become more alokaline but what does this have to do with prolonging the CO2 production?

Just curious

 

[George Farmer]

I don't know the science behind it but I know the Nutrafin sachets labeled as "stabiliser" are bi-carb of soda. I use stuff from the supermarket, much cheaper!!

 

[kenneth_kpe]

is bi-carb the same as baking soda ? i use baking soda because i read it somewhere.... it lasted longer but neverthenless i also added jelly so im not sure if its the jelly or the baking soda

 

[guppygirl]

Yes, bicarbonate of soda is the full name of baking soda.
Cool, Angry Platy, I think I will use that mixture!!

 

[NikkiY]

Now...I know that bicarb soda causes the mixture to become more alokaline but what does this have to do with prolonging the CO2 production?

Just curious

Bicarbonate soda is the same as baking soda. It prolonged the reaction by reducing the acidity of the mixture which kills the yeast. I also read from somewhere that adding potein powder will prolong the useful life of the mixture too. MY own CO2 mixture last between 2 to 3 weeks.

Nikki

 

[Undawada]

Make sure not to add too much sugar or yeast. Also use as much water as you can.

The reason being, the yeast (which is an animal) eats the sugar and produces alcohol + co2 as waste. Yes, this is the way alcohol is fermented as well. Anyway, once the alcohol concentration gets too high it will kill the yeast and the fermentation stops.

The trick to keeping your yeast alive as long as possible is making sure they don't die from their own waste (kind of like fishkeeping, isnt it?)

HTH