Controlling Diy Co2 In A Small Tank...

[Misskiwi67]

Hey,

I finally got my Nutrafin CO2 reactor. Its all set up, and I'm hoping to see bubbles by morning! How do you recommend controlling the Co2 levels in a small tank? Mine is 5 gallons...

Here's some updated pics... just for fun...

I got my riccia planted finally, its greener than it looks in the photo. Everything sticking up (not much, I know) is new growth however, so I'm pleased...

 

[craynerd]

Using a yeast based system it is near impossible to control CO2 release. The only way is to create the perfectly fermenting mixture which bubbles at an appropriate rate.

You can not restrict the outflow or the canister will explode, literally.

I used 1 tbsp alisons yeast, 1 tblsp bicarb and sugar upto the first line. That provided me with about 25ppm in a 20g via the standard nutrafin ladder.
I would consider altering this mixture to suit. It will be difficult to get a balance.

Good Luck, please post your results so maybe it will help others.

Chris

 

[iamwhoiam]

to control the co2 at night, i run a timed airstone to remove the CO2 after lights out

 

[craynerd]

iamwhoiam ....what in a 60l ?

I think that may be a good idea in a 5g where yeast CO2 OD could be a problem with the tank being so small.

Chris

 

[Waterloo Kid]

OD using yeast is possible in larger tanks. I managed to kill half my fish stock and all bar two shrimp using 2 one litre bottles running through a Nutrafin ladder on a 400 litre tank! Admittedly my KH was 2 at the time!

WK