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I have a heavily planted 29g. I also have an unused Hagen CO2 system. I'm out of the packets, but I do know that they are yeast and baking soda. I wasn't satisfied with the normal production. I don't want to put too much yeast in there and blow the lid off the canister or pump the mix into the tank. However, I was wondering what quantities could I put in the canister to get decent co2 production.


Also, I tried a diy co2 setup, but the co2 leaked from around the tube. I haven't been able to order/find a good connection between the cap and tube. Any suggestions? Maybe something I can find at the hardware store?

Thanks everybody!!

I, too, am unsatisfied with the CO2 production of my Hagen CO2 unit. Actually, you'd probably need at least 2 of those units for a 29 gallon tank.

I use 1 tsp yeast and 2 cups sugar for a 2L soda bottle.....not sure what sized canister comes with the hagen one....I'd also put in a check valve if there wasn't one with the setup.

For a DIY Set up the important thing is to use lots of silicone around where the airline tube joins the cap.
HTH a bit .

^_^






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i saw that thing at petsmart the other day, what was it? 50 dollars? and for 3 packs of that yeast stuff for 8 dollars? i said to myself.. NO and did my own co2 with a coke bottle. and i am happily satisfied with my bottle of stinky wine

just got mine two days ago, cost me 25 dollars, and it seems to be working ok, but i have noticed the co2 comes out very slowly. i was thinking 1 bubble every 2-3 seconds, it's more like 1 bubble per 1-2 minutes. but i think it well be a big help anyway


chris

That's just going to be for the first day. After a while, there will be 1 bubble per three or four seconds.

I use a Hagan CO2 in my 29 and I noticed a very measurable difference in plant growth and health..and color... And enough cuttings to fill my friends tanks.. This is a 1wpg tank with NO flourite.. But yes those packets run out, I've bought my last packets now and will be making my own mix. That unit is more than sufficient in a 29. But a coke bottle is so much cheaper plus you can say you made it !



The Amazon Nut...

has now started producing 1 bubble per 10 seconds, not too bad



chris

If you are going to use DIY CO2 in the Hagen bottle -- add a tsp of molasses, and a dash of protein powder. If you can find Yeast Nutrient (Ammonium Sulfate) add that too. You will find your CO2 production supercharge! (by the way, the molasses and protein powder idea is thanks to Tarah Nyberg from the most recent edition of TAG - the Journal of the Aquatic Gardener's Association).

Thanks Sunflwrgrl and everyone. Does anyone know where I can pick up some protein powder?

You can usually find some at health food stores -- like GNC. The little packets are usually less than two dollars but the big cans can be mega pricey. Since only a little bit is necessary, stick with the packets.

Hi Sunflower Girl it just so happens I'm out of packets and really want to try your recipe for co2 in my Hagen. Can you pm me the complete recipe or post it here ?
Thanks a bunch !

The Amazon Nut...

I'll have to wait until tonight - is that ok? I have to go to work!

Actually I had remembered I had posted it on another site, so I can copy and past here while on my lunch


The recipe I currently use is by Tarah Nyberg from the latest journal (TAG) of the Aquatic Gardener Association:

(quoting Tarah Nyberg)

She says that Ethanol (produced in the yeast) and SUGAR are increasingly toxic to yeast at greater than 10% concentrations. Therefore 2 cups of sugar in 2L are unhealthy for the yeast as well as a waste of sugar. 10% of sugar will yield roughly 10 Ethanol at which point yeast stop growing anyway. She suggests less sugar and more nutrients also whereby you can just pour some out, add some more sugar, and continue with the batch that was already in the bottle instead of adding more yeast.

Tarah's recipe (very flexible)

*Use 1 cup sugar per 2 liters of water (aquarium water, or declorinated tap water).
*1-2 tsps of protein drink mix (or soy or bean flour).
*optional -- add 1 tsp of Ammonium Sulfate, or use 1 Tbs of molasses or both).
*1 tsp of baking soda is nice to help keep the ph from crashing (they like ph above 3 to 4).
*Yeast - about 1/4 tsp is plenty. The yeast grow pretty fast to a maximum density for any given flask, so you end up with the same amount of yeast no matter how much you start with. If you only add a teensy amount, it might take 3 days or so for full CO2 production.

Leave yeast from previous mix in the bottom if it still smells like yeast, beer, bread, etc. If it smells like mold or something else, consider starting a new culture. I (Tarah) usually only need to refresh it every month or so -- 3 weeks is probably better

Again, this is from Tarah Nyberg and all credit goes to her

But you took the time to post it, and this will help, I'm almost out of mix and this sounds like a better mix then the packets. So THANKS !

The Amazon Nut...

Good luck with it -- I find that it really is much, much, faster than the normal recipe. Plus,refreshing is fast and easy and should be zooming right along again by morning if you refresh at night.