Tropical Fish Forums

carpalstunna · New Members Joined: 25 Mar 2011 Location: Canton, OH

I just started doing a DIY CO2 mix. I have the hagen system but got tired of buying their preportioned mixed for like 8 bucks then it being expired so I decided I was wasting money and would mix my own. I also made a mix for a 2 litre and am experimenting with both (My wife not thrilled about the look of the 2 litre).
It has been a little over 24 hrs and no bubble activity from either. Is this normal? I used an half used open pack of red star yeast. Would fresh be better. I used a fairly standard mix in the 2 litre (1/2 tsp yeast, 3/4 baking soda, 2 cups of suger, 1.5 liter of water) and just reduced for the smaller hagen bottle. I have seen some recipes with more yeast. Any thoughts?

Marcos Avila

Old yeast may not work right, but there may be other reasons. Have you checked for leaks?
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Success with a fish/tank is measured in YEARS, not months or weeks...

carpalstunna · New Members Joined: 25 Mar 2011 Location: Canton, OH

how do you suggest I check for leaks. Water/soap method?

DaleJr · Regulars Joined: 16 Feb 2010 Location: Memphis, TN

carpalstunna · New Members Joined: 25 Mar 2011 Location: Canton, OH

OK there most likely a leak due to my "rigging" of the cap with a pen as an outlet which apparently wasnt holding well because after pulling the airlline on and off a few times it fell into the bottle. So I cut the airhose on a diagonal and pulled it through the cap with pliers which has created a very tight seal. I am getting a bubble every 3-4 seconds.

Do you find the rapid rise yeast lasts as long as regular active dry? I do think it took about 48 hours to be up to full CO2 production. I would like to reduce this so when my bottle slows down it won't take 2 days for a new batch to start producing.

Ziabis · Members Joined: 21 Jun 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada

I read that CO2 is very important for maintaining live plants and fish for that matter.
But I am NOT handy or creative at all.

I am planning a new tank and want to have live plants.

For someone who is extremely NOT handy, is it possible for someone to
email me step by step directions on creating a DIY CO2 system for
a 30G tank?

And yes I mean step by step for dummies (me).
Please and thank you...
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30G .