CO2 Usage

at what point can i administer co2? i found an inexpensive way of making homemade co2 with sugar and yeast, just like somone had posted on this site, says its good for 2 weeks, as apposed to the baking soda vinegar method which last a few days, i am most likely going to upgrade to a good setup, but at what point does the plant use it? veg/flower?

As soon as their 6" tall , or as soon as you want-or can... Never to late---- except when all lights are out-- CO2 During Light--- OXY at nite { meaning - nothing but maybe fan }
These wonderful creatures make us MAD and GLAD on a Daily Magic cycle. I will admit after the 1st crop. Does the term DOWN HILL mean anything.

I'm trying the "poor man's" CO2 system also. I am using a 2.5 gallon container filling it about 1/3 of solution. I cannot get it to stay active though. After a day, it goes flat, even if I add more sugar and yeast.

I guess i don't have the correct mixture, but I've tried a few rations and am still trying...

I guess I should move it away from the vent when the lights are off.

to morrisgreenberg:

Your plant will start effectively using co2 when its first 2 real leaves (not the cotyledons) are developed and the next to start to show. The swell thing about such a cheap co2 generator is, if there's no light hitting it, the co2 production automatically reduces. If you'll get a professional co2 system, be sure to let it run more during the day, when the plant is more active, but also a little bit during the night.

to drynroasty:

1 tbs dry yeast + 2 tbs sugar + 1l water. That would mean that for 2.5 gallons you have to add 10 tbs of yeast and 20 of sugar.

Thanks doc, I will try it tomorrow, but I'm not going to fill the container. I ran a tube over my plants (scrog) to administer the offgas(?) and was very afraid of it possibly bubbling over and dripping onto the gurls and getting my grow box all stink-like. So I chose an extra large container, just in case.

My grow area is only 22"x22"x36". Any recommendations on amount I should use and how often to change it?

I spilled some on my pants and when my girlfriend smelled me accused me of drinking during the datime, alone... lol

..."cause you know when I drink alone, I prefer to be by myself" - JT

For a small space like that you really don't need more than 1-1,5 l (1/3 gallon). I like your idea with the tube, guarantees a uniform flow of co2. Good idea!

Doc, I have been considering putting an airstone in the solution to keep it bubbling and to also keep a steady flow of gas. I know it would ruin the stone, but I wasn't sure if it is practical to use air to push the CO2 and dilute it.

If I submerge an airstone and trickle some air thru it into the yeast, sugar, and water solution do you think it would agitate it enough to keep it producing? -and if I used the hose going to the box it would also transport the gas.

What do you think?

drynroasty, I have to applaud your instinctive intelligence on this one. That's a brilliant idea. I definetly recommend it, since most CO2 just ends up diffused in the water and begins to slowly kill the yeast. Congrats on a great idea. I will start implementing it as soon as i get to a pet store.

Again,,,fantastic idea...

Nice!!!

I am not impressed with the amount of bubbles the mixture seems to be producing. Either I did something wrong (I don't think so) or I need to make it stronger. I will try the airstone idea wne my lights come on tonight.