20 Gallon Tank Set up my DIY CO2

It's been on my "to do" list forever, finally got it done. Set up my DIY CO2 system. It should be bubbling w/in the next few hours.
Here's the formula I used in my bottle:

I have Ryan and Nutter to thank for showing me how to set up the middle bottle, just in case. Thanks!! Can't wait to see results!!

 

Cool, good job!

Hope it works well for you.

Just a quick sidenote: Allow 24 to 36 hrs to start bubbling before giving up on the mix, even though the recipe says about 12. Other factors such as ambient room temperature can affect the reaction time.

 

I planned on just leaving it alone, thanks!

 

Ok, I don't think it's working. I don't see any bubbles. Should I wait another day before changing formula?

 

I'd say wait. If it still doesn't produce any bubbles then do a new mix.

 

Thanks! Will yeast loose it's carbon properties if it's stored in freezer?

 

They should be fine as long as it is dry. It actually prolongs the life of the yeast when freezed.

 

Still nothing. Here's a photo of the outake.

 

I assume everything you've used is clear plastic/glass?

Are you getting any foam in the mix bottle?

Are you getting any bubbles through the bubble counter?

Have you got the check valves around the right way?

 

Try proof testing your yeast. Take a cup of lukewarm water (about body temp), mix a dash of sugar into it, and then a pinch of yeast. Give it 10 minutes, and see if it foams up at the top. If so, then the yeast is good.

I do a lot of baking at home and I store my yeast in the fridge, I don't know how it holds up in the freezer.

Another thing to check apart from what ryan has already mentioned is to make sure your seals are good.

Also one simple way to see if everything is piped correctly, try squeezing one of the main bottles and see if the bubble counter starts producing.

 

Sometimes too much sugar or yeast or too hot water can make the result been a downer. Check the mix and do a test like mention above.

 

I assume everything you've used is clear plastic/glass?
Yes. Plastic tubes, soda bottles, glass dropper.

Are you getting any foam in the mix bottle?
No.

Are you getting any bubbles through the bubble counter?
No.

Have you got the check valves around the right way?

Yes. LOL

I think the mixture is wrong. Any recepies out there?

 

Try proof testing your yeast. Take a cup of lukewarm water (about body temp), mix a dash of sugar into it, and then a pinch of yeast. Give it 10 minutes, and see if it foams up at the top. If so, then the yeast is good.
Did this the first time, but mixed w/ fork & got bubbles. Will try again your way.
I do a lot of baking at home and I store my yeast in the fridge, I don't know how it holds up in the freezer.

Another thing to check apart from what ryan has already mentioned is to make sure your seals are good.
Very secure, used silicone.

Also one simple way to see if everything is piped correctly, try squeezing one of the main bottles and see if the bubble counter starts producing.

Will try this.

 

I store my yeast in the freezer. It lasts up to a year with no problems. I'd suggest to check all connections to make sure you do not have any leaks. Then, shake the bottle for about 30 seconds. Did you get a foam on top? Did bubbles go into the bubble counter? If not, then either the yeast is bad or the water was too hot and it has killed the yeast.

The mix I use in a 2-liter bottle is 2 cups sugar and 1 tsp yeast. Then, fill the bottle 3/4 full with water.

Hope that helps~

 

I store my yeast in the freezer. It lasts up to a year with no problems. I'd suggest to check all connections to make sure you do not have any leaks. Then, shake the bottle for about 30 seconds. Did you get a foam on top? Did bubbles go into the bubble counter? If not, then either the yeast is bad or the water was too hot and it has killed the yeast.

The mix I use in a 2-liter bottle is 2 cups sugar and 1 tsp yeast. Then, fill the bottle 3/4 full with water.

Hope that helps~

Wow 2 cups of sugar! I use one for my 2 litters and 2 a gallon.

 

Everything I've seen say to use anywhere from 1-2 cups sugar and 1/4 to 2 tsp yeast per 2-liter water. I have even experimented with adding baking soda or a food flake to try to get the solution to produce longer.

Yeast eat sugar. So, it is my theory that the extra sugar keeps the solution going longer. I've had solutions go strong for 10-12 days before slowing down production.
I may adjust these proportions once the weather warms up.

One conclusion I have come to is that it really doesn't matter, within reason, how much is added to the bottle. Need enough yeast to get the solution producing CO2. Once the sugar has been consumed, then production comes to a halt, and quickly.

How long does your mix last with using 1 cusp sugar in a 2 gallon jug? I have been looking for larger containers as 8 2-liter bottle is getting to be a bit too much. My cupboard had no room for anything else!

 

I think that the alcohol kills off the yeast before it consumes all of the sugar. I don't know for sure though, I'm not about to drink the mixture to see if its still sweet.

 

From what I know, either the alcohol content or the pH raising is what kills the yeast. I too have never drank the mix when changing it. Although, it definitely has an alcohol smell, I cannot comment on whether or not any sugar remains.

Maybe I'll test the pH on the mix and see where it's at.

 

I store my yeast in the freezer. It lasts up to a year with no problems. I'd suggest to check all connections to make sure you do not have any leaks. Then, shake the bottle for about 30 seconds. Did you get a foam on top? Did bubbles go into the bubble counter? If not, then either the yeast is bad or the water was too hot and it has killed the yeast.

The mix I use in a 2-liter bottle is 2 cups sugar and 1 tsp yeast. Then, fill the bottle 3/4 full with water.

Hope that helps~

Found the problem! There isn't enough water. I only have 2/3 cup of water in there.
Can I add more water to current mix or do I start over from scratch?

 

The mix should be fine. Add the water and see what happens.

 

I followed your advice and believe the 1st pack of yeast was bad. Opened another pack, tested, good so added to bottle. Here are pics of my system. Still not seeing bubbles in tank, but waiting.