Thank you for this very helpful video! I am very excited to try it. Here are the measurements for our American friends: 250g = 1 Cup 2g = 1/2 rounded teaspoon 3 Sheets of Gelatine = 1 (0.25 oz) envelope = 1 Tablespoon Powder
im surprised that people think this DIY system cannot be regulated and turned off for the night. it is actually super easy! so how to do it? on the smaller bottle, there are 2 holes for the tubes - 1 brings the co2 from the yeast, 1 sends it to the aquarium. I added a 3rd tube, just a very short one (like 15 cms) in there (so my cap on a smaller bottle has 3 holes and 3 tubes). Im using a kind of a clamp on that 3rd tube which means I can regulate the amount of co2 going into the aquarium (by slightly decreasing the pressure in the smaller bottle). If you fully open or remove that clamp, there is no pressure in the smaller bottle, therefore nothing is going into the aquarium at night ;)
Even Easier but slightly less convenient, Raise the Diffuser to the top if you're using a diy one. (Don't recommend this for Glass Diffusers) You can also put a check valve near the start of the 2nd tube and disconnect it when you need to
@@LupeFN Not a valve on the second line, that will increase the presure when CO2 has no where to excape at all creating a diferent issue, but a valve on the 3rd - this is fantastic..
After doing this a while now, I suggest people use a high-alcohol producing yeast, like champagne yeast. Trust me, your bottle will last so much longer, saving you on faff and sugar.
I activated mine in 3 hours. 😁🎉 Gelatin mixture: 250ml water 1 cup (250g white sugar) 1 tbsp gelatine powder (clear) *low heat to a near boil then cool before pouring into the bottle Yeast water: 1 liter water (lukewarm) 1 tsp sugar 1-2g yeast (2g = 1/2 tsp)
Thank for the conversion . I successfully supplied my aquarium with co2 by using your recipe. For the problem that this system cannot be turn off. Well first I just use air stone not the co2 diffuser. In order to prevent to much co2 in the aquarium. I just take the air stone that connected the to the co2 system and put it inside a glass of water😂.
I have done this before and it does work with some attention. Beware though...one little plug or obstruction in your airline from the bottles and you will have a sugar and gelatin ant bomb. The pressure from fermentation will blow that contraption sky high if it gets plugged. I highly recommend a secondary tube in the first large bottle that has a weak plug in it so if the primary tube line gets pinched or plugged it has an escape pop off valve.
@ML Dd Yep. It sure can if it gets plugged. I used to brew my own beer and I have had fermentation blow a carboy plug right into the ceiling and have seen dozens of beer bottles explode in the hobby due to the CO2 pressure when things are not right. It causes a real mess! Fermentation will cause tremendous pressure if unvented.
@@PlanktoniusRex If the escape pop off valve that is attached to the first bottle goes off, will it simply vent the CO2, or will the liquid mixture escape, as well? If it's the latter, could we run the plug into a 3rd bottle so as to catch it? Or will that burst?!
Brilliant. Many thanks. Handy hint here: drop a seltzer tablet into the yeast mix when you are screwing the caps on and setting it up in the tank. It won't hurt the yeast and it will get you up to pressure in minutes rather than hours.
My little son and I have some low tech plants in our tank and they're doing fine but this is a really cool experiment to do with him! Thank you SO MUCH
Literally wanted to learn this home made co2 system for years and eons, but since I have ADD, can't tolerate illogical, bad, overexplaining, underexplaining explanations I just rather lived in oblivion and planned to buy a system. This is perfectly educational, nothing is left unexplained and you keep it substantial.
I have a freshly planted (2 weeks old) aquarium, so 4 to 6 weeks is just fine. I only need some C02 to give my plants like a little jump-start, not a long-term expensive system. This should be perfect. Thank you so much!
I started my CO2 dosing just like this except I did not know about the gelatin. This was 20 years ago and I recommend anyone who is new to try out your ideas on your video. I eventually purchased a CO2 system only because I wanted it for bigger tanks and was tired of mixing. But I learned a lot starting off this way. Great video and very well explained. Cheers from Canada
DIY system co2 works well - good enough to run multiple tanks from one bank of bottles when staggered eight (8) hours apart. I run six (6) bottles through a cleaner bottle, then on to a dry air filter bottle where I inject oxygen from an air pump. This enables me to compensate for temperature changes & fluctuations in co2 production/pressure over time. The "key" factor in all this was finding reliable/economic air line gang valve... Ordinary metal valves can't adjust precisely enough without clogging & most plastic ones don't dial down far enough. The one I'm using in the United States I get off Amazon. "Accuair" aquarium gang valve. Isn't an endorsement by any means, but the particular DESIGN employed here works fine.
Iyaalvin. Oh....Please how is some Photos & Diagrams so we can get better idea how to set up our own multiple tanks with this CO2 method! D like to know Exactly what products u use so we can do same or adapt accordingly. Thanks again.
If you would like to seal the airline tubing to the bottles instantly. You can actually use cyanoacrylate super glue and baking soda. The baking soda reacts with the super glue and hardens almost instantly, works well if your impatient like me lol.
Thanks to you I could set up my first diy co2 system ! It was not the easiest tho.. ^^ I followed your instructions and last Monday the setup was ready, but I didn't get any CO2 building up after 24h so I waited and after 3 days of having no pressure at all I thought maybe it was because of the yeast (i used a basic chemical yeast), so I added 1-2 grams of good quality yeast (the type used for making bread, natural). I had to shake the bottle from time to time for the next couple days, and finally the pressure started building up for the past 2-3 days after the sun hit the bottle and the temperature in the room got higher. And today after a week I have CO2 in my tank ! I'm surprised to have a good amount of it, I didn't expect it to be very efficient so that's good news, I have a valve so I can control it :) I think next time I will make sure to put only good quality yeast and let the bottle sit in a warm spot, with the valves completely closed, monitoring it carefully. I also thought I could add a little bit of baking soda to faster the reaction. Hope this helps anyone having trouble with this setup.
You can add shut off valves to turn it off at night. You will need at least 2. One to shut off supply to the tank and the other to leave open to release c02 to the room so you release pressure from the bottles. Thanks for creating this video and teaching me about this!
Agree completely but would go a step further and add that only 1 valve would be needed. Your average 2 litre bottle can hold over 100psi. Say you inject Co2 for 10 hours. I’m doubtful the bottle will reach anywhere near 100 psi before you turn it back on again. You’d need to seal the first bottle better with the airline though.
Regardless of aquarium size, you should always use 2 bottles containing the yeast mix. This way you can alternate making a fresh mix & keep co2 levels in the tank more stable. You should also use a check valve between each co2 reactor & the sump bottle. Doing this allows you to unplug the bottles to make a new mix without losing pressure in the system. Again, this is to keep co2 levels in the tank more stable. Rather than raising filter outputs, it's far easier to use an air pump & air stone that is controlled by a timer so that it comes on when the lights turn off.
Im new to the hobby and i was super turned off by the cost of having a decent co2 system but im happy to see that something like this is available to hobbyist who cant spend alot on their tanks! Will definitely give this a try soon edit: i was finally able to try this! i hope i get good results
Awesome vid Mark; but let me explain that in fact... You CAN regulate this system and you CAN automate this system! I tested this for a week now on a 180L setup (this recipe is perfect for that volume looking at my dropchecker btw.). On the small bottle I have a third tube with a needle valve (12eur on amazon for my fellow dutchies). I close this valve in the morning to build pressure and CO2 starts flowing in an hour or so. In the evening I slowly open the valve to release pressure and stop the flow to the tank. Theoretically if you put a magnet valve on the third tube with a half open? needle valve behind it you can automate this on a timer or smart socket. In fact... I might try this and report back.
reporting back. added a magnet valve on a hue smart socket. It actually takes three hours to build up pressure. with that in mind... I set the valve to turn off three hours before my light starts (building up pressure) and about half hour after my lights turn off I turn on the valve (releasing pressure gradually through a needle valve). That's it guys... fully automated CO2 system for 43,- that costs less than 1 Eur. to refill monthly!!! PERFECT and way more eco friendly than all the other options.
Yep great idea I too had a bleed off line to turn it off at night but using a solenoid in reverse (closed/off for the co2 to flow and open/on to open the bleed) is a great idea for this
This is what im looking for, so this works for a tent grow? how many did you use? I was thinking a couple 2 liters should be enough for a 2x4 with 3-4 plants.. but im probably wrong never worked with co2.
I use a diy C02 system for my tank and have gotten some nice pearling from my plants and good growth without having to change it out for a few months at a time. I made my own yeast from shredded ginger root and suger mixed in a bottle. When it slows down I remove the spent liquid and alcohol produced by the yeast and add fresh water and a little sugar to keep the yeast going indefinitely. When I turn off the light I remove the bottle and cap it so oxygen is circulated during the night through the tank. I have the tube connected to the air intake on the pump as my defuser.
Can you explain how you make the yeast with the ginger or share your recipe? Also, is it just a one time creation and then the fresh water and sugar each time?
@@wndrflx yes, you want to use raw ginger root with the skin as your yeast starter. I use about two thumb sized pieces crushed to start and about 1 cup of sugar and luke warm water in a plastic coke bottle and shake to dissolve the suger. After about a month or when the bubbles start to slow down I'll pour half the liquid and old ginger pieces out and add some more ginger, sugar and water and just keep it going. I find useing the ginger it lasts much longer than just sugar water and bread yeast. Also you can drink this stuff. It's literally the same way you make ginger beer lol.
@@NJ_Aquascaping it will be fine if you use the right amount of citric acid ,and baking soda. If you use vinegar instead of citric acid you will have problems.
I might do this just to use the byproduct from home brewing. Even with just using those bottles you can use super cheap valves since it's at low pressure.
That's what I do when making my ginger ale and fermented fruit sodas and use it as my C02 system. I haven't tried making wine yet, but it's gonna happen at some point if I forget about it too long. Lol 😂
I'm gonna try this one day as soon as i fix my 5 gallon tank so I can grow plants with no fish in tank. So I'm hoping I will have plants grow faster and better. Thanks for helping us.
I tried this, and it would work alright for a day or two. However I keep my house pretty cool in the winter time and I found that out was too cold to sustain the yeast. I switched to a citric acid and baking soda system and it's working great. I'm getting a lot more CO2 and it's sustaining CO2 production despite the cold house. Temperature of the room is something to consider.
This sounds more like it’s made wrong or something else it lasts longer than that despite the temperature. I use bs&ca now too but this is a sugar and yeast vid
Yes I noticed same. At night i remove co2 still running and left it outside the house just incase it explodes. I live in uk and even in summer by night time its cold. By morning I checked and about to install it back to the tank bottle seemed loose of pressure assuming it had a leak but no. Bottle of diy co2 was inside the house for quite awhile then it starts to have bubbles inside and getting pressure. So yes temperature can affect this diy co2
Hey! Thanks so much for this video! I have always wanted to do a planted tank with CO2, but couldn't justify spending the extra hundreds of dollars as a single mother! I do a lot of baking, so I already ha e all of these Ingredients on hand! really appreciate you!
I use a homemade CO2 system for a long time you can simply apply a regulator valve + anti return valve all for about 2€ which makes it alot more safer and easy to Control
@@patrick__007 8 and 9 are 8: external magnet and 9: inlet "ball" with magent inside. this allows you to move the "siphon" hose if/when you want to use acid version of diy CO2. otherwise you can move the magnet all the way to the top of the bottle, which has the same effect as a short hose. basically the picture he shows is for multipurpose setup where you can do either yeast or citric acid type setups.
@@gomessparky so can I add a air control valve from an air pump and a check valve on the tubing to stop air from passing and water from coming in? Will it work to stop co2 at night?
Just ran across this video looking for an alternative to my current method because I needed something a bit smaller for my niece's bedroom. This is what I do. I hope this helps people. 1. I use a large pyrex glass jar with an air tight seal. If you can't find one, a soda bottle will work well too. In fact pet bottles are meant to withstand high pressure, but ate difficult to clean. Make sure to get as large a bottle as possible for step 2. 2. The reason you need a large fermenting vessel is because this decreases the surface area: volume ratio, which keeps your temperature stable. I then squeeze the bottle into a homemade thermos (pvc pipe and Styrofoam). 3. Cooling the solution down to about 7 degrees C really helps keep the outflow down. Also, experiment with your yeast. Activity varies. Active dry yeast is the best IMHO because it generally acts slower, but champagne yeast produces more pressure and lasts longer. 4. If you're worried about oxygen, use air entrainment. Use a 3 tube connector and place a cover on the third port. Uncover when you want to add oxygen. Dissolves better when it goes through the air stone.
Great info and so straight forward! Thank you. The only distraction in the video is how handsome you are and your lovely voice... I kept getting side tracked 😊
Just what I was looking for! Thank you, kind sir, for the great, to-the-point explanation and easy-to-follow steps! Keep it up, I'm foreseeing a bright future for this channel! :)
Ik moet heel eerlijk zeggen dat dit een erg fijne video was om naar te kijken, je praat rustig, duidelijk, en gewoon "straight to the point" echt een top video daar mag je absoluut trots op zijn 👍👍👍
Can highly recommend a non-return valve on that system. Flooded my place some years ago wth a similar set up due to back pressure with water from the aquarium.
Love from India.. thanks a lot for gelatin trick.. i had to change my Diy co2 every week but this is gonna save me from that.. & i never knew 2nd bottle is necessary to eliminate wastes.. thanks bro👍
wow! I also use this.. but you explained it so well. I am going to follow your system especially with the gelatin...... Can you show us how strong the bubbles are in your diy co2 system? maybe an update video on how your plants are responding to the system? thanks!
Good choice of background music, nice voice & clear as water explaination = easy to understand. Thumbs up👍 i was just listening while wathcing my fish swims, i can actually visualize the whole process.
Excellent explanation of the entire process. There`s one thing i use, instead of silicone. Add a good amount of superlue, and backing soda on top. It will instantly become very hard, cement like. Try it.
You can use a drip set to control the ammont of CO2 and can use a T connector with one pipe going into aquarium and the other one in a clean water bottle where You can dirvert the connection in the night. Also You can use an air stone to balance the CO2 level in the Tank...
This is a genius use of nature's free carbon... and yes, you can shut it off at night, if u like. -Add a third hole with tube in the bottle cap... with an adjustable air valve to allow pressure to bleed off just enough to stop or nearly stop CO2 to the water. your system is better than the NEO CO2... with your 2nd bottle... -Cheers! -Scotty on Maui.
I have a 55 gallon but this will really help my staurogyne repens that I just got, I can’t wait for my tank to really blossom. Thanks for the video, I know this isn’t quite large enough for a tank so big but even starting off small will really get it going!
This goes under the *"how did I not think of this"* category. I brew and do multiple ferments on a regular basis. i know they produce CO2.. and I even have gelatin in my cupboard..
Lovely video..! Will try now. It would have helped if you showed the actual working in your fishtank ..I mean the part showing how the pressurised CO2 gets diffused into the tank.
I love this! I also bake lots of sourdough bread, so I'm gunna try this same method but instead of gelatin and yeast, I'll try it with a sourdough wild yeast starter and see how this works! Thanks so much! 🤩
wouldn't a hose clamp work to "turn off" the C02? Hose clamps are used in hospitals to close an access line with IV drips. Granted you have to remember to turn it off/on but it would do the job
I am a senior citizen and have kept aquariums since I was a small child. Expensive CO2 systems were something I never could afford. This is especially true now. I really enjoyed your video and will have to try this in the basement aquarium room I am building. I have always thought CO2 systems were out of reach. Thank you for your information.
Knowledge is wealth! you sir are more than wealthy man, because you share your knowledge with us for nothing. Not many can do that. I wish you even more success.
Really enjoyed your presentation. Your calm and confident manner really shines through. Definitely going to try this on my 10 gallon after the dry start to help the carpet. Subscribed. 😀
In Kuwait , where small CO2 cylinder costs around 60 $, and regulator 45 $, apart from other things, I used this and did it in less than 3$, had leak on main reactor bottle, attended it. Also couldn't get diffuser so attached air stone, getting very fine bubbling., Showed it to my friend, did one more rig for him, can't thank you enough.
@@MJAquascaping 🥰🥰🥰🥰 yeah working well.. and i think the more concentration of sugar and yeast the longer it can take... thanks for the respone tho!!!! ☺️☺️☺️
hi i think you can increase it even further by using special variety of yeast like ones used in brewing or alcool manufacture, certain types can endure like 12/14 ° alcool, so they would product more co2 and be less sensitive to alcool increasing in the bottle.
Hey man, I had a question for you; which co2 diffuser do you use/recommend for DIY co2? I started using DIY with your method ~2 weeks ago, but my acrylic diffuser stopped working after a day due to a lack of pressure. Should I try using it again next time and just wait a bit longer for the pressure build-up some more? I was impatient and decided to use cotton instead (which has worked well, but I don't see it being a good long-term solution). Thanks brother.
Thank you for this wonderful video. Want to try this out. What is the recommended size of the bottle (1.5l or 2l)? For the big bottle, can I use the 1.5l PET bottle? Do I need to reduce the recommended ingredient quantity (eg 250g of sugar in 250g of water) to use with the 1.5l bottle?
@MJ Aquascaping - 2L Coke Bottles are impossible to find nowaday. The Big Bottle you recommended can be 1.5l? Starting this project based on your recommendation real soon. Great and simple video
Definetely gonna try this out, actually bought a air diffuser thinking its the same as airstone but too bubbly on the tank, Might as well use it for the purpose of CO2 injections. Decided to buy DIY caps fairly cheap just waiting for deliver and try this out. Was also thinking of adding a control valve to turn on/off by unplugging.
I bought myself a swamp; large propagator with a heat mat and some led lighting. I recently purchased a 5 litre demijohn (glass bottle) and some airline. I'm going to add the CO2 from the demijohn to a plastic container inside the propagator, filled with water, containing some Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort) and let it bubble through a diffuser, straight out of that into the propagator. I'm growing a collection of Cryptocorynes immersed and hope the enhanced CO2 will boost their growth. Thanks for this guide, it was very thorough and very well presented. 😎 Edit You can even make your own active, dried yeast: ua-cam.com/video/nogAE04lJxo/v-deo.html but it might be cheaper to just buy the stuff and leave the production to the professionals.
If you have a spare air gang valve, connect the CO2 supply to the input, connect the tank/diffuser line to one output valve, close all others and it feeds the tank. When you shut down for the night, just open any other output valve and the CO2 bypasses the tank into your room.
Hi man! Outstanding video! This is the best one on the internet! I have a question, but when we are heating the water and basically any water we use for the co2 system, can it be plain tap water, or do we add dechlorinator to it before using the system? Keep up the amazing work!
Hi Handsome! I just want to thank you for your kindness to share all this in the most simple way that even an idiot me would understand! Apart from the commercial Co2 systems being expensive, they can also generate lots of trash (those tiny disposable co2 cartridges or consume lots of time (having to go drive and refill co2 tank). I am so glad I found your page. I love experiments, DIY and I prefer eco-friendly ways. I have one dearest betta in my tank though and I really want to make it safe for him. I will try this method. Hope I do this right! This is such amazing video that helps people and earth.
Yes it works, back in the day we would set up a "beer brewing system" just sugar warm water and yeast in a 5 gallon bucket in the room. Definitely helps.
Hey Mark, good stuff you posted. I'll use baking soda & citric acid for my 60ltr scape with an pressure regulator to have instant CO2. Any idea how much pressure the bottles with your solution of CO2 kicks in. The reason that I was wondering is cause some diffusers needs a minimal amount of pressure. Thanks again for the amazing work you post on video and the described details. 😉 Regards from Amsterdam 🥳
Hey Martin! Yeah the baking soda and citric acid is a great method as well! Sorry I honestly have no idea how much pressure is in the bottles. I've tried a lot of different diffusers, and never had issues with any of them.
Another DIY CO2 alternative to yeast-sugar method is baking soda and citric acid. The reaction is immediate and CO2 starts faster. The main advantage over sugar-yeast method is the mixing of the two materials can be controlled and shut off.
Thank you for this. I’m guessing that besides cleaning the Co2, the second bottle acts as the bubble counter? Also what type of Co2 diffuser do you use? I couldn’t tell from the video. I want to order one or something similar. Thanks 😊
I just have mine connected to the air intake on my pump which works well for me. I've experimented with in tank diy C02 reactors, but they're unsightly lol. If I had a sump or external filter a reactor would be the most efficient way to dissolve the C02 into the tank.
I made mine in glass bottles. For those particularly concerned about co2 buildup over night you can slow the yeast down by putting the bottle in an ice/cold bath before you go to bed. They'll still produce some co2 but not nearly as much and as the house warms up in the morning the yeast will 'wake up.' You can also use a warm water bath to speed this process if you like or have time. An electric kettle makes this stupid easy. The cork caps on the glass bottle also improves the air tight seal
Improve the seal of the first bottle and add an inline regulator valve between the first and second bottle and you can instantly and easily control the amount of Co2 being dumped into the aquarium.
Thank you for this very helpful video! I am very excited to try it. Here are the measurements for our American friends:
250g = 1 Cup
2g = 1/2 rounded teaspoon
3 Sheets of Gelatine = 1 (0.25 oz) envelope = 1 Tablespoon Powder
Yo thanks bro
Thank you for converting :)
Thank you
Thank you so much for converting that for the US 😊 LOL
And make sure you don't drink the alcohol created by this method. Lol
My bong making skills as a teen really gives me an advantage here. Great video!
Hell yeah!
im surprised that people think this DIY system cannot be regulated and turned off for the night. it is actually super easy! so how to do it? on the smaller bottle, there are 2 holes for the tubes - 1 brings the co2 from the yeast, 1 sends it to the aquarium. I added a 3rd tube, just a very short one (like 15 cms) in there (so my cap on a smaller bottle has 3 holes and 3 tubes). Im using a kind of a clamp on that 3rd tube which means I can regulate the amount of co2 going into the aquarium (by slightly decreasing the pressure in the smaller bottle). If you fully open or remove that clamp, there is no pressure in the smaller bottle, therefore nothing is going into the aquarium at night ;)
Brilliant! Thank you:)
Even Easier but slightly less convenient, Raise the Diffuser to the top if you're using a diy one. (Don't recommend this for Glass Diffusers)
You can also put a check valve near the start of the 2nd tube and disconnect it when you need to
Or have a brain and add a needle valve
I’m having a hard time visualizing what you mean with the clamp on the 3rd tube?
@@LupeFN Not a valve on the second line, that will increase the presure when CO2 has no where to excape at all creating a diferent issue, but a valve on the 3rd - this is fantastic..
After doing this a while now, I suggest people use a high-alcohol producing yeast, like champagne yeast. Trust me, your bottle will last so much longer, saving you on faff and sugar.
I activated mine in 3 hours. 😁🎉
Gelatin mixture:
250ml water
1 cup (250g white sugar)
1 tbsp gelatine powder (clear)
*low heat to a near boil then cool before pouring into the bottle
Yeast water:
1 liter water (lukewarm)
1 tsp sugar
1-2g yeast (2g = 1/2 tsp)
Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for the conversion
Thank for the conversion . I successfully supplied my aquarium with co2 by using your recipe. For the problem that this system cannot be turn off. Well first I just use air stone not the co2 diffuser. In order to prevent to much co2 in the aquarium. I just take the air stone that connected the to the co2 system and put it inside a glass of water😂.
I have done this before and it does work with some attention. Beware though...one little plug or obstruction in your airline from the bottles and you will have a sugar and gelatin ant bomb. The pressure from fermentation will blow that contraption sky high if it gets plugged. I highly recommend a secondary tube in the first large bottle that has a weak plug in it so if the primary tube line gets pinched or plugged it has an escape pop off valve.
@ML Dd Yep. It sure can if it gets plugged. I used to brew my own beer and I have had fermentation blow a carboy plug right into the ceiling and have seen dozens of beer bottles explode in the hobby due to the CO2 pressure when things are not right. It causes a real mess! Fermentation will cause tremendous pressure if unvented.
Thank you for the suggestion! What would you recommend for a weak plug for the second airline tubing?
Any suggestions for a pop off valve?
@@PlanktoniusRex If the escape pop off valve that is attached to the first bottle goes off, will it simply vent the CO2, or will the liquid mixture escape, as well? If it's the latter, could we run the plug into a 3rd bottle so as to catch it? Or will that burst?!
Hello, can you please explain in detail of how you did this . That will be appreciated alot!
Brilliant. Many thanks. Handy hint here: drop a seltzer tablet into the yeast mix when you are screwing the caps on and setting it up in the tank. It won't hurt the yeast and it will get you up to pressure in minutes rather than hours.
WOW, I can make wine and as a byproduct feed my aquarium plants! Cool! I guess I'm not the only one to make that connection.
My little son and I have some low tech plants in our tank and they're doing fine but this is a really cool experiment to do with him! Thank you SO MUCH
That is awesome!
An interested fermentation biologist is wondering how it's going :))
I tried this out over the past few days and it works like a charm. Thank you for putting this together, excellent concept!
Great to hear!
how did your sugar solution set ? I put the solution in the fridge and when i took it out, the gel just melted.any idea?
Literally wanted to learn this home made co2 system for years and eons, but since I have ADD, can't tolerate illogical, bad, overexplaining, underexplaining explanations I just rather lived in oblivion and planned to buy a system. This is perfectly educational, nothing is left unexplained and you keep it substantial.
I have a freshly planted (2 weeks old) aquarium, so 4 to 6 weeks is just fine. I only need some C02 to give my plants like a little jump-start, not a long-term expensive system. This should be perfect. Thank you so much!
I started my CO2 dosing just like this except I did not know about the gelatin. This was 20 years ago and I recommend anyone who is new to try out your ideas on your video. I eventually purchased a CO2 system only because I wanted it for bigger tanks and was tired of mixing. But I learned a lot starting off this way. Great video and very well explained. Cheers from Canada
What did you do during night time? Did you switch it off?
DIY system co2 works well - good enough to run multiple tanks from one bank of bottles when staggered eight (8) hours apart.
I run six (6) bottles through a cleaner bottle, then on to a dry air filter bottle where I inject oxygen from an air pump.
This enables me to compensate for temperature changes & fluctuations in co2 production/pressure over time.
The "key" factor in all this was finding reliable/economic air line gang valve...
Ordinary metal valves can't adjust precisely enough without clogging & most plastic ones don't dial down far enough.
The one I'm using in the United States I get off Amazon. "Accuair" aquarium gang valve. Isn't an endorsement by any means, but the particular DESIGN employed here works fine.
Wow Alvin! Would love to see a picture of this setup! You took DIY CO2 to another level!
Iyaalvin. Oh....Please how is some Photos & Diagrams so we can get better idea how to set up our own multiple tanks with this CO2 method! D like to know Exactly what products u use so we can do same or adapt accordingly. Thanks again.
If you would like to seal the airline tubing to the bottles instantly. You can actually use cyanoacrylate super glue and baking soda. The baking soda reacts with the super glue and hardens almost instantly, works well if your impatient like me lol.
Great tip!
Just watched one of his other videos, seems he still uses this tip haha.
Thanks, this is the first time i've heard gelatin mentioned to slow down the process. I've definitely trying this!
Thanks to you I could set up my first diy co2 system ! It was not the easiest tho.. ^^ I followed your instructions and last Monday the setup was ready, but I didn't get any CO2 building up after 24h so I waited and after 3 days of having no pressure at all I thought maybe it was because of the yeast (i used a basic chemical yeast), so I added 1-2 grams of good quality yeast (the type used for making bread, natural). I had to shake the bottle from time to time for the next couple days, and finally the pressure started building up for the past 2-3 days after the sun hit the bottle and the temperature in the room got higher. And today after a week I have CO2 in my tank ! I'm surprised to have a good amount of it, I didn't expect it to be very efficient so that's good news, I have a valve so I can control it :) I think next time I will make sure to put only good quality yeast and let the bottle sit in a warm spot, with the valves completely closed, monitoring it carefully. I also thought I could add a little bit of baking soda to faster the reaction. Hope this helps anyone having trouble with this setup.
Happy to hear it is finally working for you!
When homebrewer skills carry over to something!
You can add shut off valves to turn it off at night. You will need at least 2. One to shut off supply to the tank and the other to leave open to release c02 to the room so you release pressure from the bottles. Thanks for creating this video and teaching me about this!
Agree completely but would go a step further and add that only 1 valve would be needed. Your average 2 litre bottle can hold over 100psi. Say you inject Co2 for 10 hours. I’m doubtful the bottle will reach anywhere near 100 psi before you turn it back on again. You’d need to seal the first bottle better with the airline though.
@@poppy11ththe bottle might hold 100psi but I doubt the glue or the cap will. I’m thinking about setting one up soon and that was my worry at least.
Exactly what I was thinking...just at a Y-splitter before the tank, each with a valve, one of which just goes off into the open air.
Just take the diffuser out and drop it into a cup of water overnight
Dude thank you for explaining this in simple terms and truly breaking it down step by step!
Regardless of aquarium size, you should always use 2 bottles containing the yeast mix. This way you can alternate making a fresh mix & keep co2 levels in the tank more stable. You should also use a check valve between each co2 reactor & the sump bottle. Doing this allows you to unplug the bottles to make a new mix without losing pressure in the system. Again, this is to keep co2 levels in the tank more stable. Rather than raising filter outputs, it's far easier to use an air pump & air stone that is controlled by a timer so that it comes on when the lights turn off.
Im new to the hobby and i was super turned off by the cost of having a decent co2 system but im happy to see that something like this is available to hobbyist who cant spend alot on their tanks! Will definitely give this a try soon
edit: i was finally able to try this! i hope i get good results
hey amigo, did you get good results?
@@arthurheine5631 yes! definitely worth a try!
hey, a year later what do you think about the system?
@@dizzyguy7423 Yea it does really work! I'm still using the same system to date!
@@mikelamigo8104 Wow thank you for update omg. Yes I will go this eco friendly route!!!
Awesome vid Mark; but let me explain that in fact... You CAN regulate this system and you CAN automate this system!
I tested this for a week now on a 180L setup (this recipe is perfect for that volume looking at my dropchecker btw.). On the small bottle I have a third tube with a needle valve (12eur on amazon for my fellow dutchies). I close this valve in the morning to build pressure and CO2 starts flowing in an hour or so. In the evening I slowly open the valve to release pressure and stop the flow to the tank. Theoretically if you put a magnet valve on the third tube with a half open? needle valve behind it you can automate this on a timer or smart socket. In fact... I might try this and report back.
reporting back. added a magnet valve on a hue smart socket. It actually takes three hours to build up pressure. with that in mind... I set the valve to turn off three hours before my light starts (building up pressure) and about half hour after my lights turn off I turn on the valve (releasing pressure gradually through a needle valve). That's it guys... fully automated CO2 system for 43,- that costs less than 1 Eur. to refill monthly!!! PERFECT and way more eco friendly than all the other options.
Yep great idea I too had a bleed off line to turn it off at night but using a solenoid in reverse (closed/off for the co2 to flow and open/on to open the bleed) is a great idea for this
@@privateportall hoe zorg je dat de druk in je fles niet zo hoog wordt dat hij ontploft?
@@privateportall can you please share where you can find that magnet valve?
What diffuser did you use? I saw you have 180lt. Mine is 450lt
I did this years back for a closet grow. I never knew to add gelatin to help slow down the yeast. ! Nice video, great content🤙🤙🤙
This is what im looking for, so this works for a tent grow? how many did you use? I was thinking a couple 2 liters should be enough for a 2x4 with 3-4 plants.. but im probably wrong never worked with co2.
I use a diy C02 system for my tank and have gotten some nice pearling from my plants and good growth without having to change it out for a few months at a time. I made my own yeast from shredded ginger root and suger mixed in a bottle. When it slows down I remove the spent liquid and alcohol produced by the yeast and add fresh water and a little sugar to keep the yeast going indefinitely. When I turn off the light I remove the bottle and cap it so oxygen is circulated during the night through the tank. I have the tube connected to the air intake on the pump as my defuser.
Can you explain how you make the yeast with the ginger or share your recipe? Also, is it just a one time creation and then the fresh water and sugar each time?
@@wndrflx yes, you want to use raw ginger root with the skin as your yeast starter. I use about two thumb sized pieces crushed to start and about 1 cup of sugar and luke warm water in a plastic coke bottle and shake to dissolve the suger. After about a month or when the bubbles start to slow down I'll pour half the liquid and old ginger pieces out and add some more ginger, sugar and water and just keep it going. I find useing the ginger it lasts much longer than just sugar water and bread yeast. Also you can drink this stuff. It's literally the same way you make ginger beer lol.
@@vanissaberg5824 thank you very much
@@vanissaberg5824 thank you from Romania! I will try it to!
You can add a valve to cut it on and off, vise grips, a c clamp, or crimp the hose and set a brick on it. Thanks for the video.
Is that ok to clip it at night, won't be any issue with the bottle or pipe? Please suggest.
@@NJ_Aquascaping it will be fine if you use the right amount of citric acid ,and baking soda. If you use vinegar instead of citric acid you will have problems.
@@jasonlawson8619thanks for reply, I will be going with sugar, gelletine and yeast method, those are available with me
The big bottle is going to explode if you do that imo
@@jasonlawson8619 this is a sugar and yeast video and you cannot do this stop trolling
I might do this just to use the byproduct from home brewing. Even with just using those bottles you can use super cheap valves since it's at low pressure.
That's what I do when making my ginger ale and fermented fruit sodas and use it as my C02 system. I haven't tried making wine yet, but it's gonna happen at some point if I forget about it too long. Lol 😂
You encouraged me to try again using DIY Co2 👍
Awesome! Hope it works for you 😊👍
Finally a video that explains it in an easy process!
I'm gonna try this one day as soon as i fix my 5 gallon tank so I can grow plants with no fish in tank. So I'm hoping I will have plants grow faster and better. Thanks for helping us.
You can do it!
I tried this, and it would work alright for a day or two. However I keep my house pretty cool in the winter time and I found that out was too cold to sustain the yeast. I switched to a citric acid and baking soda system and it's working great. I'm getting a lot more CO2 and it's sustaining CO2 production despite the cold house. Temperature of the room is something to consider.
This sounds more like it’s made wrong or something else it lasts longer than that despite the temperature. I use bs&ca now too but this is a sugar and yeast vid
Yes I noticed same. At night i remove co2 still running and left it outside the house just incase it explodes. I live in uk and even in summer by night time its cold. By morning I checked and about to install it back to the tank bottle seemed loose of pressure assuming it had a leak but no. Bottle of diy co2 was inside the house for quite awhile then it starts to have bubbles inside and getting pressure. So yes temperature can affect this diy co2
Hey! Thanks so much for this video! I have always wanted to do a planted tank with CO2, but couldn't justify spending the extra hundreds of dollars as a single mother! I do a lot of baking, so I already ha e all of these Ingredients on hand! really appreciate you!
I use a homemade CO2 system for a long time you can simply apply a regulator valve + anti return valve all for about 2€ which makes it alot more safer and easy to Control
How to add the valve?
Thank you! What is 8 and 9? Just the tube in the bottle right? Where did you buy the tube etc?
@@patrick__007 8 and 9 are 8: external magnet and 9: inlet "ball" with magent inside. this allows you to move the "siphon" hose if/when you want to use acid version of diy CO2. otherwise you can move the magnet all the way to the top of the bottle, which has the same effect as a short hose. basically the picture he shows is for multipurpose setup where you can do either yeast or citric acid type setups.
@@gomessparky so can I add a air control valve from an air pump and a check valve on the tubing to stop air from passing and water from coming in? Will it work to stop co2 at night?
You can have the stuff too whic hospitals use for iv(?) drip
Just ran across this video looking for an alternative to my current method because I needed something a bit smaller for my niece's bedroom. This is what I do. I hope this helps people.
1. I use a large pyrex glass jar with an air tight seal. If you can't find one, a soda bottle will work well too. In fact pet bottles are meant to withstand high pressure, but ate difficult to clean. Make sure to get as large a bottle as possible for step 2.
2. The reason you need a large fermenting vessel is because this decreases the surface area: volume ratio, which keeps your temperature stable. I then squeeze the bottle into a homemade thermos (pvc pipe and Styrofoam).
3. Cooling the solution down to about 7 degrees C really helps keep the outflow down. Also, experiment with your yeast. Activity varies. Active dry yeast is the best IMHO because it generally acts slower, but champagne yeast produces more pressure and lasts longer.
4. If you're worried about oxygen, use air entrainment. Use a 3 tube connector and place a cover on the third port. Uncover when you want to add oxygen. Dissolves better when it goes through the air stone.
Great info and so straight forward! Thank you. The only distraction in the video is how handsome you are and your lovely voice... I kept getting side tracked 😊
😊😊😊
Girl same! He’s so handsome!!
good tip for the air line tube.... soak the end in hot water to make it softer and more flexible. will squeeze right in.
Just what I was looking for! Thank you, kind sir, for the great, to-the-point explanation and easy-to-follow steps! Keep it up, I'm foreseeing a bright future for this channel! :)
Happy you liked the video!
You explain it in a very nice way that many people can understand. Thumbs up for you!
Ik moet heel eerlijk zeggen dat dit een erg fijne video was om naar te kijken, je praat rustig, duidelijk, en gewoon "straight to the point" echt een top video daar mag je absoluut trots op zijn 👍👍👍
Bedankt voor de complimenten 😊
@@MJAquascaping geen probleem altijd goed 👍👍👍
Great Idea, up and running on an 80L tank, working fine with an airstone. Micro bubbles stay under surface and get recirculated by HOB filter.
Can highly recommend a non-return valve on that system. Flooded my place some years ago wth a similar set up due to back pressure with water from the aquarium.
ouch sorry to hear that.
Love from India.. thanks a lot for gelatin trick.. i had to change my Diy co2 every week but this is gonna save me from that.. & i never knew 2nd bottle is necessary to eliminate wastes.. thanks bro👍
The second bottle also helps by giving you an indication of when C02 is no longer being produced. No bubbles, no C02.
wow! I also use this.. but you explained it so well. I am going to follow your system especially with the gelatin...... Can you show us how strong the bubbles are in your diy co2 system? maybe an update video on how your plants are responding to the system? thanks!
This is like one of the best diy videos I've seen. At night you can take the tube out of the water off you are worried
Good choice of background music, nice voice & clear as water explaination = easy to understand. Thumbs up👍 i was just listening while wathcing my fish swims, i can actually visualize the whole process.
Excellent explanation of the entire process. There`s one thing i use, instead of silicone. Add a good amount of superlue, and backing soda on top. It will instantly become very hard, cement like. Try it.
That's interesting! I will definitely try that!
Definitely going to give this a try when i set up my 40 litre, great explanation mate im definitely subbing
You can use a drip set to control the ammont of CO2 and can use a T connector with one pipe going into aquarium and the other one in a clean water bottle where You can dirvert the connection in the night. Also You can use an air stone to balance the CO2 level in the Tank...
using a funnel might help with filling the bottle with the yeast mixture, but think im gonna try this method out soon
I've been doing this for many years but the gelatine is new to me. I'm definitely going to try that. My gelatine-less ones last about 10 days. Thanks
What makes this video stand out is the "cons", normal you're only told about the pros.
This is a genius use of nature's free carbon... and yes, you can shut it off at night, if u like.
-Add a third hole with tube in the bottle cap... with an adjustable air valve to allow pressure to bleed off just enough to stop or nearly stop CO2 to the water.
your system is better than the NEO CO2... with your 2nd bottle... -Cheers! -Scotty on Maui.
this sounds super simple, i'm definitely trying this out!
You should!
I have a 55 gallon but this will really help my staurogyne repens that I just got, I can’t wait for my tank to really blossom. Thanks for the video, I know this isn’t quite large enough for a tank so big but even starting off small will really get it going!
Thanks for confirming this Mark. I wanted to make sure I had enough solution in the bottle. 😀
Definitely going to try this. Going to setup planted shrimp tank for the first time.
Thanks for a good channel! 🙌
This goes under the *"how did I not think of this"* category.
I brew and do multiple ferments on a regular basis. i know they produce CO2.. and I even have gelatin in my cupboard..
I literally made my CO2 system from a coke bottle lol. Super cheap and ran like a gem for over 2 years.
Thank you, great info! I’ll use gelatin for the next bottle too. 👍
3 jaar later maar nog steeds help je mensen! Top dit..zo even naar de appie voor wat suiker gist en gelatine. Top kanaal heb je
Thank you! Really good video - really educational and you make it just right. Don't be too shy - you make a really good job.
Lovely video..! Will try now. It would have helped if you showed the actual working in your fishtank ..I mean the part showing how the pressurised CO2 gets diffused into the tank.
Thank you! Yes I should have included that 😊
Loven the colours of those plants
I love this! I also bake lots of sourdough bread, so I'm gunna try this same method but instead of gelatin and yeast, I'll try it with a sourdough wild yeast starter and see how this works! Thanks so much! 🤩
Did that work??
wouldn't a hose clamp work to "turn off" the C02? Hose clamps are used in hospitals to close an access line with IV drips. Granted you have to remember to turn it off/on but it would do the job
Yeah that works, but the CO2 production does not stop, so pressure is going to keep rising
Boom
I am a senior citizen and have kept aquariums since I was a small child. Expensive CO2 systems were something I never could afford. This is especially true now. I really enjoyed your video and will have to try this in the basement aquarium room I am building. I have always thought CO2 systems were out of reach. Thank you for your information.
Great job thanks for the video I found it helpful on a budget👊
Finally someone that explained it clearly.
Very detailed and clear explanation! 👍🏼
Dankjewel 😊👍
Knowledge is wealth! you sir are more than wealthy man, because you share your knowledge with us for nothing. Not many can do that. I wish you even more success.
This is awesome! Thanks for the vid!
Definitely going to give it a go.
Any advice on how I should go about doing similar for a 350L tank?
For a 350L tank I would start with 2x 2 liter soda bottles. For each bottle 300 grams of sugar, 300 grams water and 3 gelatin sheets.
Really enjoyed your presentation. Your calm and confident manner really shines through. Definitely going to try this on my 10 gallon after the dry start to help the carpet. Subscribed. 😀
Thank you Ken! Let me know if it works for you! 😊
@@MJAquascaping will do. It will be around mid February. Merry Christmas. 😷😀
you look and talk like eden hazard! 😄. helpful video.. thanks!
In Kuwait , where small CO2 cylinder costs around 60 $, and regulator 45 $, apart from other things, I used this and did it in less than 3$, had leak on main reactor bottle, attended it. Also couldn't get diffuser so attached air stone, getting very fine bubbling., Showed it to my friend, did one more rig for him, can't thank you enough.
Why so handsome!!!! Ahehehe, well am having my diy co2 that runs for a couple of weeks now..
Nice one! Works well??
@@MJAquascaping 🥰🥰🥰🥰 yeah working well.. and i think the more concentration of sugar and yeast the longer it can take... thanks for the respone tho!!!! ☺️☺️☺️
hi i think you can increase it even further by using special variety of yeast like ones used in brewing or alcool manufacture, certain types can endure like 12/14 ° alcool, so they would product more co2 and be less sensitive to alcool increasing in the bottle.
Hey man, I had a question for you; which co2 diffuser do you use/recommend for DIY co2? I started using DIY with your method ~2 weeks ago, but my acrylic diffuser stopped working after a day due to a lack of pressure. Should I try using it again next time and just wait a bit longer for the pressure build-up some more? I was impatient and decided to use cotton instead (which has worked well, but I don't see it being a good long-term solution). Thanks brother.
Thank you. Your video is very detailed and you speak slow English which helps me to understand it completely.
Thank you for this wonderful video. Want to try this out. What is the recommended size of the bottle (1.5l or 2l)? For the big bottle, can I use the 1.5l PET bottle? Do I need to reduce the recommended ingredient quantity (eg 250g of sugar in 250g of water) to use with the 1.5l bottle?
@MJ Aquascaping - 2L Coke Bottles are impossible to find nowaday. The Big Bottle you recommended can be 1.5l? Starting this project based on your recommendation real soon. Great and simple video
Definetely gonna try this out, actually bought a air diffuser thinking its the same as airstone but too bubbly on the tank, Might as well use it for the purpose of CO2 injections. Decided to buy DIY caps fairly cheap just waiting for deliver and try this out. Was also thinking of adding a control valve to turn on/off by unplugging.
I definitely need to try this! Where or how did you find out the jelly trick?
Years ago I found an article on a dutch forum about diy CO2 and different kind of recipes including a recipe with the gelatin.
Amazing method thanks so much
I bought myself a swamp; large propagator with a heat mat and some led lighting. I recently purchased a 5 litre demijohn (glass bottle) and some airline. I'm going to add the CO2 from the demijohn to a plastic container inside the propagator, filled with water, containing some Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort) and let it bubble through a diffuser, straight out of that into the propagator. I'm growing a collection of Cryptocorynes immersed and hope the enhanced CO2 will boost their growth.
Thanks for this guide, it was very thorough and very well presented. 😎
Edit You can even make your own active, dried yeast: ua-cam.com/video/nogAE04lJxo/v-deo.html
but it might be cheaper to just buy the stuff and leave the production to the professionals.
Great video, thank you!
Thank you Charles!
If you have a spare air gang valve, connect the CO2 supply to the input, connect the tank/diffuser line to one output valve, close all others and it feeds the tank. When you shut down for the night, just open any other output valve and the CO2 bypasses the tank into your room.
Hi man! Outstanding video! This is the best one on the internet! I have a question, but when we are heating the water and basically any water we use for the co2 system, can it be plain tap water, or do we add dechlorinator to it before using the system? Keep up the amazing work!
Tap water is fine! I'm happy you like the video so much!
Hi Handsome! I just want to thank you for your kindness to share all this in the most simple way that even an idiot me would understand! Apart from the commercial Co2 systems being expensive, they can also generate lots of trash (those tiny disposable co2 cartridges or consume lots of time (having to go drive and refill co2 tank). I am so glad I found your page. I love experiments, DIY and I prefer eco-friendly ways. I have one dearest betta in my tank though and I really want to make it safe for him. I will try this method. Hope I do this right! This is such amazing video that helps people and earth.
Does this work in a grow tent, if so how many little set ups like that would you use?
Honestly I have no experience with a grow tent, so I can't answer your question sorry
Yes it works, back in the day we would set up a "beer brewing system" just sugar warm water and yeast in a 5 gallon bucket in the room. Definitely helps.
I make it even more simple by using infusion system. And I turn it off during the evening - no problem with that.
Hey Mark, good stuff you posted. I'll use baking soda & citric acid for my 60ltr scape with an pressure regulator to have instant CO2. Any idea how much pressure the bottles with your solution of CO2 kicks in. The reason that I was wondering is cause some diffusers needs a minimal amount of pressure. Thanks again for the amazing work you post on video and the described details. 😉 Regards from Amsterdam 🥳
Hey Martin! Yeah the baking soda and citric acid is a great method as well! Sorry I honestly have no idea how much pressure is in the bottles. I've tried a lot of different diffusers, and never had issues with any of them.
Another DIY CO2 alternative to yeast-sugar method is baking soda and citric acid. The reaction is immediate and CO2 starts faster. The main advantage over sugar-yeast method is the mixing of the two materials can be controlled and shut off.
Thank you for this. I’m guessing that besides cleaning the Co2, the second bottle acts as the bubble counter? Also what type of Co2 diffuser do you use? I couldn’t tell from the video. I want to order one or something similar. Thanks 😊
That is correct! And I'm using the Aquario Neo diffusers.
I just have mine connected to the air intake on my pump which works well for me. I've experimented with in tank diy C02 reactors, but they're unsightly lol. If I had a sump or external filter a reactor would be the most efficient way to dissolve the C02 into the tank.
Ik heb je DIY CO2 geprobeerd met gelatine. Werkt erg stabiel en lang. Goed bezig man, waardevolle kennis!
Nice man! leuk om te horen!
could i just breathe into the fish tank
Yep that works as well!!
@@MJAquascaping how long would i need to do that every day
@@interstatesign 8 hours every day
@@MJAquascaping wow okay, there goes that plan
@@MJAquascaping 😂 8 hours.
Nice video. I have subbed.
Thanks....I'm going to try this next summer for a mosquito trap.
I was waiting for this 😁
Cool! 😬 Let me know how it goes and if you have more questions!
It works really well. Instead of a CO2 diffuser I use a piece of bamboo chopstick.😇 Thank you for sharing.
I made mine in glass bottles. For those particularly concerned about co2 buildup over night you can slow the yeast down by putting the bottle in an ice/cold bath before you go to bed. They'll still produce some co2 but not nearly as much and as the house warms up in the morning the yeast will 'wake up.' You can also use a warm water bath to speed this process if you like or have time. An electric kettle makes this stupid easy. The cork caps on the glass bottle also improves the air tight seal
I'm doing the same thing rn 😂. Glad to see someone had the same idea as me at the same time.
Improve the seal of the first bottle and add an inline regulator valve between the first and second bottle and you can instantly and easily control the amount of Co2 being dumped into the aquarium.
What a great video, so well explained and easy to follow. Keep up the good work, liked and subscribed!
cool just started a CO2 system looking for ways to keep it running appreciate you sharing this with us. Thought you did great