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Ideal CO2 Timer?

Eleutherios

Eleutherios

Active member
So I almost have my flowering room ready. I need a timer for controling CO2 though. I will be running a bottled system. I already have all the gadgets with the exception of the timer. I would like to spend $100 or less. After reading I think that I would rather do it by releasing it in small incriments regularly rather than in a few large doses. Any comments, ideas, or suggestions are what I'm after. Thank you in advance!!! :joint:
 
SuperThrowed

SuperThrowed

Member
If I were you I'd spend the extra cash and get a proper controller then just throw your cO2/Controller on a power strip with your light on a timer.

You'll save money in the long run with a controller. imho :smoke:
 
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Eleutherios

Eleutherios

Active member
So you don't think that I could get by using a formula and setting a timer to pump out at small incriments? I mean I'd like to get something that monitors ppm but the cheapest one that I have found is $369 and that's coming from a company that is a little pricy on shipping so about $400 for it. I really only need something that monitors CO2. Its 20%rh here so I don't think humidity will be an issue. Also I'm running a coc coir mix so its not like I will be generating tons of humidity like hydro setups can. I'm going to be running it as a closed system so ventilation controls are unnecessary. Those are the other two features in most of the units that I'm seeing. In those models that do have the three controls, it seems like its a simple cycle timer with a bypass for the CO2 when the ventilation cuts on. So if I don't need the other functions, other than for something that monitors ppm, why wouldn't a simple timer work for the time being. Or better yet I found one that controls cycle length, time between cycles, and has a photosensor for $135. I could pick up a couple test kits and make sure that its on track. Bottom line is that I've invested so much in this that I'm really going to need some kind of return before I can afford to drop $300-600 on something more professional.
 
resinryder

resinryder

Rubbing my glands together
Veteran
Intermatic and Grasslin are 2 good digital timers. 7 day programmable with 12-14 timer cycles per day. About 30-35 dollars. CO2 ppm monitors/controllers can get a bit pricey.
 
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GotDRO?

GotDRO?

Member
The ideal controller will be one that not only triggers your bottle, but more importantly monitors the actual ppms of CO2 present in the room. This will allow you to inject your room only to achieve pre-set level.

You can get away with using a 7day multi-function timer or even better a cycle timer (mentioned above) but that can turn into a guessing game, if set to inject every (30 min, 1 hour, 3 hours, whatever you decide) it may become very difficult to predict how much CO2 is needed to be released on every cycle and more importantly how long that CO2 will remain at an effective level before needing another blast, your plants will consume various levels of CO2 based on the stage (1st week of flower may demand a much leaner diet than 60 days later) thus leaving you to a nightmare of constant timer tweaking all through flower.

Being a sealed system with no outside "fresh" air being introduced to the garden, proper CO2 regiment should be first chapter concern.
 
B

Bubble

New member
Grasslin does an increment timer. It's an analog timer with 15 minute increments. You could do something like 15 on with 45 off if you can adjust your flow rate low enough.
 
Eleutherios

Eleutherios

Active member
GotDro: I definitly want to get something that monitors ppm in the future it just isn't fiscally realalistic right now. So lets say the environment is maintained at around 1000ppm that would still be better than normal air and have a high enough safety margin to not kill the plants.

Bubble: Do you think that maybe an even shorter but more fequent cycle would be better? Anyways I really appreciate you guys' answers!
 
B

Bubble

New member
Bubble: Do you think that maybe an even shorter but more fequent cycle would be better? Anyways I really appreciate you guys' answers!

For sure, a timer that can do shorter increments would be great, but the Grasslin 15 min one is the best I've seen. I searched high and low and wound up springing for a ppm meter. I got it used, but it was still pricey. At least if you start with something like the grasslin you can keep using it to run your lights or exhaust fans in the future when you upgrade. If you find something with shorter increments, let me know!
 
GotDRO?

GotDRO?

Member
Defiantly, if you can shoot for a 1000ppm at all times you should be solid. Hydro stores sell a manual "glass tube" test for about 10 bucks. Take a sample of your environment in a large plastic syringe, break the tip off one of the glass testing tubes and slowly inject your sample through the glass meter. Your relative c02 will be displayed by a color change taking place inside the glass reader.

Kits usually include the syringe and 5 (one-time use) glass readers.
 
B

Bubble

New member
Nice, those timers look perfect. If you're going to spend that much $$ on a timer, might be worth checking out ebay and such to see about a used CAP ppm-3. Also, check out this thread on a DIY PPM controller. If you can find a used monitor you might be able to make one yourself for not too much more than that most expensive timer. Good luck!
 
flashog

flashog

Member
I'm just playing with some thoughts here: Perhaps you could get a pH controller for aquariums, they're usually a bit cheaper, then blow air from your room through a body of water and use the controller on it.. Could work methinks.
 
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