C02 questions before I spend the cash

[skinzilla]

Hey all, I just want to verify I understand this right. With this package, all I need is a C02 tank and a timer(to shut it down when lights are off). This kit will keep the C02 ppm's between 1200-1500 at all times during the lights on phase I assume? All I do is mount the unit, attach to the regulator and timer, and I have a C02 system? Am I understanding it all correctly? I'm fairly sure I am, but i don't want to buy it and find out I need other equipment for the system. Thanks folks.
Link to C02 kit
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/250960236375?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

 

[budleydoright]

That's correct. I have this package as, works great. I plug mine into my light timer and run the hose to a fan.

 

[Hammerhead]

yes thats just like this one but no reg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/C-A-P-CAP-P...A%2BFICS%2BUFI&otn=21&pmod=330648337688&ps=54

 

[skinzilla]

Awesome, thanks folks. Now I just need to come up with the $500 or so to get set up, lol.

 

[skinzilla]

I'm not sure if Budley is still following, but if so, do you just leave your C02 on during the entire lights on period. That was my plan, and just having an air conditioner set to kick on at 90 degrees. The ac would rarely kick on I assume due to my vented hoods(maybe more in the summer though). In fact, i think I'd have to leave one 1000 watter unvented/open to bring my heat up over 80. Am i missing anything? Do they still need fresh air if they're getting a constant supply of fresh C02? I know I'd have to turn off the C02 and exhaust the room to work in there, but other than that, just leave her running until lights out?

 

[budleydoright]

Yes, my co2 is on during the daylight hours and off during the night. The controller keeps the level during this time. When lights are out the power to the co2 regulator solenoid is turned off with the lights. I do not vent as part of my process. My lamps are water cooled and everything is sealed up real tight. I do however open the box up completely everynight for access, so there is air exchange at this time.

right now with the cool temps, My AC runs to cool the heat created by the dehumidifier.

 

[krest]

Awesome, thanks folks. Now I just need to come up with the $500 or so to get set up, lol.

Another option for you to consider if you don't have the $500. You could just use a Day/Night Recycle Timer ($70) and a solenoid/regulator ($50). Calculate the CO2 on time here: http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/co2_calculator.asp

 

[skinzilla]

That's a good idea Krest, but I'm selling an old car, so I think I'll go with the package deal once she sells. I will say though, that method sounds nice, easy, and cheap, so you may change my mind on it yet. Have you used that method? Have you found it relatively accurate?

 

[watts]

where do you get a c02 station so you can refill your on c02 tanks?

 

[skinzilla]

Personally Watts, I have no clue. My plan is to rent a 50 lb tank for $88 a year, and just fork out the $102 bucks it costs to fill it where I rented it from.

 

[RomulusUSA]

C02 questions before I spend the cash

50lbs for $102?! I thought $24 for 20lbs was bad, considering guys on welding boards pay 12-15$ for 20lbs. Maybe it's because you're planning to lease vs own, tho that's weird. Also, the 50's are steel and rather heavy, multiple times heavier than the aluminum 20's. FYI.

Regarding a fill station, it's totally doable but spendy and you'd have to have your supplier come by to fill the primary storage vessel. $$ for hardware plus fill size..

 

[skinzilla]

Ya, I live in a small town, and there's only one place to fill the C02. Luckily my grow room is small enough that I'm hoping 3 fills a year will cut it.

 

[Hydrolized]

Wow thats expensive! Here its 50 cents a pound!

 

[budleydoright]

I would go with 2 20s. Easier and safer to transport, and you can have one being filled while the other is in service. Having one tank sucks.

If your space and AC is large enough you may consider an lpg generator. Much cheaper and easier to get a refill.

 

[Bunz]

I pay $33 to fill a 50 lb tank. I'd check around because $102 is highway robbery. There's got to be a welding supply somewhere nearby.

 

[krest]

That's a good idea Krest, but I'm selling an old car, so I think I'll go with the package deal once she sells. I will say though, that method sounds nice, easy, and cheap, so you may change my mind on it yet. Have you used that method? Have you found it relatively accurate?

That's exactly how I do it. In my situation, I run my co2 (propane burner that produces approx. 25CFH) for 3 minutes every hour in a sealed room. It gets the job done and I didn't have to spend a ton of money. Since I didn't have to buy an expensive controller, I bought a good burner instead.

Also, if it costs that much for you to run a tank, you might want to consider getting a propane burner instead. Propane is much cheaper and less suspicious. However, you do increase your chance of fire and the temperature/humidity increases in the room. I ended up putting a Flame Defender above the burner to reduce risk. There are allot of facts to take into consideration when deciding to run co2, with security being the biggest consideration.

Hope that helps. Peace