I've just started my DIY CO2 Generator, consisting of a single 2L bottle (2
cups raw sugar dissolved, 1/2tsp bakers yeast, pinch of bi-carb - water to
top up), a gas exchange/buffer (1.5L bottle in series with the generator
output), one way valve and 1cm dia. air stone fitted into the bottom of the
filter compartment of a Hailea internal filter.

I replaced the sponges and carbon in the filter with chopped up giant
drinking straws in the sponge chamber, and a plastic scourer fabric in the
carbon basket.

It took about an hour or so for the yeast to start in the sugar and now it's
an orange/brown liquid with some little white scum in the centre, and the
whole solution is "fizzing" similar to a flattening soft drink.

Occasionally, the impeller spits out super tiny little bubbles, but other
than the fizzing and these bubbles, there is no visible CO2 going into the
tank.

I am correct in assuming that the thing is working and that the filter media
is actually breaking the bubbles up to the point of them not being visible?
I have no way of measuring my CO2 levels atm, so I am flying by the seat of
my pants (or is that plants on this one. It's sort of scary because it's
the first time I've ever done this and the last thing I want to do is injure
my fish or tank health. I thought I may have seen pearling coming off the
Java moss about 3 hours into it, but the Mystery Snails had just been over
the area, so it may have been my wishful thinking

It's a 58Gal/219L 4 footer, light to medium planted and I have been advised
that I may need two bottles ultimately. I have 2 X 36W T8 Philips Aquarelle
Fluoro lights in the hood too.

I guess if my pH drops then it must be working? I'll test the pH this
evening (the normal time I test it) and report back.

It is normal for the solution to fizz a bit though isn't it?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Oz

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My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith