ZRDR Co2 Generator Systems, All you need to know | 4 Month Review.

ZRDR brand DIY Co2 for planted aquariums: Tips, tricks, and what parts are garbage on these Amazon DIY Co2 Generator Systems.
Amazon Affiliate links to items in this video.
Co2 Generator: amzn.to/3KJDNCV
Aquario Neo Diffuser: amzn.to/43P3Npd
Check Valves: amzn.to/3UJtlzF
I make a small commission if you purchase items from my link and I appreciate your support!

[@craigt8078]

I wanted to say that your videos were the major reason that I purchased my ZRDR 4L in Sept 2023. Since installing it and filling it as you suggested, I have just today refilled my generator for only the second time since setting it up originally. Original fill lasted 13 weeks while the first refill lasted 16weeks. On both occasions I had zero residue in my canister and my pressure gauge maxes out at around 500+psi each time after 24hrs. Thank you for having taken the time to help all of your fellow aquarists make a well informed decision. Appreciate you :)

[@ssaquascapes]

You’re awesome! Thanks for the kind words and the channel support! Happy plant growing! 🤘🤘

[@yashveeraudit]

at how many bubble per seconds are you using them ?

[@craigt8078]

⁠@@yashveerauditI run at 2 bps for my 20 gal plus sump system. My last refill on 4/11/24 maxed out my gauge at 600 psi and almost 2 months later I am currently at 490 psi. HTH 👍🏼

[@jfusion4375]

Thanks for the in-depth explanation helps alot

[@ssaquascapes]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@neoshrimpandwood]

You owned it!!! Awesome Job Bro!

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks man!

[@Scionmalth]

Just recently bought one of these, thank you for the tips !!

[@ssaquascapes]

Cool! Glad the video helped with a few tips! Happy CO2ing!! 🤘

[@19645pat]

Great video, i'm sold! ;)

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you. Glad it helped you decide!

[@willemfloris]

Very clear information. Thank you!

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks! Glad it helped ya!

[@davidburgess937]

Great videos that are honest and informative from you and the helpful community comments! Cheers!

[@ssaquascapes]

I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@jammer901villalobos5]

Well I just ordered mine. Thank you for the very well explained video.

[@ssaquascapes]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching! Happy CO2ing!

[@irvingbodden5981]

2024 and this video made me confident to start using co2, thank you !

[@ssaquascapes]

Awesome! Enjoy your Co2 journey. You’ll have it dialed in sooner than you expected! 🤘🤘

[@neoshrimpandwood]

I just ordered one and this video was incredibly helpful to me. I am going to use it to hopefully speed up my dwarf hairgrass.

[@ssaquascapes]

Awesome! Hope it works well for you. I just put co2 on a hairgrass iwagumi I planted recently. So we are both going to see if it helps hairgrass. 🤣

[@Sinserg]

Very helpful, I am thinking about one of these for my 10G aquarium, thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you. Hope it helps you make a decision.

[@Riescaper]

ive been looking for the review of this co2 generator. but never find the 4L. thanks for making this video.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks for watching, hope it helped. 🤘

[@tornadocountry]

Perfect level of detail. Great channel! Please don’t change your formula

[@ssaquascapes]

I appreciate it. Thanks for the support

[@3DRC-707]

Tiny bit of residue, now worries. That 4L was clean!! I got the 2L ZRDR kit, but mine leaked where the bubble counter screws in. Had to add the spare tiny gasket ontop of the existing to get it to stop. Otherwise, I LOVE it. Tysm for the recommendation/documented journey with these. Getting a 4L soon for the 55G

[@ssaquascapes]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. At this price point I can see where some items may fail compared to high end models. But, glad the videos helped and I am glad to see you enjoying them as much as me. If you get another on Amazon, help me out by clicking the affiliate link in description!🤘🤘 Thanks for the support

[@draidt]

While setting up my new 29 Gallon, (back in the hobby after 40-year hiatus) I watched your initial video on the KRDR system and was impressed with the system and bought it. Believe it or not, I finally got it working correctly yesterday before I watched this video, I tried different diffusers and correct CO2 tubing and still wasn't right, I laughed when you showed the chintzy one-way valve, while I could not see any cracks in mine it was the culprit, I replaced it with a stainless steel unit. BTW Aliexpress sells the correct ceramic screw-on discs, I have 2 coming for a total of $10.58 including shipping. Keep up the good content!

[@ssaquascapes]

Awesome! Glad the unit worked well for you after finding the issue. We all know it is lower quality items to keep cost down. But, once modified and corrected, they work pretty well for the money.

[@TRUMP4PRISON2024]

Thanks for sharing, I’m gonna get one and add one of those magnetic capsules to use on my magnetic stirrer.

[@ssaquascapes]

Awesome! Thanks for watching the video and I am intrigued with the magnetic stirring technique. Seems like an interesting solution to the mixing problem with these systems. Great ingenuity!

[@vanissaberg5824]

I was thinking why not drop in a marble and swirl it like a giant paint can? Lol. 😂

[@OVHabitats]

I have been using one of these co2 reactors for about 3 years. It always ticks me off when I have to spend 15-20 minutes washing out the crystals. Today is a good day. I learned something new. Thanks!

[@ssaquascapes]

Glad my swirl method helped you out! Happy CO2ing! 🤘🤘

[@dannyhyde7019]

You just sold me on CO2. Great video and thanks for all the details

[@ssaquascapes]

I appreciate that. Thanks for watching and glad it helped you decide!

[@captaindrunknl1442]

amazing video man! review of this metal DIY generator is rare, got a tip for you: get yourself an in-line diffuser, those are alot more durable. Got myself an JBL one. Checking your video because i want to buy one of these configurations. Had the "2 bottles with acid and baking soda config" but that stuff breaks alot. kinda flimsy build quality. Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks for the compliments! I have discovered inline diffusers and, yes, mostly all I use now! 🤘

[@ccmlkm]

The casing on my bubble counter was cracked. That was frustrating after changing o-rings and everything. The replacement is much more solid and it has the check valve built in.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks for letting us know and glad the replacement is working well

[@THOTHvii]

Here's an idea for that needle valve issue.. Same thing happens on a focus knob when you are trying to get a great astrophotography shot. So what you can do is get someone to 3d print you a larger knob that will slip on the existing knob. It is WAAAY easier to dial small turns with a larger knob with a super sensitive mechanism. Thank you for your post. I am looking into these for plants.

[@ssaquascapes]

Good idea. I don’t have access to a 3D printer but the principle is pretty cool. Thanks for the input for other viewers to consider. Maybe some people have a 3D printing hobby too and can play around with it.

[@THOTHvii]

@@ssaquascapes I don’t either luckily I just “know a guy” lol.

[@convoludedduded5086]

@@THOTHviican you link the blueprint so we can print it out please?

[@THOTHvii]

@@convoludedduded5086 You would have to find an existing knob blueprint and modify the size for whatever knob you need it for.. It's just a bigger knob that slides over the one you have.

[@MR-puffnstuff]

Propane and a burner is ur best bet.

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

Lies all lies, the bottle was filthy 😂😂. You have some of the best videos on this system that I've seen so far. I got a 200L system "used" that was supposed to be new but so far it's working as it should/new. I got it at an aquarium club meeting in the auction they did. I don't recall if you mentioned it in any of these videos but id add to double check that everything it tightened up b4 you mix anything. My solenoid was lose n I didn't know and once i mixed all 3 parts i quickly learned amd had to act super fast to get it fixed. Thankfully i was able to unscrew the black dial in the very center and tighten the solenoid. So far so good. I did citric acid then baking soda then water and within 2 hrs had 300psi.

[@ssaquascapes]

I know. I’m a big fat lier! 🤣 I relate to the open solenoid problem. It cost me some livestock. You can find that video titled “warning to all co2 users”. You’ll know the thumbnail when you see it. 😞 Thanks for the support. I appreciate it! 🤘

[@robertflink8017]

Does it affect fish ?

[@ssaquascapes]

@@robertflink8017 not in correct dosage

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

@@robertflink8017 as mentioned if you do it correctly it doesn't hurt the fish. I've found the fish actually like playing in/around the bubbles lol. If you run to much into the tank you ABSOLUTELY can kill the fish/shrimp/ect.

[@wakingforbacon6439]

Cool video. Would you purchase again? I have a good chirios light and this is obviously the next step or evolution to keeping plants in an aquarium. I’m getting more and more hooked on the aquascaping side of fish keeping. Have a good one.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks! Yes, I’d buy it again. I think it is fun to make your own CO2 and relatively cheap. I like that when I run out of co2 I can just make more now, and not have to schedule a time to visit my closest fish shop 40 minutes away to fill my co2. I will do a video at some point of high end co2 vs these kits to see which I like better. But that video is a long way off as I don’t see the value in high pressure co2 at this time (for the $$$). Thanks for watching…happy aquascaping!

[@wakingforbacon6439]

@@ssaquascapes thanks for the reply. Love the videos man

[@AkwarystykaKrystran]

Pozdrawiam serdecznie 👍

[@ssaquascapes]

Dziękuję

[@williamriker4889]

cool

[@ssaquascapes]

🤘

[@RichieRich845]

👍

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks man. Hope this vid helped more than the first one. 🤘

[@normangoodnoughii4904]

I did mine and the pressure rose above 600psi by the next day after the tank was turned off. I didn’t know about the pressure valve that was screwed all the way in not letting any pressure out. It took me a whole day to get the pressure released with damaging anything or anyone. Scary stuff. So make sure you turn out the back screw a bit to release some pressure. I did everything according to the instructions. So really don’t know why I got so much pressure.

[@ssaquascapes]

People are saying that the brand of ingredients can alter the pressure. I’ve only used the brands seen in my videos so I can’t verify this. But, seems like you have similarities to other commenters. 🤘

[@Mattyv_]

I was looking into ice cubes but wanted a fast reaction and to maximize co2 production i will prob play around with the measurements because what the manufacturers say is actually not super accurate for good co2 production i used the manufacturer measurements swirled it to 200 psi and it stopped around 360 24 hours later when i did just straight up pour all chems seal up wait i got 300 i prob won’t do the ice because my tank gets off balance without co2 real quick lol but i love this video will definitely keep using the swirl method and altering measurements for production

[@ssaquascapes]

Sweet! I’m glad the swirl will live on! 🤘🤘😁

[@wozzeckbartok5532]

I have four of these but never really figured out the black top...does it reduce the working pressure by releasing (wasting) CO2 gas? I like these good enough, all four of mine have dual gauges but the first one I got the gauge for the tank pressure never worked. Also, water tended to drip from the bottoms of the bubble counters onto and into the solenoid valve, causing rust. I've had the same experience as you with diffusers. And I have never been able to clean them well enough to reuse. It looks like Zrdr has made some upgrades to their systems since I purchased mine, but the ones I have work well enough. Nice work on your videos! Oh and now I'm about to check the check valves for cracks. One system I have loses pressure very quickly but I have not been able to locate the leak.

[@ssaquascapes]

The black knob on top is the regulator and should be your working pressure. It doesn’t waste co2 just sets the pressure going into your bubble counter. Never exceed 50 PSI regulator pressure or you can break any diffuser or have air lines pop off, etc. I have all upgraded ZRDR systems so your bubble counter may be different from mine. Mine have never leaked; maybe check your bubble counter is screwed in tight. If you are not getting any bubbles from your diffuser, inspect the check valve. Most likely the problem, I’ve had two fail. Thanks for watching and your compliments!

[@TheTorqueMusic]

The crystals are not bakingsoda but Sodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7), and a little water Harmless salt, used in ex. the industry to make cheese ;-) Even aproved to use in organic foods... Formula is: Citric acid (C6H8O7) + Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) → Carbon dioxide (CO2) + Water (H2O) + Sodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7)

[@ssaquascapes]

Dammit. Now I want cheese 🧀

[@tornadocountry]

@ssaquascapes, ever had the 4L kit go beyond 450psi total? I’m from a colder climate and got an initially slow reaction following your method but a few days later I’m over 450. Ingredients were meticulously measured on a digital food scale as well as the water.

[@ssaquascapes]

Other viewers have commented that better quality or different brands of ingredients have produced higher PSI results. I personally have never seen over 450psi using the brands seen in this video.

[@tornadocountry]

@@ssaquascapes well, the extra psi welcomed

[@Madara-jk6yu]

I bought the same one, but I thought that in the long run the professional one is cheaper. Greetings

[@ssaquascapes]

I am unaware of the refill cost for high pressure co2 cylinders (pro style). I know in most areas it is not easy to find a refill location. But with a pro regulator costing $200, not to mention the bottle and other gadgets like a counter, etc they are pricy to start. Buying this kit at $79-$129, compete, I think the difference between co2 refill cost and buying Citric Acid and Baking soda would be such a small difference, it would take years to offset the cost of an expensive pro system. But, I don’t have experience with this and this is just my uneducated opinion. 🤘

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

I don't know how much this costs per fill, but use store bought dry ice to fill my bottles. I don't use them for an aquarium, but for the SodaStream bottles for making sodas. I take the valve off and fill with dry ice (pounded on the counter to a fine powder since the opening is so small) via a funnel. I weight the bottle until it meets the max I can put in, then quickly put the valve back in. Then set the bottles aside. They will frost over as the dry ice turns to gas and cools the bottle. But after that, they are dried off and ready to use. I pay $2 per pound of dry ice at the local store and I fill 4 bottles for about $16 (2 x 24oz + 2 x 15 oz bottles). Don't have to deal with citric acid, NaCO2 or cleaning out sludge from bottles. Anyway, good video. Just another way you might consider recharging them.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks for sharing ! 🤘

[@ComicalFerret]

How much dry ice do you use? That seems like an easier and more consistent way to get co2

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

@@ComicalFerret I have 4 bottles (2 x 24 oz and 2 x 15 oz). So I usually buy 2 blocks of dry ice at the store. It's usually about $2 a pound. I lose some during the filling process as dry ice sublimes quickly. But I keep in a foil lined cooler and usually have some left over. So it costs me about $18 to fill all 4 tanks. If your tanks have a larger opening than mine, it'll be faster to fill with less loss. So will be cheaper. You can get dry ice at almost all Walmarts, discount food stores (FoodMax, etc) and many grocery stores.

[@ComicalFerret]

@@spocksvulcanbrainThanks! I might give this idea a try!

[@DiscusRussell]

Dry ice ffs 🤣All you have to do is put desired amount of water in a bottle put in the freezer take out when cold pore into generator done. To many people complicating such a simple process🙄

[@LaOxJoKeR]

This just came in for me today. I set it up and seems to be working fine but realized later cleaning up that I forgot to screw the filter on lol. Does anybody know if I can still use it or would I have to do it all over again with the filter actually installed? Thanks for the great videos as well!!

[@ssaquascapes]

If you have not shaken it and the reaction has settled for a few hours, you should be good to use it. I forgot the second filter piece (white thing) on my first go as well. No issues. Only worry if you see milky water in your co2 line to the tank. Other than that, happy CO2ing!! 🤘

[@MudbugAdv]

I currently have the 4 liter running one of my 20 gallons and love the system. I'm curious. Have you found a way to run multiple tanks off of one tank? I've seen several splitters that would allow for this but was wanting to get your advice if you have something already in place. Thanks.

[@ssaquascapes]

Yes, I have run multiple tanks off one Co2 generator. All I did was use a three-way splitter connected to the solenoid. This is the one I use but you can find many similar ones. amzn.to/49RfHlf

[@MudbugAdv]

Thanks@@ssaquascapes

[@Laz_RS]

So as far as mixing goes... I'd use warm distilled water, and use it to create solution out of both the citric acid and backing soda (separately), then simply pour both solutions into the tank. Maybe too fast of a reaction? Thanks for all the info though.

[@ssaquascapes]

That would be a volcano of a reaction. Aka. Too fast. There is a system on the market that drips one dissolved liquid into the other for co2. Key word there is “drips”as he reaction is instant. You need the lead time of the dry ingredients to get the top on. 🤘

[@DuzzyDobbin]

Great vid. Was just wondering what do you connect the solenoid to? I’m I bit uncertain what it connects too. Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@ssaquascapes]

Solenoid connects in between the bubble counter and the regulator. It opens when supplied with electrical power from the timer, wall outlet, or switch you use to turn it on. It will be pre-installed on your regulator so no worries about getting the connection correct when setting it up.

[@DuzzyDobbin]

@@ssaquascapes thanks for the reply. What I mean does it connect to a dc power pack or similar? Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@ssaquascapes]

@DuzzyDobbin A/C plug. It’s an electro magnet valve.

[@DuzzyDobbin]

@@ssaquascapes thank you….

[@joseericrivera9571]

I bought this one 2022 but today i found out that one whole in the head of the tank is leaking i cant find any help how to fix it hopefully you can make a video on it thank you

[@ssaquascapes]

If it is the relief valve you would need another. But if leaking from the threads on the regulator just get a new O-ring from your local hardware store. Only two things I can think of.

[@usmc187]

Hey, just curious if you have ever wondered what would happen if you added more than the recommended material into the CO2 generator?

[@ssaquascapes]

The safety relief valve would blow releasing all the pressure. Don’t quote me but I think the release point is around 600psi.

[@Sec0ndus]

What size would you recommend for my 35 gallon as a beginner? These are compatible with solenoids as well right?

[@ssaquascapes]

If you have the space I’d go with the 4L. You’ll have to fill it less often and it comes with the a regulator. It will come with its own solenoid so no worries there. 👍🏻

[@437johnl]

I 've gotten 500 psi. I'm running co2.

[@ssaquascapes]

I haven’t gotten that high. I don’t know what psi the relief valve pops, but the canister can hold it for sure.

[@servus2634]

I have a 75-gallon planted tank and have been wanting to get co2 for a while now. Are any of these good enough for a larger tank or would you recommend I just get a co2 tank and have it filled with co2?

[@ssaquascapes]

The 4L size is what I ran on my 75G tank. Traditional pressurized Co2 will last a lot longer than this system though. 🤘

[@underdog1117]

I’ve been on the fence on buying one. But do you see a difference in your plants?.. and can you get away with breaking it down in ounces . thanks for the videos it’s very helpful.

[@ssaquascapes]

Co2 is always good for the plants to ensure optimal growth. Although, I think a good light is more important (I like hygger lights) and if you only have budget for one of the two, upgrade your light first. If your tank is open top, you’ll get co2 exchange. If you have a good light already, co2 is the next step for faster growth and beautiful plants. Thanks for the support and for watching! Hope I helped a little. 🤘

[@akifhafie8561]

Is there any way to replace the needle valve with something better?

[@ssaquascapes]

Most of the CO2 systems use the same size fittings. I would imagine you could get a higher quality needle valve to swap out with this one. I am sure if you search the web there are higher quality valves with the same fitting size. Your local fish store might be able to get you a high quality valve also.

[@creu007]

How often do you have to refill the 4l on your 75g Billy Bass tank?

[@ssaquascapes]

At 3BPS I refill every 3 weeks. 😞

[@dahrafs9798]

20:20 900ml = 900gm is only true for water. For anything else it won't be true. Liter is unit of volume. Gram is unit of weight. Great video anyway.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you. But what if you have HARD water? (See what I did there? 🤣) Thanks for watching! 🤘

[@dahrafs9798]

​@@ssaquascapesWhat kind of hard? Thermal hard or dissolved hard?

[@ssaquascapes]

I would say closer to physically hard.

[@robarazzi1]

Hi, can you use this generator in a closed grow room to release Co2 for your plants instead of a aquarium?

[@ssaquascapes]

I have no experience with that type of setup but I would guess there is not enough co2 to make it worthwhile. Probably best to use a 10lb liquid co2 cylinder.

[@humbleafrican982]

I have the same CO2 generator but when I turn it on, over time, I have this foam like thing on the surface of the tank. Have you experienced this?

[@ssaquascapes]

I have not had foam on the surface but there are probably two things causing it. You either have biofilm on the surface of the water and the co2 is causing it to hold bubbles and foam up, or you may not have the filter installed in the bottom of the co2 regulator. If you’re filling it too much, shaking the bottle, and/or don’t have the filter installed, this may lead to a white foam. Hope that helps.

[@tallen9489]

How long do your filters last for your co2 cylinders?

[@ssaquascapes]

I’ve never changed the filters. As long as you don’t get them wet I don’t think you’d ever change them.

[@jerraldlong191]

Would the 4L system work on a 150 gallon lightly planted

[@ssaquascapes]

Sure. The 4L will have more than enough power to supply the Co2 needed. Of course, the faster the BPS, the more Co2 used, and thus, the faster it will run out and need recharged. But you’ll have no issue running this canister on your 150G. 🤘

[@tallen9489]

Hey whats up i decided to buy this co2 generator 4L and i got a little over 600 psi and i did your trick step by step to get more psi out of the ingredients. The only thing i did differently was i bought the milliard baking soda instead of arm and hammer. I dont know if milliard is more potent or what but the safety relief valve never went off or released. But i have read people can get up to 600 psi as well. Thought i should let you know to maybe try the milliard baking soda and see if you get different results. Lol i feel like this tank is going to last a long time for my 45 gallon lol 😆

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know. If I had to guess, Millard has better morals than A&H. It might be more pure. So it is worth the test and experiment. Thanks for the tip!🤘

[@pollejon]

Tengo el de 2L, puedo ponerle el doble de cantidad de lo que dice en la botella sin temor a que me explote la casa ?

[@ssaquascapes]

NO. Do not increase the amount of ingredients. Keep the measurements the same per the instructions.

[@yanuehara8017]

Hello, could you tell me what the threading size of the cylinder is?

[@ssaquascapes]

Unfortunately I don’t know the thread size. Sorry.

[@sirbthorn]

How long do you think the 4 liter bottle will last on a 25 gallon tank?

[@ssaquascapes]

All depends on the BPS setting but I would say 3-5 weeks

[@porywczywiewior6702]

hi

[@ssaquascapes]

👋

[@porywczywiewior6702]

@@ssaquascapes Hello, I found this double valve with two nanometers on aliexpress

[@Dariuslynel]

What measuring cups are you using?

[@ssaquascapes]

I use these. Great for accurate pouring. Here is an Amazon link. amzn.to/3EG57iL

[@taint813]

I've followed your instructions exactly and I'm not even at 100psi on the second gage after 30 minutes. I am confused what position the black knob at the top should be at. For this much money and effort, I'd probably go back to yeast and sugar rigs.

[@ssaquascapes]

The second gauge should never be at 100 psi. That gauge shows your regulator pressure to the needle valve. That black knob on the top is to adjust the pressure from the canister to the needle valve. Turn that black knob down until the second gauge reads 30 psi. The other gauge should be around 300-400psi showing how much is in the canister itself. Hope that helps.

[@TonyettaPerry813]

So I started the reaction and put the cap on without the filter thing BECAUSE THE INSTRUCTIONS HAVE NO MENTION OF IT. What should I do?

[@ssaquascapes]

You’ll be fine, just don’t shake the bottle or tilt it and it should not put any liquid in the regulator. Just add the filter next time. 😉

[@reeeecola]

So I followed your instructions amd the psi is all they way a litlle past 550 and worried if thats dangerous or not considering the grren zone is way before that.

[@ssaquascapes]

The canister is rated to hold a lot more pressure than that. There is also a safety relief valve that would prevent the regulator from over pressure. People have reported 600 psi with no issues. I never got that high of a reading but some say it’s the baking soda I use. TLDR: you’re fine. Enjoy the extra co2. 😁🤘

[@reeeecola]

@ssaquascapes my first reading only got 200, figured it was the citric acid. Changed the acid and used my normal walmart great value baking soda and boom over 550 😅

[@logiq101]

The reason so many people get residue is because the recommendations from the manufacturer and what you see online are just wrong (i.e equal parts citric acid to baking soda). Citric Acid is the limiting factor in the reaction and you need roughly 686.06g of citric acid to completely react with 200g of baking soda under ideal conditions (temperature, distilled water etc). "Clear" water just means the baking soda dissolved completely in it though there's still a ton of unreacted material in there. That's ok though - baking soda is much cheaper than citric acid so wasting it is fine.

[@ssaquascapes]

So you’re saying the baking soda volume is going to determine the overall pressure as well? Adding 3.7x the CA isn’t gonna cause an over pressure situation? Just a longer reaction?

[@logiq101]

​@@ssaquascapes I got my calculations wrong.. 3 moles of soda reacts with 1 mole of acid to produce 3 moles of CO2. So: 200g of citric acid, 261.6g of baking soda: 137.28g CO2 or 152.16g of acid, 200g of soda: 104.54g CO2​ or 200g of both: 108.33g CO2 So assuming distilled water and starting temp of 22C, the first reaction should technically give you CO2 for longer (as you get more). Also the white residue is likely citric acid, not baking soda (i.e in example 3, you end up with roughly 45gm of unreacted citric acid).

[@ssaquascapes]

It all seems too complicated for my simple math brain. That’s it…I’m going to standard pressurized CO2 bottles!! 😡🤣🤣🤣

[@user-lv2fz2zk3w]

I am cleaning mine for the first time. I guess I didnt mix up the citrus acid and backing soda well enough. So now I have a very big chunk of hard residue on the bottom. How can I get it out?

[@ssaquascapes]

Hot water will dissolve it and you can shake it/break it up and get it out.

[@AdamC-wp8or]

Great! Thank you

[@taykonmg7991]

can I do this for any Co2 tank for acquarium?

[@ssaquascapes]

If you are referring to the DIY method, no. Only specific containers allow you access to mix the ingredients. A regular pressurized co2 canister will not work with this method.

[@juanluisjimenez2996]

How long does the 4 L tank last in a 75 gallon tank?

[@ssaquascapes]

Depends widely on the BPS. But on average, 3 - 4 weeks for me at 3BPS. I am actually testing it more scientifically now for a future video.

[@vah0961]

I know that one-to-one ratio is not the most efficient I believe it's 1:1.3 and also not an expert in pressure dynamics and such but the only risk I could see from shaking the bottle is if you didn't seal it properly you would just lose all of the media and create a mess other than that I'm not sure I could see anything else wrong going with it.

[@ssaquascapes]

I agree. More citric acid in the ratio seems to create more pressure . As for shaking, swirling etc. I am under the believe that science would say the amount of reaction depends solely on the amount a reactants. Therefor, you cannot create MORE pressure simply by shaking. Only a faster reaction. 🤘

[@yankharkover6633]

Can you do two hoses ?

[@ssaquascapes]

You can split the co2 yes. A true bubble counter splitter works best.

[@fidtysix2930]

Why not dissolve the two separately and then add in?

[@ssaquascapes]

The reaction would be instant and violent. You need the items dry to give you some time to get the regulator screwed onto the bottle.

[@MrBarclonista]

wait, your only reaching 400 psi? mine is currently at almost at 600 psi on 4L one? kinda freaking out

[@ssaquascapes]

Seems normal via the other commenters and the system is rated to hold way more pressure. Don’t freak out. It seems that my Arm and Hammer baking soda doesn’t work as well as other brands.

[@437johnl]

Does it come with the base? I just order one

[@ssaquascapes]

If you mean a white plastic holder the bottle sits in, yes, it has a stand included. If you mean the baking soda and citric acid, no, it doesn’t. You’ll have to order that on Amazon as well or your local store.

[@437johnl]

@@ssaquascapes the base that holds the bottle, thanks

[@ssaquascapes]

Yes. The base is included. 👍🏻

[@Dennis_S11]

Or you can do it with your co2 bottle from your drinking maker 😅

[@ssaquascapes]

Soda stream canisters 🤘

[@pswanberg1]

No pressure release valve seems really dumb...

[@ssaquascapes]

All the regulators have a safety valve. Pops around 600 psi.

[@Dennis_S11]

For me its useless....its too much Money,,for this kind of Money i can buy a system with CO2 bottle And for an Aquarium Up to 60l you can easily use sugar and Hefe 😅

[@ssaquascapes]

Testing cost now against pressurized Co2. 😁

[@markpfister3328]

Be careful what you watch on KZbin that cold water method ruined a solution for me stick to the basics people like to spread rumors

[@ssaquascapes]

Could you elaborate on how it ruined a solution/reaction for you? I use only ice and still have a decent reaction. Curious what happened with yours.

[@shakeval]

Yeah, I'd like to know what he used company wise for his baking soda and his citric acid, cause temp will do absolutely nothing to ruin the reaction what so ever, it will only slow or speed up the reaction. . . . .did they use baking powder or some contaminated materials?

[@garyking2480]

i got the 4L and my C02 hand meter won’t pick up any c02 readings unless i stick the tube right up next to the censor on the meter. makes me wonder if it’s even putting out enough C02. any ideas why?

[@ssaquascapes]

Handheld CO2 meters are meant for atmospheric readings. I would imagine the CO2 coming from the airline/CO2 tubing is small enough that it dissipates in the air quickly. You don’t need much CO2 in the water column to achieve results. Unlike gassing a room of air, the amount needed is way less. Now this may sound obvious, but is the CO2 Generator plugged into power? The solenoid has to be powered on to open and allow the CO2 to exit when testing. I only mention it because I have opened the needle valve on the table and wondered why no hissing (CO2). Finally, they do work and produce CO2 well. If you use a drop checker in the tank you’ll see it. I also know they work well because I just gassed a whole shrimp tank, killing them all by accident. Video on that soon, but in relevance to your question, they work.

[@garyking2480]

yeah it is plugged in. also, i am using it for a grow tent so i put the air tube on the back of a tan and let it blow around the tent. i can sit my hand meter down and it doesn’t read anything. i’m beginning to wonder if the hand meter just isn’t picking up the atmosphere C02.

[@ssaquascapes]

You’ll have to try another meter to be sure.