So I did an experiment where you don't need any ice cube without the mixture reacting with each other immediately and losing lots of co2. I found out if you Pour Baking Soda first and then Citric Acid last after adding water it will immediately react to the point you are not given enough time to close the system using the Pressure Valve without losing c02 this is because the citric acid don't absorb water unlike baking soda which will absorb the water not letting it past easily. My technique is to first add citric acid so it will be in the very bottom and then baking soda after citric acid. Since the water will not immediately pass through baking soda because of its sticky texture it will take time till the water reach the citric acid. With this you are given ample time to close the cylinder without losing c02.
In short. Pour citric acid first then baking soda. Then add water. You will find the mixture will not react immediately. If you pour baking soda first and second citric acid. The water will pass through citric acid immediately once you pour it making the mixture act rapidly
Fantastic experiment and such useful information. Thanks so much for sharing, it makes a lot of sense and I will be trying it myself. I've pinned your comment so that everyone will see it! 👍
Another reason why it might not be advisable to use ice cubes is because citric acid + sodium bicarbonate is an endothermic reaction. That means it'll likely re-freeze your water quickly and halt the reaction until more water eventually melts to continue it. You're better off using Fluff's recommendation and some warm water to prevent premature freezing.
From a brewing perspective, the reason the yeast isn't doing well in this environment is that the amount of co2 in the simple wort you've created is too high for the yeast yo survive. The system causes enough pressure to restrict off gassing of the wort and the co2 is left in solution, killing off the yeast. It doesn't matter how much sugar you add, they simply won't survive long enough if their waste isn't removed. That's why co2 generators used with yeast are just straight lined into the tank.
🤣 🤣 Thank you kindly! I do get told I have a booming voice, but usually followed by a request to be quieter.... Haha. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video! 👍
Thank you for all of the experiments. Very useful information...i tried a splitter, but my splitter leaked and I gave up on it. I managed to get up to 450 psi before trying the splitter, but only one valve(bubble counter) would function after the cylinoid valve. Maybe the cylinoid is just too tiny, but it definately leaked out all co2 from the canister.
As somebody who has come to appreciate this CO 2 delivery system, I wanted to share another way to get water into the tank without losing too much pressure. As you mentioned, using ice cubes is far from ideal. Especially when you need your CO 2 up and running ASAP. I use a plastic bag method which allows me to keep the vast majority of the pressure where it's supposed to be. First you measure out bicarb soda as that is what reacts with the water first. Put it in. Then you measure out the citric acid, giving the bicarb somewhat of a blanket when you put it on top. The next step is the trick. You get a thin freezer bag. Bunch up the bottom and cut it off, leaving more or less a tube. Get a piece of string. Tie it around the bottom, sealing the bag, but leaving one end of the string long so that when you pull on it, it unties. Then turn the bag inside out. You once again have a bag. Except this one has a bottom which comes undone when you pull on the string. Carefully stick the bag into the tank (after the raw ingredients have been added). Hold the bag around he edges, making sure that the string is outside the tank. Personally I just make a ring with my thumb and index finger when holding it. Then pour the water into the bag. It will be going right into the tank, yet still sitting inside the bag. When finished, simply yank the string. All the water will immediately drop into the tank. The citric acid on top will give you just enough time to put on the lid/valve. You'll hardly lose any pressure.
Very interesting. I had to read that twice to fully understand it, but it definitely makes sense to me. Thanks for sharing. I shall try it out with the next refill! 👍
@@AquariumShed It’s pretty hard to make sense of someone’s scribbling, that’s for sure 😅 The main thing to remember is that you stick a bag with a collapsible bottom into the tank while holding it and open it once it’s full so that it all falls to the bottom at once. So you don’t have to sit there, pouring the water in and watch it hissing and losing pressure. I’ve added an extra 30% longevity to each refill this way. In fact. I’ll make a quick video using a bottle and share a link. Give me a sec.
Add both ingredients on top of one another. Dont shake. Tilt the bottle on angle. Add water while still tilting. Reaction is so slow at first you have plenty of time to seal bottle with little to no waste. Upright bottle gently. 1 little shake begins process. No need for Ice Cubes.
You are awesome. I also subscribed from my other channel and this one too. I am your permanent viewer. Its great to see your videos and how you do things. I really needed a planted tank but CO2 was a huge hurdle. Thanks
I have a massive super hard crystal sediment stuck in the bottom of the tank and I’ve added boiling water multiple times and I still haven’t gotten rid of it. Can anyone help me
thank you for these really great videos. I just got mine today and trying to set it up. what do I do with the black thing that says "preventing crystallization drying filter core"? I saw it mentioned in the comments somewhere and I believe they said to fill this with water?
Ooh, they're getting a bit different from my older model I'm afraid. I'm guessing you are referring to the bit thar screws into the vacuum seal lid at the top. My model has a piece of filter inside and no requirement for water, but like you say, others have said in the past that their instructions required this to be filled with water. Either way, the point is to stop any impurities reaching your aquarium water. Either filling with water, or stuffing it with filter floss should both do the trick I think! 👍
Its not about the temperature, it's about how the liquid acts as the carrier for both the ingredients - enabling the reaction. So, if you slow that process down with ice cubes you have more time to seal the container. But, tbh, I think the losses are pretty marginal. Pouring the water at an angle and being quick with your hands is generally fine.
I found that ice is not required as long as you don't mix the citric acid with the baking soda. Just put them in separately and you're good. A small amount of co2 will be lost, but it's a very small amount. I've seen the other video where the guy mixes them and then adds water and it spurts out everywhere. Just don't do that and it's fine. The ice is a lot of bother for very little benefit.
Hi Nancy. I just soak it in boiling water for about five minutes and the build up lifts. Like I said in the video, just be careful as the canister can get very hot. Hope that helps! 👍
I have a theory. The rate of reaction is determined by the amount of water while the duration of the reaction is determined by the amount of reactants. This means that the rate of CO2 produced will be faster if more water is added, and slower if less water is added. This also means that if you double the amount of reactants, there would be twice as much CO2 produced, obviously. Basically, what I'm proposing is that we can safely add more reactants (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) if we keep the amount of water constant, or perhaps even reducing the amount of water.
Interesting theory. I think your spot on that the water is simply a carrier to enable the reaction. However, to play devils advocate, the only thing that comes to mind is that at the end of the reaction there is still a lot of crystalised sediment and I often wonder if that has all completely reacted or not. I wonder if having more reactants but the same amount of waste would just increase the waste and not lead to a doubling of production. But like I say, I am by no means a scientist..... lol.
As a corollary to this thought experiment, what's to stop us from using a hopper and auger system to feed the dry reactants (they could even be pre-mixed) into the reaction vessel on-demand and then just drip whatever water we need to generate the desired PSI? This could even be automated somewhat with a microcontroller, a motor, a solenoid, and a pressure sensor.
An added tip on the ice idea; use crushed ice if you can get it. I buy crushed ice to use in my drinks and I just weight out the appropriate amount of water as ice in grams and pour the crushed ice in using a funnel. It works beautifully. Costs almost nothing since I get a 25lbs bag for a couple of dollars US.
Hello, a question, I have bought a 1 liter Co2 generator, and the charge lasts less than a day that is not normal, I do it as it tells me 100gr citric acid 100gr sodium bicarbonate and 150ml of water, in a day it I have loaded 2 times, that you advise me to aga, thanks a greeting.
Hi Francisco. There's only really two reasons this could be - either the system is not sealed properly, or you are losing to much co2 at the beginning when you add the water by not sealing the system quick enough. I'd check that all your o-rings are in good order, and consider adding 150ml of ice instead of water to slow down the reaction. You should be getting weeks not days of use from this system. I hope you are able to work it out! 🤞 I made a video here where I explain why ice helps - th-cam.com/video/MFVwd-nWJek/w-d-xo.html
@@AquariumShed Hello, thanks for your answer, it has helped me a lot, I already disassembled it and put it back together and it seems that it is going well, one question, after putting the load on it, you have to leave it for a while to load the pressure, thanks for everything a greeting.
No problem, happy to help. Yeah it takes a couple of hours to get up to pressure. Basically just wait until the needle is in the green zone. Glad it's working better now! 👍
Hiya. Not sure I fully understand what you mean? Did your ceramic filter have some beads in it? If so, that might just have been part of the packaging. I just rinse the filter and the canister in warm water. 👍
@@AquariumShed Thank you! I think we all have but I am not sure. According to this we should have beads in the filter: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001798298332.html?spm=a2g0o.ams_97944.0.0.3199zty5zty5Ky&scm=1007.26694.226824.0&scm_id=1007.26694.226824.0&scm-url=1007.26694.226824.0&pvid=9398a487-346b-494a-9476-54b75fa85833&fromRankId=5740089&_t=fromRankId:5740089
@@Everytimeifail just checked mine and I don't have the beads for some reason, I just have a dense sponge in the middle of the metal piece with a ceramic end cap. I have only ever just rinsed my filter in warm water and I imagine you could just do the same!
Hiya - yes, I use a solenoid on this setup within the output line. But, most versions of this system these days are available with a solenoid built in to the regulator which looks way more convenient. The canisters are rated to withstand well beyond the total pressure, and there is a safety release valve, so using a solenoid is not a problem.
hey! i have a question to be safe can i fill it with less ingredients so the pressure isnt that high and so it wont explode? is it worth it to buy the 12V DC Solenoid which controls the co2 timer
Hiya. Glad the video was useful. You do still need approximately 300ml. Tho water is just the agent for the reaction so it doesn't need to be super accurate. In my case, I initially measured water into the ice mould and worked out that with my mould it was the equivalent of 13 ice cubes. So now I just count the cubes! 👍
Wish i could get one of these for less than £80.... I feel like i may as well just get a proper system for £150 at that price. Let's see how this £30 Eletrical Solenoid x2 coke bottles DIY kit goes!
Yup, pretty much the only issue is making sure the splitter spokes will fit beside the needle valve, but even this limitation could be overcome with an adapter to lift the splitter higher! 👍
Hi, have you heard of turbo yeast? it reacts really quickly and creates superstrong alcohol in 48 hours, i watched a freinds wine brewing and it was crazy the amount of CO2 produced so quickly, the wine bin was roaring! I tried the yeast and sugar method this week and was disapointed, saw your vid(s) with these canisters and may buy one and have a play
What happens when you turn it off overnight will the pressure built up overnight. Or the bleed valve will open and close once there is to much pressure. How does it work if you leave it overnight every night. As I'm waiting for mine from Aliexpress Thanks
Hiya, just one night's build up of pressure isn't enough to over pressure the system. But the valve is there as a precaution. I've been using this with a solenoid on a timer and it works perfectly! 👍
Hi, are you still using this system? my first attempt was abysmal, hardly any presure in tank, I thought maybe the guage was faulty, but I only got 2 days worth of co2. I'm using the JBL Taifun diffuser (the little tube where the bubbles spriral up and up) I thought that this would need less initial pressure rather than overcoming the resistance in the ceramic discs. I'm going to try the standard liguid water rather than ice cubes this time to see if that makes a difference.
This is what will happen if the pressure valve not the needle valve that you rotate, but the one on the very top, does not sit completely on the bottom , what you need to do first is that first empty the cylinder so that gas will not spew. Unscrew completely the pressure gauge and you will have spring so be careful not losing it then screw it back completely again but this time make sure it sits on the bottom of the head.
I don't think it will be a problem. Your crystallised sediment might look a little less pure if the bicarb has taken on any other properties whilst freshening up your fridge, but it will still have retained its ability to react with the citric acid and produce co2. This seems like a pretty efficient idea! Thanks for sharing. 👍
Sorry if it's a dumb question but can I just turn off the needle valve at night if I don't have a solenoid , I mean it won't over pressurise? Thx for a great couple of vids on this unit.
Hiya - there's no dumb questions here! Yeah, your spot on, you can just turn off the valve at night if you don't have a solenoid. In my experience, one or two days won't overpressurise. But even if it did, there is a pressure release valve on the unit. Hope that helps! 👍
Hi there. Thanks for watching. Yeah I usually just give it a quick soak and swill with boiling water to break down any sediment. Just be careful, the cylinder gets really hot! 👍
Please has anyone got information on whether there is any maintenance required for the filter that screws into the pressure gauge. On mine it says 'clean the filter' and states it may swell up when wet but will return to normal as it dries. I'm not very good at deciphering Chinese instructions🙄
I am in the same position, my instructions say nothing. I have just posted about replacement. There is practically nothing online about it and don't want to be in a position where it gets blocked.
@@robertfletcher3421 I haven't tried it on mine but I believe the filter has a lid that unscrews and the filter contains a small amount of media that appears 'gel' like on the pictures ( see Columbo version). I saw somewhere it said if the crystals were large and swollen they need replacing but I also saw where it said, if the crystals were large and swollen they would shrink again once dry. Now whether that means drying them will recharge them I don't know. If we could find out what these crystals are we could just replace them ourselves. I know that replacement filters are available but haven't spotted any in the UK. I believe they can be ordered Amazon EU. If anyone has any knowledge or suggestions it would be most helpful. Even knowing how long a filter lasts ( how many fills) would be a start.
@@haitch04 Thanks for your reply. Basically, you have found the same information I have. My fear is there will be a failure and I will be unable to restart it without further risk of damage. I think I will get a couple just to be on the sake side you never know.
@@haitch04 Hi, I have ordered 2 from Amazon US for GBP 21.12. There is no description and no reviews. Could it be they never wear out? I am interested the Owain said there was fibre in his.
I am not new to CO2 but Covid brought an end to my supplies. The only CO2 I could buy was 10 kg big and ugly but cheap. So after watching your videos as well as others I bought the FZone one from Amazon UK. The advantage is anything wrong can easily send it back. I have a question about the screw-in filter. How long do these last and where to replace them? The only ones I can find is from WuyouChy Amazon US at $7 plus postage. What is your experience so far?
Hiya, I have to admit that I have only replaced my filter once in a year about two months ago (so roughly 10 months use), and upon inspection its just a really dense filter floss type construction similar to a cigarette filter. So rather than buy official replacements, I have stuffed fine filter floss in there quite tightly. The same kind that I use in my external filters. I refilled the system the other day and it seems to be doing the same job as the original filter, with a slight browny/yellow sediment starting to appear just like before. Hope that helps. 👍
Aah that's a good point. I remember others in the comments thread mentioning this. And also some that had directions to fill the chamber with water. There's obviously a range of ways that work to create a barrier for impurities. For reference, mine is a ZRDR system. 👍
@Aquarium Shed : Not sure if you are from UK or US, this product looks like coming from China, do you have any problems with Customs (Im from UK)? please advice
Hi Naga. I'm in the UK too and never have any customs issues with products direct from China via Ebay or Aliexpress. In fact recently the only issues I've encountered are with products coming from Germany because of Brexit. I order a lot of stuff direct from China and am always incredibly impressed with the speed of delivery too. 👍
@@AquariumShed Thanks mate, looks like 2L is not available anymore.. Just for 1Ltr it is costing now around 60£.. What you think about Steel based DIY regulator for Coke bottle?
@@AquariumShed Hi, as far as I understand it there is no import duty to pay if value is under £135. VAT is charged by law at point of sale (even from foreign lands), so Aliexpress add this when you pay for the product, so you shouldn't have any trouble (unexpected extra charges).
Hi Naga, have you tried Aliexpress? They usually have a much better stock. The steel connector types are just a more solid / better quality version of these types that I've done a tutorial on before - th-cam.com/video/_7xiVJPRKx0/w-d-xo.html - works well, but a little complicated!
Aye. That's not far from my conclusion in the most recent co2 video I made - th-cam.com/video/EQAvUrEvQgs/w-d-xo.html - only thing we have to consider here in the UK is canister rental fees and deposit, not sure if that's the same in the US.
Thanks so much, really appreciate it. If there is ever content you'd like to see, let me know. Always trying to make the hobby as accessible and affordable as possible.
Ha. Yeah, I really should. To set your mind at ease, they aren't quite as a close to my head as they look. Plenty of maintenance to do on the basement tho. DIY in an old house is never ending.....
![อยู่คนเดียวกับเขา - ส้ม มารี (Zom Marie) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gq1cWAIQDLg/mqdefault.jpg)
So I did an experiment where you don't need any ice cube without the mixture reacting with each other immediately and losing lots of co2. I found out if you Pour Baking Soda first and then Citric Acid last after adding water it will immediately react to the point you are not given enough time to close the system using the Pressure Valve without losing c02 this is because the citric acid don't absorb water unlike baking soda which will absorb the water not letting it past easily. My technique is to first add citric acid so it will be in the very bottom and then baking soda after citric acid. Since the water will not immediately pass through baking soda because of its sticky texture it will take time till the water reach the citric acid. With this you are given ample time to close the cylinder without losing c02.
In short. Pour citric acid first then baking soda. Then add water. You will find the mixture will not react immediately.
If you pour baking soda first and second citric acid. The water will pass through citric acid immediately once you pour it making the mixture act rapidly
Fantastic experiment and such useful information. Thanks so much for sharing, it makes a lot of sense and I will be trying it myself. I've pinned your comment so that everyone will see it! 👍
Another reason why it might not be advisable to use ice cubes is because citric acid + sodium bicarbonate is an endothermic reaction. That means it'll likely re-freeze your water quickly and halt the reaction until more water eventually melts to continue it. You're better off using Fluff's recommendation and some warm water to prevent premature freezing.
@@MikeTrieu Brilliant. Thanks for sharing, constantly learning in this comments thread and really appreciate the communities input. Cheers.
How about placing the cylinder into hot water for faster reaction since it's endorthermic reaction.
From a brewing perspective, the reason the yeast isn't doing well in this environment is that the amount of co2 in the simple wort you've created is too high for the yeast yo survive. The system causes enough pressure to restrict off gassing of the wort and the co2 is left in solution, killing off the yeast. It doesn't matter how much sugar you add, they simply won't survive long enough if their waste isn't removed. That's why co2 generators used with yeast are just straight lined into the tank.
Really helpful explanation, makes total sense. Thanks so much for sharing! 👍
First time I saw someone covering the maintenance of this system. Thank you, thank you!
Your very welcome. Thanks for watching! 👍
That intro... Universal can learn a lot from you! The million dollar voice with the bang XD
🤣 🤣 Thank you kindly! I do get told I have a booming voice, but usually followed by a request to be quieter.... Haha. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video! 👍
Thank you for all of the experiments. Very useful information...i tried a splitter, but my splitter leaked and I gave up on it. I managed to get up to 450 psi before trying the splitter, but only one valve(bubble counter) would function after the cylinoid valve. Maybe the cylinoid is just too tiny, but it definately leaked out all co2 from the canister.
As somebody who has come to appreciate this CO 2 delivery system, I wanted to share another way to get water into the tank without losing too much pressure. As you mentioned, using ice cubes is far from ideal. Especially when you need your CO 2 up and running ASAP. I use a plastic bag method which allows me to keep the vast majority of the pressure where it's supposed to be.
First you measure out bicarb soda as that is what reacts with the water first. Put it in. Then you measure out the citric acid, giving the bicarb somewhat of a blanket when you put it on top. The next step is the trick. You get a thin freezer bag. Bunch up the bottom and cut it off, leaving more or less a tube. Get a piece of string. Tie it around the bottom, sealing the bag, but leaving one end of the string long so that when you pull on it, it unties. Then turn the bag inside out. You once again have a bag. Except this one has a bottom which comes undone when you pull on the string. Carefully stick the bag into the tank (after the raw ingredients have been added). Hold the bag around he edges, making sure that the string is outside the tank. Personally I just make a ring with my thumb and index finger when holding it. Then pour the water into the bag. It will be going right into the tank, yet still sitting inside the bag. When finished, simply yank the string. All the water will immediately drop into the tank. The citric acid on top will give you just enough time to put on the lid/valve. You'll hardly lose any pressure.
Very interesting. I had to read that twice to fully understand it, but it definitely makes sense to me. Thanks for sharing. I shall try it out with the next refill! 👍
@@AquariumShed It’s pretty hard to make sense of someone’s scribbling, that’s for sure 😅 The main thing to remember is that you stick a bag with a collapsible bottom into the tank while holding it and open it once it’s full so that it all falls to the bottom at once. So you don’t have to sit there, pouring the water in and watch it hissing and losing pressure. I’ve added an extra 30% longevity to each refill this way. In fact. I’ll make a quick video using a bottle and share a link. Give me a sec.
Still uploading. But I've got a nice clip coming...whenever the gods of TH-cam get off their arse. lol
@@ivareskesner2019 🤣🤣
@@AquariumShed I think this should finally do it . th-cam.com/video/UMeKfc1KmwA/w-d-xo.html
That ice cube link-legend, thanks!
Always happy to help!! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the update
No problem. Glad it was useful. 👍
Add both ingredients on top of one another. Dont shake. Tilt the bottle on angle. Add water while still tilting. Reaction is so slow at first you have plenty of time to seal bottle with little to no waste. Upright bottle gently. 1 little shake begins process. No need for Ice Cubes.
You are awesome. I also subscribed from my other channel and this one too. I am your permanent viewer. Its great to see your videos and how you do things. I really needed a planted tank but CO2 was a huge hurdle. Thanks
No problem at all, really pleased the channel is helping you enjoy the hobby. Appreciate your support! 👍
Thanks as just purchased one of these off of aliexpress and the info you provided settled any negative thoughts i may of had before hand..
Very happy to help. These are great little generators, I'm sure you won't be disappointed! 👍
I have a massive super hard crystal sediment stuck in the bottom of the tank and I’ve added boiling water multiple times and I still haven’t gotten rid of it. Can anyone help me
thank you for these really great videos. I just got mine today and trying to set it up. what do I do with the black thing that says "preventing crystallization drying filter core"? I saw it mentioned in the comments somewhere and I believe they said to fill this with water?
Ooh, they're getting a bit different from my older model I'm afraid. I'm guessing you are referring to the bit thar screws into the vacuum seal lid at the top. My model has a piece of filter inside and no requirement for water, but like you say, others have said in the past that their instructions required this to be filled with water. Either way, the point is to stop any impurities reaching your aquarium water. Either filling with water, or stuffing it with filter floss should both do the trick I think! 👍
Hello, very good video. What is the volume of your aquarium that you use with CO2 Generator System Kit (French )
Tons of help
I have a question i was reading someone mentions that the ratio should be 1:1.3 they said as example 100g of citric to 130g of baking soda
That was probably the Reddit thread I started when researching my original Co2 Generator video - th-cam.com/video/tU5kuxJ_6Bs/w-d-xo.html
Thank you.
I really appreciate your videos 👍👍👍
I just discovered that the residue left over should be mostly sodium citrate, which is used to make really creamy cheese sauces!
😋😋😋
How about chilled water? Like fridged water.
Its not about the temperature, it's about how the liquid acts as the carrier for both the ingredients - enabling the reaction. So, if you slow that process down with ice cubes you have more time to seal the container. But, tbh, I think the losses are pretty marginal. Pouring the water at an angle and being quick with your hands is generally fine.
I found that ice is not required as long as you don't mix the citric acid with the baking soda. Just put them in separately and you're good. A small amount of co2 will be lost, but it's a very small amount. I've seen the other video where the guy mixes them and then adds water and it spurts out everywhere. Just don't do that and it's fine. The ice is a lot of bother for very little benefit.
How do I clean out the build up on the bottom of the tank? Is there an easy way to do this?
Hi Nancy. I just soak it in boiling water for about five minutes and the build up lifts. Like I said in the video, just be careful as the canister can get very hot. Hope that helps! 👍
Educative video, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a theory.
The rate of reaction is determined by the amount of water while the duration of the reaction is determined by the amount of reactants.
This means that the rate of CO2 produced will be faster if more water is added, and slower if less water is added.
This also means that if you double the amount of reactants, there would be twice as much CO2 produced, obviously.
Basically, what I'm proposing is that we can safely add more reactants (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) if we keep the amount of water constant, or perhaps even reducing the amount of water.
Interesting theory. I think your spot on that the water is simply a carrier to enable the reaction. However, to play devils advocate, the only thing that comes to mind is that at the end of the reaction there is still a lot of crystalised sediment and I often wonder if that has all completely reacted or not. I wonder if having more reactants but the same amount of waste would just increase the waste and not lead to a doubling of production. But like I say, I am by no means a scientist..... lol.
As a corollary to this thought experiment, what's to stop us from using a hopper and auger system to feed the dry reactants (they could even be pre-mixed) into the reaction vessel on-demand and then just drip whatever water we need to generate the desired PSI? This could even be automated somewhat with a microcontroller, a motor, a solenoid, and a pressure sensor.
An added tip on the ice idea; use crushed ice if you can get it. I buy crushed ice to use in my drinks and I just weight out the appropriate amount of water as ice in grams and pour the crushed ice in using a funnel. It works beautifully. Costs almost nothing since I get a 25lbs bag for a couple of dollars US.
Hello, a question, I have bought a 1 liter Co2 generator, and the charge lasts less than a day that is not normal, I do it as it tells me 100gr citric acid 100gr sodium bicarbonate and 150ml of water, in a day it I have loaded 2 times, that you advise me to aga, thanks a greeting.
Hi Francisco. There's only really two reasons this could be - either the system is not sealed properly, or you are losing to much co2 at the beginning when you add the water by not sealing the system quick enough. I'd check that all your o-rings are in good order, and consider adding 150ml of ice instead of water to slow down the reaction. You should be getting weeks not days of use from this system. I hope you are able to work it out! 🤞
I made a video here where I explain why ice helps - th-cam.com/video/MFVwd-nWJek/w-d-xo.html
@@AquariumShed Hello, thanks for your answer, it has helped me a lot, I already disassembled it and put it back together and it seems that it is going well, one question, after putting the load on it, you have to leave it for a while to load the pressure, thanks for everything a greeting.
No problem, happy to help. Yeah it takes a couple of hours to get up to pressure. Basically just wait until the needle is in the green zone. Glad it's working better now! 👍
have you tried using agar agar or gelatin in the sugar yeast method?
Hi, Can we open filter and clean the desiccant beads with water? What's the best way? Thank you.
Hiya. Not sure I fully understand what you mean? Did your ceramic filter have some beads in it? If so, that might just have been part of the packaging. I just rinse the filter and the canister in warm water. 👍
@@AquariumShed Thank you! I think we all have but I am not sure. According to this we should have beads in the filter: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001798298332.html?spm=a2g0o.ams_97944.0.0.3199zty5zty5Ky&scm=1007.26694.226824.0&scm_id=1007.26694.226824.0&scm-url=1007.26694.226824.0&pvid=9398a487-346b-494a-9476-54b75fa85833&fromRankId=5740089&_t=fromRankId:5740089
@@Everytimeifail just checked mine and I don't have the beads for some reason, I just have a dense sponge in the middle of the metal piece with a ceramic end cap. I have only ever just rinsed my filter in warm water and I imagine you could just do the same!
@@AquariumShed thank you. I will do the same when refill time comes up.
Are you using a solenoid on this setup or do you need to turn on each morning?
Hiya - yes, I use a solenoid on this setup within the output line. But, most versions of this system these days are available with a solenoid built in to the regulator which looks way more convenient. The canisters are rated to withstand well beyond the total pressure, and there is a safety release valve, so using a solenoid is not a problem.
Hi, what do call on that connector between air tube and needle valve in 3:32
please i hope you notice me
Maybe yeast and sugar need O2 and after a day it's been used and make no further psi . Just a guess
hey! i have a question
to be safe can i fill it with less ingredients so the pressure isnt that high and so it wont explode?
is it worth it to buy the 12V DC Solenoid which controls the co2 timer
how long does this diy kit last???
Hiya, it creates 104.79g of CO2. I explain how in my original video - th-cam.com/video/tU5kuxJ_6Bs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RE9W7L0B7lqDYkmF
First time watching this guy's videos like does anyone know why this guy literally sounds like a man with a mustache in the 1900s
🤣🤣🤣 I'll get my Pipe and Top Hat out for the next video!
hi nice video and thanks for the tips. so if using ice. do I measure water 300ml and make it into ice... or you just eyeball the amount of eyes??
Hiya. Glad the video was useful. You do still need approximately 300ml. Tho water is just the agent for the reaction so it doesn't need to be super accurate. In my case, I initially measured water into the ice mould and worked out that with my mould it was the equivalent of 13 ice cubes. So now I just count the cubes! 👍
Wish i could get one of these for less than £80.... I feel like i may as well just get a proper system for £150 at that price.
Let's see how this £30 Eletrical Solenoid x2 coke bottles DIY kit goes!
Thanks for the vid man!
Your welcome. Hope you found it useful!
Cool...
Thanks man...
Happy to help!
Hi! Any Splitter would work with this system?
Yup, pretty much the only issue is making sure the splitter spokes will fit beside the needle valve, but even this limitation could be overcome with an adapter to lift the splitter higher! 👍
@@AquariumShed thank you very much for your reply
subscribed, nice update vid
Thanks so much. Really appreciate the support! 👍
@@AquariumShed is it baking soda or baking powder? or are they same? sorry noob
Could it be possible to a fit a solenoid valve to it like the standard pressurised co2 kits?
Hi Lewis. Yes it's definitely possible, I've done it recently with no issues and some systems are actually sold with a solenoid as part of the kit! 👍
Hi, have you heard of turbo yeast? it reacts really quickly and creates superstrong alcohol in 48 hours, i watched a freinds wine brewing and it was crazy the amount of CO2 produced so quickly, the wine bin was roaring! I tried the yeast and sugar method this week and was disapointed, saw your vid(s) with these canisters and may buy one and have a play
Ooh that does sound interesting. I've never heard of turbo yeast but certainly sounds worth a try. Let us know how you get on! 👍
What happens when you turn it off overnight will the pressure built up overnight. Or the bleed valve will open and close once there is to much pressure. How does it work if you leave it overnight every night. As I'm waiting for mine from Aliexpress Thanks
Hiya, just one night's build up of pressure isn't enough to over pressure the system. But the valve is there as a precaution. I've been using this with a solenoid on a timer and it works perfectly! 👍
How do you clean the crus off the bottoms of the cylinder
Soak it in hot water! But just me careful, the cylinder gets really hot so you'll need to wear oven gloves.
Hi, are you still using this system? my first attempt was abysmal, hardly any presure in tank, I thought maybe the guage was faulty, but I only got 2 days worth of co2. I'm using the JBL Taifun diffuser (the little tube where the bubbles spriral up and up) I thought that this would need less initial pressure rather than overcoming the resistance in the ceramic discs. I'm going to try the standard liguid water rather than ice cubes this time to see if that makes a difference.
This is what will happen if the pressure valve not the needle valve that you rotate, but the one on the very top, does not sit completely on the bottom , what you need to do first is that first empty the cylinder so that gas will not spew. Unscrew completely the pressure gauge and you will have spring so be careful not losing it then screw it back completely again but this time make sure it sits on the bottom of the head.
Can you use the Baking Soda that was used in the fridge/freezer in this mixture, or should it be "fresh"
I don't think it will be a problem. Your crystallised sediment might look a little less pure if the bicarb has taken on any other properties whilst freshening up your fridge, but it will still have retained its ability to react with the citric acid and produce co2. This seems like a pretty efficient idea! Thanks for sharing. 👍
@@AquariumShed Thank you for answering my questions again.
Anyone have ideas on how to clean out and remove the solidified mixture when it’s spent?
Hiya - I touch on this at around 06:25 of the video. Soaking in hot water is usually sufficient to remove the residue. Cheers.
@@AquariumShed
Have just done this by leaving it to soak for couple of hours and yes it’s worked!
Fantastic. Happy to help! 👍
Sorry if it's a dumb question but can I just turn off the needle valve at night if I don't have a solenoid , I mean it won't over pressurise? Thx for a great couple of vids on this unit.
Hiya - there's no dumb questions here! Yeah, your spot on, you can just turn off the valve at night if you don't have a solenoid. In my experience, one or two days won't overpressurise. But even if it did, there is a pressure release valve on the unit. Hope that helps! 👍
@@AquariumShed Really helpful thanks, I will get a solenoid as soon as I can but thanks for the advice.
@@haitch04 No problem at all. Always happy to help!
Can you add a solenoid to this system to turn it off at night?
Yep, it works great. I was lucky to find a Colombo solenoid in the reduced to clear section at my LFS and it works great with this system.
Do you turn it off when you lights go off ??
Hiya. Yes, I have it set up with a solenoid valve and timer. Some of the newer models come with the solenoid built in.
Hi Mate, do you usually rinse the cylinder with water before filling new mixture or you just dump the excess solution afterwards?
Hi there. Thanks for watching. Yeah I usually just give it a quick soak and swill with boiling water to break down any sediment. Just be careful, the cylinder gets really hot! 👍
@@AquariumShed Nice mate, great help! Thanks alot.
Please has anyone got information on whether there is any maintenance required for the filter that screws into the pressure gauge. On mine it says 'clean the filter' and states it may swell up when wet but will return to normal as it dries. I'm not very good at deciphering Chinese instructions🙄
I am in the same position, my instructions say nothing. I have just posted about replacement. There is practically nothing online about it and don't want to be in a position where it gets blocked.
@@robertfletcher3421 I haven't tried it on mine but I believe the filter has a lid that unscrews and the filter contains a small amount of media that appears 'gel' like on the pictures ( see Columbo version).
I saw somewhere it said if the crystals were large and swollen they need replacing but I also saw where it said, if the crystals were large and swollen they would shrink again once dry. Now whether that means drying them will recharge them I don't know.
If we could find out what these crystals are we could just replace them ourselves. I know that replacement filters are available but haven't spotted any in the UK. I believe they can be ordered Amazon EU.
If anyone has any knowledge or suggestions it would be most helpful. Even knowing how long a filter lasts ( how many fills) would be a start.
@@haitch04 Thanks for your reply. Basically, you have found the same information I have. My fear is there will be a failure and I will be unable to restart it without further risk of damage. I think I will get a couple just to be on the sake side you never know.
@@robertfletcher3421 I think I'll follow suit on that and order some, better safe than sorry.
@@haitch04 Hi, I have ordered 2 from Amazon US for GBP 21.12. There is no description and no reviews. Could it be they never wear out? I am interested the Owain said there was fibre in his.
I am not new to CO2 but Covid brought an end to my supplies. The only CO2 I could buy was 10 kg big and ugly but cheap. So after watching your videos as well as others I bought the FZone one from Amazon UK. The advantage is anything wrong can easily send it back. I have a question about the screw-in filter. How long do these last and where to replace them? The only ones I can find is from WuyouChy Amazon US at $7 plus postage. What is your experience so far?
Hiya, I have to admit that I have only replaced my filter once in a year about two months ago (so roughly 10 months use), and upon inspection its just a really dense filter floss type construction similar to a cigarette filter. So rather than buy official replacements, I have stuffed fine filter floss in there quite tightly. The same kind that I use in my external filters. I refilled the system the other day and it seems to be doing the same job as the original filter, with a slight browny/yellow sediment starting to appear just like before. Hope that helps. 👍
@@AquariumShed Thanks for that nice to know it last for a while. The one I was looking at was filled with little balls of something..
Aah that's a good point. I remember others in the comments thread mentioning this. And also some that had directions to fill the chamber with water. There's obviously a range of ways that work to create a barrier for impurities. For reference, mine is a ZRDR system. 👍
@Aquarium Shed : Not sure if you are from UK or US, this product looks like coming from China, do you have any problems with Customs (Im from UK)? please advice
Hi Naga. I'm in the UK too and never have any customs issues with products direct from China via Ebay or Aliexpress. In fact recently the only issues I've encountered are with products coming from Germany because of Brexit. I order a lot of stuff direct from China and am always incredibly impressed with the speed of delivery too. 👍
@@AquariumShed Thanks mate, looks like 2L is not available anymore.. Just for 1Ltr it is costing now around 60£..
What you think about Steel based DIY regulator for Coke bottle?
@@AquariumShed Hi, as far as I understand it there is no import duty to pay if value is under £135. VAT is charged by law at point of sale (even from foreign lands), so Aliexpress add this when you pay for the product, so you shouldn't have any trouble (unexpected extra charges).
Thanks Colin. Very useful to know this! 👍👍
Hi Naga, have you tried Aliexpress? They usually have a much better stock. The steel connector types are just a more solid / better quality version of these types that I've done a tutorial on before - th-cam.com/video/_7xiVJPRKx0/w-d-xo.html - works well, but a little complicated!
Hmmm, chuck some fruit juice and yeast nutrient{ 1tspn tomato sauce} in there, you'll get co2 and a passable wine......
🤣🤣
There’s no need to buy a generator anymore in my opinion, you can get a 5lb tank for around $60 and a regulator for $50 from Amazon.
Aye. That's not far from my conclusion in the most recent co2 video I made - th-cam.com/video/EQAvUrEvQgs/w-d-xo.html - only thing we have to consider here in the UK is canister rental fees and deposit, not sure if that's the same in the US.
Subbed!
Thanks so much, really appreciate it. If there is ever content you'd like to see, let me know. Always trying to make the hobby as accessible and affordable as possible.
you should take those nails out of those joists the hazard is making me nervous lol
Ha. Yeah, I really should. To set your mind at ease, they aren't quite as a close to my head as they look. Plenty of maintenance to do on the basement tho. DIY in an old house is never ending.....
put the cylinder in a hot bath of water once closed
yeast is a living organism. Too much pressure or temperature will kill it. Too cold and it'll go dormant. Chemicals are more predictable in my opinion
Definitely true with this system. It was good to rule it out tho. Thanks for watching! 👍
GOD BLESS YOU , PEACE J.B.GOOD
Hi mate do you have twitter or tik tok?.
Hey. I have a TikTok that I sporadically post on but haven't got super into yet. Mainly concentrate on TH-cam. 👍