Closet Winter Glow out (and yes its tomatoes)

Stepheninky · December 12, 2010

Mischka I looked into CO2 generators a bit and will add here some of what I found on them.

CO2 Generators Explained
By Zach Waldman

Indoor gardeners wanting to supplement their grow rooms with CO2 should consider using a generator instead of bottles as it is much cheaper. Generators burn a pure blue flame and the by-product is CO2.

To begin, if you're considering using CO2 in your grow room and you're running fluorescent lights, don't bother. In order to benefit from the extra CO2, you must be using high intensity discharge lights that are at least 400w.

A propane or natural gas CO2 generator is the most cost effective way to add CO2 to your environment. However, heat and water are given off as a result of combustion. This means if you're in a warm climate that a generator probably won't work for you as they give off too much heat and humidity.

Typically, generators use an enclosed pilot light like a gas stove. However, they can also use an electronic ignition with no standing pilot light. An example of this is the MiniGen which is a propane fueled CO2 generator.

Speaking of propane, CO2 can be generated by burning any fossil fuel such as kerosene or natural gas. Be aware if you're using kerosene to use a high grade (1-K). Low grades of kerosene contain too much sulfur which can result in sulfur dioxide pollution. Furthermore, because kerosene generators require electrodes, pumps, and filters, the cost of using them is higher. As a result, most growers prefer to use propane or natural gas.

Although the initial cost of purchasing a CO2 generator is higher than a bottle set-up, the operating cost is about four times less expensive. As a result, you're better off saving your money until you can make the investment.

Keep in mind, when using a generator the exhausted gas will be hot. Despite CO2 being heavier than air, since it will be hot it will be less dense, causing it to actually rise in your grow room. In order for your plants to benefit from all of this CO2, you'll need good air circulation to move it through your garden.

Another reason you need a good ventilation system is because oxygen is being burned. As it becomes deficient, the pure blue flame releasing CO2 starts to yellow. The yellow flame is a sign of unburned gas which creates carbon monoxide. By replacing your grow room's air regularly, you'll avoid this problem.

Don't let my warnings make you nervous. CO2 generators like the LP GEN-1 have lots of safety features such as dual stage pilot safety valves. These valves confirm the presence of the pilot flame before allowing gas to flow to the main burners. There's also a tip-over shut down switch which turns off the main burners if the unit is tilted more than 35 degrees. Not only that, you can also find water-cooled generators (MiniGen), so even if you're in a warm climate you may be able to use one.

There's no doubt that adding CO2 to your grow room will result in fast growth. If you decide to take the plunge and set up a system, take a good look at using a generator as opposed to bottles. You'll save money and see great results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zach_Waldman

I have a vent-less natural gas fireplace so it does raise the CO2 levels in my home a bit. From what I can tell though and as the article explains most people will not see much benefit using one for some scale indoor growing.

December 12, 2010	#24
Stepheninky Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 682	Mischka I looked into CO2 generators a bit and will add here some of what I found on them. CO2 Generators Explained By Zach Waldman Indoor gardeners wanting to supplement their grow rooms with CO2 should consider using a generator instead of bottles as it is much cheaper. Generators burn a pure blue flame and the by-product is CO2. To begin, if you're considering using CO2 in your grow room and you're running fluorescent lights, don't bother. In order to benefit from the extra CO2, you must be using high intensity discharge lights that are at least 400w. A propane or natural gas CO2 generator is the most cost effective way to add CO2 to your environment. However, heat and water are given off as a result of combustion. This means if you're in a warm climate that a generator probably won't work for you as they give off too much heat and humidity. Typically, generators use an enclosed pilot light like a gas stove. However, they can also use an electronic ignition with no standing pilot light. An example of this is the MiniGen which is a propane fueled CO2 generator. Speaking of propane, CO2 can be generated by burning any fossil fuel such as kerosene or natural gas. Be aware if you're using kerosene to use a high grade (1-K). Low grades of kerosene contain too much sulfur which can result in sulfur dioxide pollution. Furthermore, because kerosene generators require electrodes, pumps, and filters, the cost of using them is higher. As a result, most growers prefer to use propane or natural gas. Although the initial cost of purchasing a CO2 generator is higher than a bottle set-up, the operating cost is about four times less expensive. As a result, you're better off saving your money until you can make the investment. Keep in mind, when using a generator the exhausted gas will be hot. Despite CO2 being heavier than air, since it will be hot it will be less dense, causing it to actually rise in your grow room. In order for your plants to benefit from all of this CO2, you'll need good air circulation to move it through your garden. Another reason you need a good ventilation system is because oxygen is being burned. As it becomes deficient, the pure blue flame releasing CO2 starts to yellow. The yellow flame is a sign of unburned gas which creates carbon monoxide. By replacing your grow room's air regularly, you'll avoid this problem. Don't let my warnings make you nervous. CO2 generators like the LP GEN-1 have lots of safety features such as dual stage pilot safety valves. These valves confirm the presence of the pilot flame before allowing gas to flow to the main burners. There's also a tip-over shut down switch which turns off the main burners if the unit is tilted more than 35 degrees. Not only that, you can also find water-cooled generators (MiniGen), so even if you're in a warm climate you may be able to use one. There's no doubt that adding CO2 to your grow room will result in fast growth. If you decide to take the plunge and set up a system, take a good look at using a generator as opposed to bottles. You'll save money and see great results. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zach_Waldman I have a vent-less natural gas fireplace so it does raise the CO2 levels in my home a bit. From what I can tell though and as the article explains most people will not see much benefit using one for some scale indoor growing.