CO2 and You: The Benefits of Adding Carbon Dioxide To Your Grow
According to my research, there are two primary advantages to employing CO2 in your indoor garden: increased yield and quicker growth. As an additional explanation, plants always have a certain amount of moisture and energy stored in their leaves. Carbon dioxide (CO2) assists in the extraction of that moisture and energy, allowing your plants to grow. Most growers think that accessing that stored energy will result in an increase in yield of around 20-30 percent, as well as an improvement in growth pace of at least 15 percent.
What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
Plants breathe in a manner distinct from that of humans and other animals. In contrast to mammals, which take in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2), plants do the polar opposite. This is one of the most significant reasons why plant life is such a vital component of the Earth’s ecology. CO2 levels would reach stifling levels in an exceptionally short period of time if plants were not there. CO2 is utilized by plants for growth since it is required for photosynthesis, along with light and water, in order for plants to develop.
Being aware of this is incredibly significant since the notion that increased CO2 intake can speed up plant development is supported by scientific evidence.
What do I need to know before adding Co2 to my grow?
CO2 will raise the humidity of your growing environment, which will result in the production of additional wetness. The more moisture you have in your grow, the greater the likelihood that fungus and rot will develop in your garden. A poisonous environment for both your plants and yourself can be created if your CO2 emissions are left unchecked, as previously stated. The presence of more than 2000ppm of CO2 can cause your plants to die, and levels higher than that can make breathing unhealthy for people and other animals.
- Consider the following scenario: you have six plants growing in your dressing and no artificial or natural ventilation is available.
- When the CO2 supply is depleted, the plants’ growth will come to an abrupt halt.
- To avoid these problems, you’ll need to keep your ppm levels under control by venting your grow.
- Fans and ducting will be required for proper ventilation.
- Another option is to utilize in-line fans that link directly to the ducting and exhaust the air out of your garden through exhaust ports in your yard.
- The problem is that when you vent your grow, there is a chance that the copious natural oxygen in your growing environment could overcome the Co2 and leave it ineffective, which is dangerous.
- The increased CO2 you’re providing your plants will accelerate the rate at which your plants will develop.
- Increased energy will result in greater temperatures in your growing environment.
- For example, if you’re using high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs (such as high-pressure sodium and high-pressure mercury) in your grow lamp system, you’ll need to ventilate the space to keep it cool because HID lights release a lot of energy and heat.
With LEDs, on the other hand, you will not have to worry about the heat as much, but you will still need to ventilate your growing room in order to keep the ppm levels under control.
What does Carbon Dioxide do for your plants?
When used properly, CO2 may speed up and enhance the yield of your grow operation. With that level of speed, you’ll be able to harvest more crops every year, resulting in larger and higher yields without needing to wait for a dry spell. When a grow is able to make use of CO2, the moisture content of the grow is increased, and the plants’ overall resilience is increased. Plants can normally only live in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, thus when maintained with Co2, plants will not dry out as quickly.
You may use a CO2 regulator coupled to a can of CO2 or a CO2 generator to augment the CO2 in your indoor farm’s atmosphere.
Researchers demonstrated that increasing and sustaining CO2 levels beyond 1 200 parts per million (PPM) can result in an increase in growth rates of up to 20% and an increase in size of up to 30%.
Using CO2 in Your Grow Room
As previously said, CO2 is heavier than oxygen, therefore bear in mind that CO2 will need to “rain” down on your plants in order for them to thrive. That being stated, there are three primary methods of introducing CO2 into your grow: a regulated tank of CO2 (regulated by a device such as ourCo2 Regulator), a natural supply of CO2, such as ourEZ-Co2Bag, or propane/natural gas burners. Generators of CO2 in the Natural Environment For smaller grows, natural CO2 sources such as EZ CO2 bags or DIY CO2 generators (such as a bubbler in one bottle of water producing and transmitting CO2 to another bottle for usage) are ideal.
- These CO2 sources, on the other hand, do not provide extensive coverage.
- The use of these products is advised for smaller grow rooms like as grow tents and closets.
- CO2 tank that has been regulated If you decide to go this route, keep in mind that you can get canned CO2 at most hydroponic retailers.
- All you have to do is set the required flow rate (measured in cubic feet per minute) and the timer to raise the CO2 levels to the appropriate level as soon as possible.
- It is advantageous to use CO2 tanks because, depending on their size and your regulator, you may stroll around your grow and manually fill the whole grow area with CO2.
- Using them is also somewhat less dangerous than using CO2 generators and burners.
- CO2 and water are produced as byproducts of this process (humidity).
- Most of the time, these generators are designed to create as little heat as possible while also producing the greatest amount of CO2.
- It takes approximately one CFH to elevate the CO2 density in a conventional 10-by-10-by-8-foot space with a normal 350 PPM of CO2 density to a level of 1,500 PPM.
- Smaller, more precisely regulated burners are necessary to maintain the desired levels.
Here are some examples of what our store has to offer: The Gro1 CO2 Regulator costs $99.95, whereas EZ CO2 Homegrown CO2 is $32.95 per kilogram.
Applying CO2 in Your Grow Room
You can supplement carbon dioxide in your garden because there won’t be an abundance of it in your grow room due to the lack of natural sources of the gas. If you’re ready to utilize it, start by purchasing a CO2 meter that can measure the part per million (PPM) content of CO2 in the air in your grow room’s environment. Maintaining CO2 levels between 1200 and 1500 parts per million (PPM) is excellent, but with increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere, you’ll want to raise your temps. Maintaining temperatures in the mid-’70s (21°C) to low-’80s (26°C) will not yield significant results since your plants require the capacity to take in, digest, and expel whatever they are consuming.
Don’t be shocked if your plants require temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (29 and 35 degrees Celsius) in order to adequately assimilate light and nutrients.
A further benefit of lowering the PPM is that it reduces the average-to-maximum temperature range.
How you give your garden CO2 will determine how simple it will be to regulate:
Since CO2 burners may be programmed to refill levels even when they are not in use, all that is required to bring levels down is opening a window, venting the room or turning on a duct fan to draw the air out. In order to be successful when walking around with a CO2 tank, you must keep an eye on your meter and ensure that CO2 is released when the levels are low. If you accidentally spray a bit too much, simply turn on a fan or open a window and you’ll be good. When it comes to CO2 bags, it is important not to squander any CO2.
Using tiny blade fans in the bottom corner of your growing room will ensure that CO2 remains in the air under these circumstances.
Overall, CO2 will result in larger, better-yielding crops, as well as greater yields every year.
Your ppm level should be between 1000 and 1500 by venting your system, and you’ll want to make sure that your water and light levels are always within range of 1000-1500 as well.
The Importance of Adding CO2 to your Grow Room
Since CO2 burners may be programmed to refill levels even when they are not in use, all that is required to bring levels down is opening a window, venting the room or turning on a duct fan to draw in fresh air. In order to be successful when walking around with a CO2 tank, you must keep an eye on your meter and ensure that CO2 is released when levels are low. To deal with overspray, just turn on a fan or open an air vent until the problem is resolved. Care should be taken not to squander CO2 while using CO2 bags.
Using tiny blade fans in the bottom corner of your growing room will ensure that CO2 remains in the air during these conditions.
On the whole, CO2 will result in larger, better-yielding crops with higher yields and more harvests each year.
Always keep in mind that incorporating CO2 into your growing environment might be a challenge. In order to ensure that your ppm level remains between 1000 and 1500, you’ll want to vent your system frequently, while also monitoring your water and light levels.
The Benefits of Adding CO2 to your Grow Room
When it comes to your plants, the most essential and immediately noticeable advantage is the huge boost in growth that will occur, especially if the potential of your setup has already been realized. Additionally, if CO2 levels can be kept between 1000 and 1200 parts per million (ppm), you will be able to operate your grow room at a more comfortable temperature. Growers are always battling to keep temperatures down and minimize temperature stress on their plants, so this may be quite useful information.
CO2 During Vegetation
Adding CO2 during the vegetative growing stage is the most effective strategy to boost the rate at which your plants stretch, allowing your plant to expand with far more vegetative growth in a significantly shorter period of time.
CO2 During Flowering
If you want to improve the rate at which your plants stretch during the vegetative growing stage, boosting CO2 is the most effective way to do it. This will help your plant to develop far more vegetative growth in a much shorter period of time.
How to Add CO2 to your Grow Room
Adding CO2 during the vegetative growing stage is the most effective strategy to boost the rate at which your plants stretch, allowing your plant to expand with far more vegetative growth in a significantly less amount of time.
CO2 Generation Tutorial – How to Add CO2 to a Grow Room – Expert Advice
Learn how to get the most out of your CO2 investment by following these steps.
1) Be aware of extractor fans
Learn how to get the most out of your CO2 investment by following these simple guidelines. 1.
- Maintain a safe distance between any CO 2bags or dosers and your extraction ducting. As you dose, add some air to the mix. Make sure you have adequate CO2
2) Circulate air
CO 2 is much heavier than air. If left unattended, it has the potential to collapse and pool at ground level. To avoid this, make sure your air is mixed. This will ensure that the CO 2 level is consistent throughout your grow space. Something like the Quest F9 Air Moverwould be fantastic.
3) Add CO2 gradually
Compared to air, CO 2 is much heavier. If left unattended, it has the potential to collapse and pool at the bottom of the structure. Mixing your air will help to avoid this. This will ensure that the CO2 level in your grow space is consistent throughout. Quest F9 Air Mover is a fantastic example of this!
4) Increase your feeds
Increased growth is a result of the addition of CO2 – make sure you have enough nutrients and water to sustain it by feeding plants more often.
5) If possible, switch off your extraction system during dosing
This provides plants with the opportunity to absorb significantly more CO2 during dosing. Fans should only be turned off for a limited period of time, and only if the temperature and humidity will not rise too high.
6) Don’t forget propane burners produce heat
When designing your temperature control system, you’ll need to take these factors into consideration.
How to Use CO2 to Increase Your Cannabis Yields [Guide]
You’ll have to take these into consideration while designing your temperature control system.
How Do Plants Use CO2?
You’ll need to take these into consideration while designing your temperature control system.
Pros and Cons of Using CO2 Systems for Cannabis
Our recommendation is that you avoid using this method unless you are an experienced cultivator. This material is intended for experienced cannabis gardeners who understand how to maintain a healthy cannabis garden and produce high-quality bud. Make certain that you are also familiar with how to:
- Selecting high-quality growth media and fertilizers is essential. Make use of top-of-the-line strain genetics. Consider installing a high-intensity lighting system. Grow in a room that is both sealed and safe
- Diseases and pests should be avoided or treated.
If you match the requirements outlined above, continue reading to understand how CO2 may be used to boost cannabis harvests.
However, you should also be aware of the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
You should continue reading if you match the requirements outlined above for learning how to boost cannabis yields by utilizing CO2. The advantages and disadvantages should be discussed as well.
- If you match the requirements outlined above, continue reading to learn how to utilize CO2 to boost cannabis yields in your growing environment. However, you should be made aware of the advantages and disadvantages.
You Can Raise the Temperature in the Grow Room: If you keep the CO2 level between 1200 and 1500 parts per million, you can raise the temperature to up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons
- Expensive: Adding CO2 to a grow room is a time-consuming and expensive procedure, especially if you’re running a large-scale business. The least expensive techniques of introducing CO2 are also the least efficient. They can, at the at least, demonstrate the possibility of increasing carbon dioxide emissions. On the good side, the majority of the costs are incurred by the startup equipment. You’ll Need Powerful Grow Lights: Using compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or T5s will not provide appropriate illumination. As an alternative, we propose that you use bright LED lights or that you buy in an MHor HPS system
- You Must Shut the Grow Area: If you are attempting to raise CO2 levels above 1000 parts per million (ppm), you must seal the room. High quantities of carbon dioxide are detrimental to human health
- Thus, you must take action.
If you’re willing to spend the money and aren’t bothered about the drawbacks, then ask yourself the following questions before moving further. If you answered ‘yes’ to all of them, you can begin adding CO2 to your growing environment:
- Have you maximized the quantity of light your plants can use from the grow lights you already have in place? What makes you certain that you have completely removed all problems from the grow room, including pests and nutrient deficits
- Are you familiar with the methods of growth control that may be used to boost yields? Are you able to maintain the temperature of the grow chamber between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit? During the vegetative stage, are you able to maintain humidity levels at 70%, and at 60% during the blooming stage
- Is it possible for you to optimize the quantity of light your plants can use with the grow lights you already own? What makes you certain that you have completely removed all problems from the grow room, including pests and nutritional deficiencies? Are you familiar with the ways of growth control that may be used to boost yields? Können Sie maintain the temperature of the grow chamber between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit constant
- And Are you able to maintain humidity levels of 70 percent during the vegetative stage and 60 percent during the flowering stage
- And
How to Introduce Additional CO2 to a Garden
Have you maximized the quantity of light your plants can use from the grow lights you already have? Are you certain that you have eradicated all problems from the grow chamber, including pests and nutritional deficits; Are you familiar with the ways of growth control that may be used to boost yields; Are you able to control the temperature of the grow chamber between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit? During the vegetative stage, are you able to maintain humidity levels of 70%, and 60% during the blooming stage?
CO2 Generators
Carbon dioxide generators, which resemble patio heaters in appearance, generate CO2 by burning natural gas or propane, and they are becoming increasingly popular. Consequently, the exhaust fumes produced are virtually exclusively composed of water vapor and carbon dioxide, as opposed to other gases. In the case of a generator with a single burner, the CO2 produced should be sufficient for an 800 cubic foot grow room. It is possible to program CO2 generators to automatically turn on or off when carbon dioxide levels reach a pre-determined level.
When you burn these gases, though, you generate a lot of heat, which is difficult to control in a tiny grow room.
Consider the following scenario: your grow room is 10 x 10 x 10 ft.
If you are already having difficulty controlling the temperature and humidity in your home, the generator might exacerbate the situation.
Compressed CO2
Hydroponics stores, as well as home brewing and compressed gas supply stores, should have compressed CO2 tanks available for purchase. Manufacturers create gas, which is collected and compressed into tanks before being released into the environment. This allows you to inject a regulated amount of CO2 into a space without the need to acquire a CO2 generation system. Furthermore, because you are not emitting heat when you release the gas, there are no issues about temperature or humidity. A pressurized CO2 tank is ideal for use in a small grow room setting.
Connect the doser to the tank and turn on the tank’s valve to start the process.
Remember that photosynthesis can only take place while the lights are turned on, therefore set the timer to turn out the lights at night.
Set a timer to begin administering CO2 approximately 60 minutes after the lights are turned on. Then, configure the last dose to be administered 60 minutes before the lights are turned out. You will be able to give your grow room with sufficient CO2 in an inexpensive manner in this manner.
Other Methods of Adding CO2 to Your Grow Room
The use of natural processes to generate carbon dioxide is part of this strategy. Despite the fact that it is a low-cost and relatively simple approach, it frequently results in a bad stench throughout the fermentation phase. Furthermore, it will only have a little impact on CO2 levels.
Compost
The composting process emits a minimal quantity of carbon dioxide, but it is unpleasant and unhygienic to be involved in. When you use handmade compost, it might be difficult to determine whether or not you are adding enough CO2. Additionally, there are a variety of pre-made compost systems available, but they are prohibitively expensive. A generator is an investment that should be planned for if money is going to be spent.
CO2 Bags
These bags generate CO2 with the use of fungus that grow on organic stuff. It is, however, difficult to grow the fungus appropriately, despite the fact that the producers promise that you do not need to do anything. Additionally, in order to dramatically boost the ppm in a tiny grow space, you must use at least four CO2 bags.
Dry Ice
Dry ice is composed out of solid and cold carbon dioxide and is used in refrigeration. When it begins to warm up, it begins to release the gas into the atmosphere. Despite the fact that it is a very successful short-term therapy, it is not recommended for long-term usage due to the high cost. Every day, ice must be manually added, and it is difficult to maintain a consistent level of CO2 in the air. Finally, because it must be used immediately, you will have to return to the store on a regular basis to purchase it.
How to Use CO2 in Your Marijuana Garden
Solid and cold carbon dioxide is used to make dry ice, which is used in refrigeration. It releases the gas into the atmosphere as soon as it reaches operating temperature. Even though it is a highly successful short-term treatment, it is not recommended for long-term usage because to the high expense associated with it. Every day, ice must be manually added, and it is difficult to maintain a consistent level of CO2 in the atmosphere. In addition, because it needs to be used right away, you must keep returning to the store to get more.
Final Quick Tips on Increasing CO2 Levels in Your Marijuana Garden
- Consider employing air-cooled lights with glass inserts instead of incandescent lights. It is estimated that around 50% of the heat is removed from the lights before they are allowed to enter the room. Additionally, by employing sealed glass, you may limit CO2 loss to virtually zero levels. Please make certain that the relative humidity level is between 40 and 60 percent throughout your visit. It is possible that the stomata of the plant will close if the level falls too low. Dehumidifiers and recirculating air conditioners should be purchased. It is wasteful to utilize exhaust fans that cycle on a regular basis since it wastes CO2. Fans with oscillation are a wise investment since they increase air circulation. A vapor barrier can form on the bottom surface of leaves due to stagnant air, which hinders carbon dioxide absorption by the leaves. Humic and fulvic acid additions should be used since they help to increase the absorption of iron and other nutrients. In high CO2 environments, iron works as a catalyst for the formation of chlorophyll, hence accelerating the process of photosynthesis. Increase the ratio of ammonium to nitrate in your fertilizer to see if you can improve results. When CO2 levels are high, plants do not absorb as much nitrate-nitrogen, but they do so more effectively when nitrogen is in the form of ammonium.
CO2 Ventilation for the Growing Season ⋆ HTG Supply
Dr. E.R. Myers, a plant scientist, has published a series of articles for HTGSupply in which this article is included. A multi-part series on plant development and liming variables is being presented here, the sixth installment (view other articles in this series). Carbon and ventilation will be discussed this month, and temperature and water will be discussed next month to bring the sequence of limiting variables to a close. As you are aware, the most essential item to consider when evaluating plant development is knowing the variables that restrict growth.
- To develop more effectively, identify your growth limiting issue, which can enhance growth, sometimes drastically, without the need to make any adjustments or do any other actions.
- 1.
- Increasing the amount of CO in the air Other effects of airflow on plants are discussed in detail in Chapter 23.
- Carbon dioxide augmentation in the indoor environment How much CO2 to put to your grow room is question number five.
- As you may have learned from earlier articles, carbon dioxide (CO2) is required for plants to carry out photosynthesis.
- It is a passive process, which means that the plants can only absorb the CO2 that is present in their immediate surroundings.
- Stomata open and close in reaction to the physiology of the plant as well as to environmental conditions.
Indoor growers should be aware that dust and other particulate matter might block stomata, causing them to close.
Use just enough mist to cause the water to condense on the leaves and flow off.
This should be carried out throughout the vegetative development stage.
Powdery mildew and other fungal diseases can occur as a result of high humidity and misting plants.
I am confident that you are aware that water and electricity do not mix.
LIGHT BULB (e.g., MH Metal Halide or HPS High Pressure Sodium bulbs), since this might cause the bulb to crack or break.
The purpose of these protuberances is to trap air around the plant and produce a microclimate.
In the natural environment, wind is responsible for replenishing this microenvironment on a regular basis.
If the air around the plant is not flowing, the pace of development will be slowed when there is a lack of CO2.
CO2 production is aided by increased airflow.
When adding light airflow to a grow area, CO2 intake will rise, and it is possible that H2O output will increase as well.
Even with a fan, experienced growers are aware that CO2 may be a limiting factor in their operations.
I’ve worked in greenhouses all of my life, and every one of them had some form of ventilation or air exchange with the outdoors.
Because ventilation may provide new CO2, it appears to be a smart idea, and it may well be so.
(Keep an eye out for future posts on pests.) If you are venting to the outdoors, you should always screen the air intake and exhaust to prevent contamination.
This protects the plants from the heat generated by my HID bulb, promotes CO2 production through increased ventilation, and also helps to keep mold spore levels down.
When it comes to airflow, like with any element, it is important to remember that too much of a good thing is not a good thing.
Your plants should quiver in the breeze rather than being blown over.
Increase CO2 and O2 exchange by using a fan to create a mild wind.
The excessive air flow has caused “wind burn” on the leaves of some plants that have been placed too close to circulation fans.
Other effects of airflow on plants can be seen.
The wind generates microscopic rips in the stem, which are then mended, resulting in a stronger stem.
The absence of most environmental pressures is beneficial to indoor plants, however the absence of needing to deal with wind stress leads in weak stems.
Mechanical stress may be applied to plants in a variety of ways, including shaking them or using a fan to gently blow on them.
In the natural, having shorter and thicker stems makes the plants more robust, allowing them to better withstand wind damage.
I always use a modest circulation fan on early seedlings to help them grow strong stems and grow faster.
Carbon dioxide replenishment in the indoor environment CO2 is frequently a limiting factor before nutrition.
(See CO2 Systems for further information.) If you need to ventilate your grow room, only do it after your CO2 system is turned off, and be sure to let the plants to soak up the CO2 for a few minutes afterward.
(For further information, see Environmental Controls.) It may be possible to utilize a carbon filter to keep fungus spores and bacteria at bay in bigger spaces, and you may not even need to air the area, resulting in a self-contained high CO2 chamber.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, normal atmospheric CO2 levels (in the air) range between 300 and 500 parts per million, depending on where you live (urban or rural), with an average of 387 parts per million.
In other words, plants that receive plenty of light and water will develop more quickly when CO2 levels in the atmosphere rise.
To achieve these levels of PPM in your growing area, you should add additional CO2 to the growing area; maintaining these levels is simple with a Digital Controller.
Leaving CO2 at the soil level may cause it to flow out of your room, making it unavailable to your plants.
Using a tank and many irrigation hoses, you may have one hose positioned directly above each individual plant for irrigation.
If you only have one hose, you can string it above the plants and poke small holes in the tubing to allow the CO2 to seep out over the entire plant.
An simpler, but LESS EFFICIENT, option is to place a single hose behind a fan and distribute the CO2 throughout the region over which the fan blows, although this is less efficient.
The greater the rate at which CO2 departs the growing region, the less efficient the system will be.
I appreciate the urge to use organic or recycled CO2, and honestly, any increase in CO2 should result in an increase in the pace at which your plants grow in your environment.
If heat is not an issue in your grow area, you might even utilize a gas or kerosene space heater to keep things warm.
The burning of fossil fuels results in the emission of CO2 and water vapor as a result of the combustion process.
View the CO2 Regulator and Tank Combo in action.
A good heater should not generate any residue or carbon monoxide (CO), which is a poisonous gas that should be avoided at all costs.
If you use a fossil fuel heater to add CO2, you should be sure to ventilate the room before entering it for your own safety.
Even though I haven’t tried items like CO2 boost (which is just sugar and yeast combined to make CO2), I assume they will add CO2 to the mix, however I’m not sure how long the CO2 will last once it’s been formed.
You should utilize a CO2 tank with a CO2 regulator and release the appropriate quantity of CO2 into your room at the appropriate time, in my opinion.
How much CO2 should you put in your grow room?
If you raise the amount of CO2 in your room’s environment to 0.2 percent of the total atmosphere, the result is 2000 parts per million (ppm).
Determine the size of your room in order to accomplish this (length x width x height).
Example: If your room is 5 feet by 5 feet and has a height of 8 feet, the volume of the room is 175 cubic feet (5x5x8=175), and 175 x 0.002 = 0.35 You must discharge 0.35 cubic feet of CO2 into the room in order to be successful.
If the flow rate is 10 cubic feet per hour, divide 0.35 by 10 to get 0.035 hours, or (0.035x60min/hour) 2.1 minutes per hour if the flow rate is 60 minutes per hour (two minutes) That is a small amount of CO2 to emit in exchange for a possible doubling of yield.
As you are well aware, providing your plants with excessive CO2 will not result in increased growth.
Carbon dioxide is not toxic to plants, so if you are unable to be exact, err on the side of caution and overestimate the amount.
Higher levels of exposure can result in unconsciousness or death within minutes of being exposed to them.
High levels of CO2 for humans are greater than 2 percent, whereas what I am describing for your plants, a significant increase in yields with CO2 at 0.2 percent, is not even close to that level of concentration.
SmartBee Controllers are a great way to regulate CO2 levels in the grow room environment.
So go ahead and get that CO2 tank and regulator or CO2 generator, and then shoot me an email at: [email protected] with your questions.
It’s always interesting to hear about your adventures. Thank you for your efforts in growing. Dr. E.R. Myers is a physician who practices in the United States.
[How-to] Increase Cannabis Yields by Adding CO2 to Your Grow Room
Have you ever experimented with increasing the amount of CO2 in your grow room in order to enhance your yields? If this is the case, and you’re wondering why you would want to add more CO2 to your grow room, read on. Alternatively, how can you increase the amount of CO2 in your growing space? You have arrived to the correct location! We will explore why plants require CO2 and how we might introduce additional CO2 into a grow tent or a grow area while considering the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Why Do Plants Need Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
When growing in a greenhouse, have you ever experimented with increasing the amount of CO2 in the air to boost yields? If this is the case, and you’re wondering why you would want to add more CO2 to your grow room, consider the following information. In other words, how can you increase the amount of CO2 in your growing environment? Yes, you’ve arrived to the correct location. While considering the advantages and negatives, we will explore why plants require CO2 and how we may introduce additional CO2 into a grow tent or a grow area while keeping the benefits in mind.
How to Produce A Surplus Of CO2 For A Grow Tent
There are several ways to generate excess CO2, but there are only two strategies that provide a high degree of ease and efficiency at a reasonable cost. CO2 tanks and CO2 generators are examples of these approaches. In terms of increasing CO2 levels, these are the most effective and recommended strategies. Before you begin pumping CO2 into your grow room, you must ensure that the space is entirely sealed to ensure that outside air does not enter and alter the CO2 concentration. It is pointless to spend time and money on CO2 boosters if the air is able to escape from your grow room since it will just escape out of your grow room.
Set up cool tubes or hooded reflectors in your grow room to separate the air from the CO2 to guarantee that you don’t mistakenly vent it out accidently.
We don’t have to worry about our LEDs becoming too hot because the device has built-in fans.
In a cool tube, grow light may be produced.
Using A CO2 Tank
This method of creating excess CO2 entails filling tanks with CO2 that has already been saturated. The use of CO2 tanks in carbon dioxide augmentation is a straightforward and cost-effective solution that is a favored first step. In order to be more convenient, the compressed CO2 or CO2 tanks should be situated outside of the grow room and connected to the growth tent by a pump that feeds into the growing area. There must be a safe distance between the pump and the plant. Due to the fact that CO2 is somewhat thicker than oxygen, it will sink to the bottom of your grow chamber.
- Fun fact: The stomata on the surface of plant leaves are responsible for CO2 absorption.
- Essentially, plants contain thousands of microscopic apertures (stomata) that serve as a substitute for their own lungs.
- Despite the fact that the advantages of a CO2 tank exceed the negatives, they do have some drawbacks.
- It’s also crucial to remember that the CO2 created in the atmosphere may be toxic to humans and animals, and that it should not be inhaled in large quantities since it can cause respiratory and health problems.
To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to turn off your CO2 tank before becoming involved in other activities in the grow room, and to keep an eye on the PPM.
Using CO2 Generators
It is possible to create sufficient CO2 for indoor cultivation with a CO2 generator, which runs on liquid propane or natural gas and is the second most effective alternative. It is possible that the CO2 generator will be pricey. When employing a CO2 generator in a tiny indoor growing facility, it is critical to keep an eye on the temperature since, in compared to a larger indoor growing facility, the temperature increases moisture rapidly. Advice from the experts: To save money on CO2 generator costs, switch it off approximately an hour before the grow lights in your grow room are turned off.
- You might also construct your own CO2 booster.
- The difficulty with this technology is that, despite the fact that it is relatively inexpensive, it produces only little amounts of CO2 and produces poor outcomes.
- Co2+ is a yield booster that will improve the size of your harvest by up to 50%.
- This leads in bigger plants and higher harvests.
Pros and Cons of Using CO2 Enhancers
Using a CO2 generator, which runs on liquid propane or natural gas, is the second most effective method of producing enough CO2 for indoor cultivation. It is possible that the CO2 generator will cost a lot. When employing a CO2 generator in a tiny indoor growing facility, it is critical to keep an eye on the temperature since, in comparison to a larger indoor growing facility, the temperature rises moisture more quickly. Advice from the pros: To save money on CO2 generator costs, switch it off approximately an hour before the grow lights in your grow room are turned off.
- An inexpensive CO2 booster might be constructed.
- We also have a new product called Co2+, which is a good alternative.
- It’s completely natural, and it works by increasing the levels of CO2 in your grow area through a process known as fermentation.
- In a Grobo or grow tent, Co2+ may be installed to gradually release CO2 for your plants to benefit from.
Cons
A CO2 generator, which runs on liquid propane or natural gas, is the second most effective method of producing sufficient CO2 for indoor cultivation. It is possible that the CO2 generator will be costly. When employing a CO2 generator in a tiny indoor growing facility, it is critical to keep an eye on the temperature since it increases moisture more quickly than in a larger indoor growing facility. Pro tip: To save money on electricity, switch off your CO2 generator approximately an hour before the grow lights in your grow room are turned off.
You may also build your own CO2 booster.
The difficulty with this technology is that, despite the fact that it is incredibly economical, it produces only little amounts of CO2 and produces subpar outcomes.
Co2+ is a yield booster that will raise the size of your harvest by up to 20%.
It’s entirely natural, and it works by increasing the levels of CO2 in your grow area through a process known as fermentation. This results in bigger plants and higher harvests. Co2+ may be placed inside a Grobo or grow tent and steadily releases CO2 for your plants to benefit from.
Conclusion
A CO2 generator is the second most successful method of producing sufficient CO2 for indoor cultivation, and it runs by burning liquid propane or natural gas. The CO2 generator may be somewhat pricey. When employing a CO2 generator in a tiny indoor growing facility, it is critical to keep an eye on the temperature since, in compared to a large indoor growing facility, the temperature raises moisture rapidly. Pro tip: To save money on electricity, switch off your CO2 generator approximately an hour before the grow lights in your grow room turn off.
- You may even build your own CO2 booster.
- The difficulty with this technology is that, despite the fact that it is quite economical, it produces only little amounts of CO2 and produces poor outcomes.
- Co2+ is a yield enhancer that is meant to improve the size of your crop.
- This leads in bigger plants and greater harvests.
Do you have any other questions on how to maximize your yields? Write us below.
One of the most advantageous aspects of indoor cannabis farming is the degree of control you have over the atmosphere. For critical components that plants rely on for development — such as light and CO2 for photosynthesis — this is particularly true. However, while tent growing is incredibly handy due to the simplicity with which it can be set up, the technique provides less versatility in terms of equipment selection than standard growrooms. In general, growrooms can contain more equipment options than tents since they are constructed with solid walls and are capable of being raised up to any desired size.
The use of CO 2enrichment in grow tents is becoming increasingly popular among farmers as a technique of increasing optimal CO 2 levels in the environment.
What is the Benefit of CO 2?
When it comes to proper photosynthesis in cannabis plants, carbon dioxide is a vital component. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, “photosynthesis is a chemical process in which carbon dioxide and water are converted into sugars in green plants by the action of light energy.” “Through respiration, these sugars are subsequently utilised to fuel the development of the plant inside.” For this reason, maintaining the appropriate amounts of CO 2 in your growroom might be important for producing significant harvests.
Studies have also shown that maintaining CO 2 levels near 1,000 parts per million (ppm) in your growroom can increase photosynthetic rates by as much as 50% compared to gardens that do not have CO 2 enrichment.
Challenges of Using CO 2in a Grow Tent
As has been seen with other types of grow tent equipment, the difficulties associated with utilizing CO2 in these setups are mostly connected to space limits and the fact that they are constructed with fabric walls. Because of this, growers will have a tough time placing CO2 systems within tents when other vital equipment such as grow lights, carbon filters, and inline fans are taken into consideration. Because grow tents are composed of cloth and have zipper doors, there is fear that carbon dioxide (CO 2) may escape before it has a chance to photosynthesise in the tents.
They are able to manage CO 2 levels with remarkable precision since they do not need exhaust systems or intake fans.
CO 2Burners
The combustion of a combustible fuel such as propane allows carbon dioxide to be released into a garden using carbon dioxide burners. When the propane combusts, it releases carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, resulting in the formation of CO2. CO 2burners are popular among growers largely because propane is more readily available than CO 2tanks. Importantly, CO 2burners are equipped with atmospheric sensors that provide relay signals to exhaust fans, allowing them to operate more efficiently. As soon as the temperature and humidity in a growroom reach a specified level, the exhaust fan is turned off and the burner is turned on.
CO 2Burners and Tent Growing
Despite the fact that CO 2burners are reasonably simple to use, they are not advised for tent farming. This is mostly due to the fact that these systems operate with an open flame and generate a great volume of heat. Furthermore, the heat generated by CO 2burners will raise the temperature of the interior of the grow tent above the permitted range for cannabis production, creating a potential fire danger.
CO 2Tank and Regulator Systems
A popular source of CO 2 for tank and regulator systems is from tanks that are often used for carbonated beverages. When one of these tanks is used in conjunction with a regulator connected to a CO 2meter, the system automatically enriches your growroom when specified thresholds are reached. These thresholds can include temperature, humidity, and part per million (PPM) amounts of CO2 in the air, depending on your exhaust or HVAC system. CO 2tank and regulator systems are popular among cannabis farmers since they do not need the use of an open flame.
The presence of zippers, portholes, gaps, and minute holes in the fabric walls does not imply that CO 2 is not escaping through these areas.
CO 2Tanks and Tent Growing
Despite the fact that they are safe and logistically possible, CO 2tank and regulator systems might take up important growing space in your grow tent.
As a result, due to the limited square footage of tents, these technologies may not be feasible in all configurations. Take a look at these other resources:
- Despite the fact that they are safe and logistically practical, CO2 tanks and regulator systems might take up important growing space in your grow tent. Therefore, due to the limited square footage available in tent setups, these methods may not be feasible in every situation. You may also want to check out these resources:
CO 2Bags
In the world of indoor gardening, carbon dioxide bags are a relatively new product that has recently entered the market. Manufacturers have created mycelium that emits CO2 as it develops in order to use in these items. This mycelium (the subterranean root-like material produced by mushrooms) may be placed inside a bag and used to enrich CO2 in an organic and cost-effective manner. CO 2bags are an attractive choice for amateur gardeners with modest operations who want to experiment with CO2. Not only are they exceedingly tiny, but they also do not necessitate the acquisition of new equipment, unlike more traditional ways of CO 2enrichment, which do.
CO 2Bags and Tent Growing
If the scale and breadth of your operation allow it, CO 2bags might be a fantastic solution for tent growing operations. They take up very little room, are completely safe to use, and produce no heat at all. Please keep in mind that CO 2bags cannot be used in conjunction with CO 2meters or exhaust relay switches. As a result, they require manual labor to be required for CO2 enrichment in tents, which is expensive. It should be no problem, but, if you have a little home cannabis plant, to physically switch off the exhaust and manually inject CO 2 to your tent using a bag should not be an issue.
Summary: Is it a Good Idea to Use CO 2in My Grow Tent?
While tent cultivation has expanded in popularity over the last several years, we are still learning about the many thresholds that apply to this new sort of growth technique. Growers will continue to push the boundaries of what is feasible in grow tents as their knowledge and experience grows. While it is undeniable that CO 2 enrichment may dramatically increase the yield of cannabis, many people are still debating whether or not utilizing CO 2 in grow tents is a wise investment. If you’re thinking about utilizing CO 2 enrichment in a tent, it’s a good idea to invest in one of the higher-quality types available today.
For example, AC Infinity Cloudlab Grow Tents are constructed of the thickest 2000D oxford fabric with an interior light proofing layer and steel poles with a 150 lb.
These tents will guarantee that your equipment is protected while also keeping CO2 levels under control.
CO 2bags are the most suitable solution for grow tents due to safety issues with tank and regulator systems.
AC Infinity is the most recognized name in air delivery systems, having designed and developed the most cutting-edge breakthroughs in cooling and ventilation technology throughout the years.
They provide a range of inline fans that are both silent and efficient, and which automate the growth process and track crucial data. For additional information, please see www.acinfinity.com or contact us.
