Co2 system

[SnowRider]

I have the fortune to work at a company that has dry ice all the time. Question is; can I use this to put CO2 into my fish tank? Instead of doing all that yeast Type co2 system?
I also have a spiral of metal in coil that I can use to heat up the gas before it enters the tank or at least bring it up to room temp.
Suggestions appreciated.

 

[Fresh2o]

I've not heard of the use of dry ice for a CO2 supply for a planted tank. You would have to run some tests to see how large of a chuck of dry ice produces CO2 for x number of hours and how much CO2 is released (bubble counter, drop checker).
IMO I don't think you would need to heat it up.


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[SnowRider]

Well I have an endless supply of it so I just was curious if I could use it.
Considering one little block lasts about three days I think it might be good to use. Going to have to get my hands on a bubble counter and a good diffuser before I even go ahead with my plans

 

[Fresh2o]

At one place I worked there were finger size piece of dry ice. What I would do is setup a 2L bottle with tubing, bubble counter, check valves just like a DIY CO2 setup. Drop in a small, measurable chunk of dry ice and let it sublime.
The drop checker would be must for the safety of the tank inhabitants.
Keep us posted on how this works out.


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[jrc0528]

The 2L bottle idea sounds good... you could even use a smaller bottle such as a 20oz. I'd suggest finding a way to insulate it well so as to slow the sublimation process to a usable rate.

However you do it, make sure you include a pressure release valve on the bottle for your own safety! Dry ice in plastic bottles is only a minor mishap away from a teenager's dry ice bottle bomb!

If it works I'd look into buying a small cheap pressure cooker. Fill the inside with styrofoam and make a small well in the center to hold the dry ice. The insulation will slow down the evaporation process, if faster is needed add another chunk of the dry ice. Drill a hole in the lid or side for connecting an airline hose leading to your control valve and bubble counter. The pressure relief on the pressure cooker will maintain a fairly constant pressure for you as long as you have enough sublimation to produce a slightly excess amount of CO2.