CAP PPM-3 CO2 Controller/monitor readings and questions?

[cabanetforester]

Hey folks,

I am planning on using CO2 for my next run. The enviroment is pretty well dialed for 2 grows now so I think I'm ready.

I bought the CAP PPM-3 Monitor/controller and have been taking readings.

I do not have any CO2 yet, these are just readings as is, inside and out.

Inside flower closet : 1170 PPM

Inside house : 1400 PPM

Outside : 530 PPM

I read the optimum CO2 level is about 1500 PPM.

If the ambient closet air is already 1200 PPM. Am I only going to increase the PPM by 300 for a total of 1500 PPM?

This seems like a waste of money for only 300 PPM increase?

Does the extra 300 PPM really make that much difference?

I'm a bit confused here..again Anyone care to enlighten me on the details here? Much thanks, CF

 

[irie-i]

consider that when there are plants in your cab they'll be using some of that CO2.

 

[cabanetforester]

Hey irie-i

Hey irie-i

I thought they would use more. I have 4 large plants flushing in there right now.

Maybe at this stage they don't take in as much CO2?

I have a window ac that can pull fresh air from outside, but the CO2 outside is only 530 PPM?

I will keep doing what I have read here at IC and hope for the best. These CO2 readings weren't what I was expecting.

So far so good with my first 3 successful grows my rookie year. Thanks IC members!!

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to irie-i again." LOL

 

[cabanetforester]

Guess I should have waited..

Guess I should have waited..

It's down to 900PPM in the flower closet after 1 hour.

After I stood there for 5 min it was up to 1300..

I can definately see why you want CO2 for a sealed room.

I also was unaware that the CO2 in my garden is usually over 1000 PPM just by having the fresh air intake on my ac open. This still seems strange.

Any PPM-3 users care to share their readings w/without CO2 on?

 

[Guest]

Are you taking your readings right off the controller?You should try using the syringe/plunger co2 tests they cost about 20 bucks and 5 dollars a refill.

 

[irie-i]

my sealed room sits over 900 with nothing in it. the pilot light of my cd-6 makes it 1800 or more when the lights are off and the plants are sleeping. my room is 12x16 though.
i like skeletors idea, you can be sure then that your cap 3 is reading correctly

 

[cabanetforester]

Thanks again..

Thanks again..

Thanks SKELETOR, I will be double checking the PPM-3 with one of those kits before the girls go in.

And thank you irie-i for the comparison info. Helps a lot for a newbie like myself. The average CO2 PPM numbers are probably posted around here somewhere, but you saved me a lot of searching, which I still do on a regular basis anyway.. so much to learn..