Co2 via 1lb propane tank.

[TreehouseJ]

So, after spending 2k on burners and controllers and tanks and regulators, I'm kind of afraid and embarrassed to confess that I have been experimenting this past week supplementing my sealed 5x6x8 1200w flower room with co2 via a 1lb propane pencil torch in a steel cage under a 3 gallon covered pot of water, used (of course) in conjunction with a propane detector. The water retains the heat so well that my room temps have only gone up a couple degrees, and despite having a 50 pint dehu, 2x600w cooltubed hps', and a propane torch running, I have been able to keep room temps ~80 with just 3 frozen gallon water jugs and my water temps between 65-75 keeping my buckets submerged in gorilla tubs filled with the cubes my ice machine accumulates everyday. The propane tank doesn't get any warmer than the room does, says my IR thermometer, otherwise I would attach a hose. My co2 stays steady between 11-1200 12 hours of the day. 1x $2.50 tank lasts me a week. I got a propane refil adapter, but for the time, effort, and risk required, I only save 5-6 bucks for every hour of work I put in refilling small tanks. My torch burns a cleaner blue than my generator. I ordered a CO detector to verify this. Am I a dangerous idiot or.. is this viable providing I am here to babysit?

 

[TreehouseJ]

I can't help but feel like I am missing something..

 

[OG Tree Grower]

I do not advise this

But many many Years ago before I had access commercial foggers and proper co2 controls we had a lobster cooker filled with water being boiled during lights on for about 2 years straight, it was kept in the control "lung" room with nothing around it to get warm. Kept rh at 60-70 and co2 at 16-1800 ppm. Took a few record crops outta that setup.

Moral of the story , it might work great but if it seems stupid it probably is.

 

[corky1968]

This will get expensive in the long run.

Maybe start with beer brewing. This way you get carbon dioxide and get beer at the same time.

 

[TreehouseJ]

The way everything is set up and functioning, it looks more "too good too be true" than stupid. I just wanted to make sure there isn't something obvious I was missing, since there always seems to be at the end of the day, and if I'm going to be playing with gas I'd at least like to consult you guys first.. I would also not advise anybody do this. I can't imagine people taking the proper precautions. It seems to be working just fine in my little space since I don't have to go much higher than a pilot light to stay around 1200 ppm.

 

[TreehouseJ]

Propane comes out cheaper than bottled co2. At 2.50 a lb (walmart) I'm not paying very much more than I would with the big BBQ tank refills.

 

[OG Tree Grower]

Yes way cheaper. If you feel your bases are covered safety wise and there is no way you can burn anything with that open flame then maybe stupid wasn't the best choice of words. But looking back at what I did I don't think it was smart. I did take many precautions that obviously worked for two years straight but I still wouldnt do it again that's all I was trying to say

 

[TreehouseJ]

Yes way cheaper. If you feel your bases are covered safety wise and there is no way you can burn anything with that open flame then maybe stupid wasn't the best choice of words. But looking back at what I did I don't think it was smart. I did take many precautions that obviously worked for two years straight but I still wouldnt do it again that's all I was trying to say

I think your choice of words was perfect, your post is most helpful. I should have explained that I felt I had everything covered safety wise, as far as obvious stuff goes (no chance of precipitation hitting the flame, no chance of anything getting knocked over or spilled on, doubled up propane detectors, etc). My question was oddly worded. Its hard to ask "as far as obvious goes, are there any bases I'm not covering?". I was mainly concerned with whether or not the combustion differentiated much between my generators tips and my torch tip and whether or not there was a better apparatus I could use to boil my water, you nailed both of my main questions in the dark.

 

[corky1968]

Just know that carbon dioxide generated by burning propane will create water vapor (humidity)
and use up oxygen in the process. If not enough oxygen is present carbon monoxide will result.
This is why they always say to make sure you have ventilation.

Note: A 1 pound tank of propane will not make 1 pound of carbon dioxide.

C3H8 = propane gas
O2 = oxygen
CO2 = carbon dioxide
H2O= water

C3H8 + O2 --> 3CO2 + 4H2O

As for bottle carbon dioxide gas. You won't have the any humidity produced
and 100% of the gas released is carbon dioxide.

 

[OG Tree Grower]

Good thing plants like humidity, co2 and shit out oxygen.

 

[RamCTD1027]

Also be aware that ethylene gas is a by-product of an incomplete combustion of propane. Ethylene is poisonous and will destroy your crop.

 

[corky1968]

Also be aware that ethylene gas is a by-product of an incomplete combustion of propane. Ethylene is poisonous and will destroy your crop.

Ethylene is actually the gas that is used to artificially turn tomatoes red.

http://www.drgourmet.com/askdrgourmet/ethylenegas.shtml

I prefer my tomatoes naturally ripened thank you very much.

 

[RamCTD1027]

Yes, ethylene gas has a tremendous impact on the agricultural industry, especially post-harvest, used in low concentrations. As concentrations rise, ethylene gas (C2H4) can lead to wilting, browning and yellowing, and premature ripening.

I'll stick to my bottled CO2 until my room is so large that it isn't practical to run bottles anymore.

 

[stoned-trout]

I have a refill adaptor too ..only takes a minute per tank ...after putting small tank in freezer for a bit....do whatever works for you...I used a coleman mity mite lantern on a tank once for co2...yeehaw

 

[corky1968]

Propane, Propane

Propane, Propane

Mr. Leahy sings Propane, Propane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldoT2mHubGE