Are CO2 generators worthwhile?
 

Hey All,
Anyone using a CO2 generator?
Is there real benefits for orchid growers?
I have a small greenhouse (500 square foot) and have been pondering if it will increase growth enough for it to be worth while.
I already have propane tanks for the heater, so it would be just the cost of the generator and controller.
Any thoughts?
Articles to read?
Recommendations?
Thanks,
AHAb

Based upon Bob's comments in the s/h forum thread, and some others that I have read, I've been thinking of trying it myself. I am going to buy a controlled that's a lot less sophisticated than his (~$125 or so), that uses CO2 bottles, and if it looks like it does anything of value, I'll start carrying them for resale.

Ray,
How big of a tank do you think it would call for?
Usage rates?
I like the idea of using bottled co2 - no heat build up!
thanks,
AHAB

So I know that plants love CO2, but what are the beneficial effects of extra CO2 for orchids? Im surprised that a CO2 generating device is even legal nowadays. Especially because of everyone running around saying the sky is falling because of "global warming."

Using a "thumb in the wind" approximation, your car generates about 50 gallons of pure CO2 gas for every gallon of gas you put in your car. So average tank of gas is about 1000 gallons of CO2.

You would always have wayyyy less than a percent CO2 in your GH, or for a 20x10x10 greenhouse would be something on the order of 25-50 gallons of CO2.

So we're not talking about the same ballpark.

Here's a calculator for determining the flow rate:

Hydrofarm - Co2 Flow Rate Calculator

My system
 

This is my system (see Attached)the bottle lasts 2 months or more I inject to 1500 ppm from 8:30 Am to abt 10:00 am If I don't vent IE winter at three this afternoon I was still at 1280 ppm.

Here is now The Picture Of My System I Attachment 22757think