Is it advisable to use CO2 with TLO

[Dirt Weed]

Has anyone tried used CO2 with TLO? I just read the Revs book and he doesn't recommend it but doesn't go into the reasons why, is it because he grows in small pots or with the increased nutrient uptake be to much for the soil? Or can it be something totally different.

I would like to know because my cabinet has CO2 injection and I would like to use it if possible/recommended.

Thanks in advance

Dirt

 

[pop22]

He doesn't advise it because generally, for small grows its not cost effective. On top of the CO2, and related hardware, you need temps of 85-90F. Then with more CO2 and High temps, the plants use a lot more water, raising the humidity so then you need a dehumidifier. then its a balancing act. More work than its worth. And if your considering one of those CO2 bags that grow mushrooms, they're great if you like mushrooms... but there is no reliable proof that they do anything, which when you realize what it takes to make increased CO2 work, you can see why they don't. On top of all that, you need to run a sealed room.

 

[officinalis]

Also keep in mind that the microbes are giving off CO2 as they cycle nutrients in the soil and that the organic matter itself is releasing CO2 as it breaks down.

 

[Muddy]

I agree that it's not well suited for small grows. I don't run it in my two small spaces, but do in my hydro room. But that's a closed environment with it's own heat pump, humidification and dehumidification. In small spaces, even with low heat light sources, venting is usually still needed. Soon as you vent, all your CO2 is gone.

 

[Dirt Weed]

Pops, officinalis and Muddy

Thanks for the explanation

 

[Anthropolis]

Not for nothing, but sometimes, like a couple times a month, at night time when it's cool out, I'll turn off the extraction fan and do a CO2 bomb in the tent. That's basically just some vinegar and baking soda in a big cup. In the morning I'll clean up and turn the fan back on. It does seem to cause a little growth spurt for a couple days. But the problem of course is that plants use very little (perhaps none according to some) CO2 at night and temps have to be cool enough to shut off the extraction. Probably not worth the trouble but it's just a small option This is one of those possibly useless tricks from one of the old grow bibles, where he puts a garbage bag over a plant at night and puts a CO2 bomb under it till morning lol. Maybe just a placebo effect lol. Just a thought

 

[Eyes on Fire]

Inmy dealings there are two or three times you should enrich your Plants assuming you have more than 2 or three.I run typically no less than 6 at a time or even 10 or so.But its best to use it as an enrichment with the sleep stage prior to waking and during waking is best.then vent it out like Muddy explained.But CO2 Bombs for a few hour enrichment is best unless you have a system set for blowing across you plants as I sorta do,three times.But you need atleast 80 degrees to keep thje water and chemical changes occuring on an even level.I find to enclose with small air vent on top(heat rises) and pump ind unit inside a small cooler and that will keep most the heat contained and not run too hot and be very effective for a 2 or 3 time enrichment phase.Dry Ice is best in my dealings.Bucket,dry ice a cpl fans and an hour before waking and during lights on for an hour with minimal fans running.Is it advised imho?yes.but needed?no.It'll help with early tric production assuming your using a proper blened TLO recipe and kelps inthe soil as well as other things.they all play a role in avoiding and dealing with stresses.

But small grows are not needed as much,but just a single gallon jug beyind a fan or Co2 Bag or whatever blowing supplimental CO2 is good imo.but again not needed,just imo its encouraged if your doing more than 1 plant in a controlled or uncontrolled environment.Plant can only utilize upto(no more than)1,500 PPM but in all honesty they dont even use that as a rule.its mostly wasted since its an indoor grow and not often perfect.So imo a good rule to try and hit is right about 600-1000 PPM of CO2 as an enrichment or constant.Enrichment is literally slammin them with CO2 but thats my take on CO2 within TLO.hope that makes sense LOL!"AFN smoke out"

 

[Dirt Weed]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I was asking because I built my own sealed grow cabinet. I haven't figured out how to post pictures here yet but I do have some in my profile if anyone gets curious enough to check it out. I have CO2 injection built into the box so I would like to use it at some point, however the only thing I have grown in it to date is a hydro tomato plant and that taught me that hydro isn't for me. I should probably keep it simple for the first MMJ grow with the new cab and going TLO at the same time but I may not be able to control my urges to play with all the toys. Anyway I'm excited to get started once everything is ready. I still need to set up my scrubber in the shed just in case any odor issues arise and hopefully I can get that going sometime in September...

 

[swampman]

Hows it coming ?

 

[Dirt Weed]

Thanks for asking Swampman, I'm still waiting on my soil but rest assured once it's done then off to the races I go