CO2 Safety and setup

I'm in the process of setting up my grow room and recently purchased a controller that handles CO2. Yay me. I'm also at a point where I'm ready to cut the holes for my passive air intake and had some questions related to safety as I understand that when CO2 levels reach 5000 ppm they can be deadly to humans.

Some background:
My grow room is basically a full-size closet situated in a room of my house. Because of this setup I'm using the air within this common room to provide fresh air to the garden as air from outside the house would be hard to get. I have two vent systems set up. One closed circuit for the light (room air > 265 CFM squirrel cage fan > light > exhaust through roof), then another to vent the grow room ( passive intake > grow room air > 465 CFM squirrel cage fan > exhaust through roof). Sound good?

The meat of the matter:
As I have read, passive air intakes should be positioned towards the bottom of the garden opposite of the exhaust fan. I have an idea of where this is going to be, but I also understand that CO2 is heavier that air and sinks to the floor. I will have fans within the room to mix the CO2 up but, do I need to worry that the CO2 will seep out from my passive air intake between ventilation cycles? causing a build up of CO2 in the common area in my house? While visiting Casa De-Pot I saw a ducting contraption that closes when air is not moving through it, kind of like a coupler with a flap inside it. Would this be sufficient to keep CO2 from escaping? One concern that I have about this device is that it could hinder the CFM output of the 465CFM fan. Is there a better solution for this?


Your input is greatly appreciated as I'd hate to end up dead.

-dodo

Hi there Dodo,

See if I can help you with this CO2 thing.

FIRST, get a carbon monoxide detector from casa de pot (I loved that), they are relatively cheap and worth it even if you don't use CO2, but have anything in your home that burns gas.

Second, the only CO2 delivery system that I would deem dangerous would be a CO2 generator. They burn natural gas or LP with and they are truly capable of filling a structure rapidly with CO2 that can quickly become Carbon Monoxide (at abt 5000ppm), a colorless, orderless gas that is very lethal.

A CO2 tank and emmitter set-up can be had for abt $200, and the typical 20lb. tank probably does not have enough gas to overcome a structure....but why take a chance see FIRST point.

Next up is the CO2 Boost Bucket, people have reported good results with it, it can be controled by a timer but they cost about $120 and refill buckets abt $100. Very safe tho, could not fill a structure, but hey see FIRST point.

Then we have Fizz-Pucks made by Supernatural. These are puck shaped and placed in a bucket with a small amount of water and release CO2 for about 6 hours. Only problem is that it's a manual operation. I happen to use them in my samll basement grow (total area 10'x11', divided into 3 rooms) in the bloom room that is 6'x6'x61/2' and 1/2 a puck last a little over 5hrs and will at peak raise CO2 level to 1000-1200ppm. Oh, and they smell like eucalyptus.

Last we have a true oldtimers set-up, that is the cheapest way to fly, milk bottle (do they make those anymore?) or 1/2 gallon plastic jug. Fill 1/2 way with water and put yeast and sugar in it. I am currently using this method in a partners grow that is "fast, dirty and cheap". Currently on a 4'x8' grow table we have 6 of those 1/2gal containers placed around the table. Cost was less the $2.50 to do all 6, and they last about two weeks. Or take up beer making and keep your carboy in your bloom area!

The inlet damper you saw is what I used for an air intake thru the wall fitting in the "f,d & c". It's 4" round plastic, with a plastic flap and works well. On the out side you can mount a universal filter such as a K&N car air filter that has a 4" opening or use a dryer outlet vent (located right near the inlet/outlet damper at casa depot) and use a smaller filter on the end (I used a Honda small motor air filter abt 6"sq found in the same store)
The inlet damper will not limit your air intake, the air filter will. But with a 465cfm capable fan you should get more then enough flow.

I believe that the tank and emitter set-up is the best deal for most people. I would suggest that with that type of set-up you invest in a second 20lb tank. That way when one goes empty you have a back-up ready to go (they always seem to run out in the middle of a bloom cycle). Also you should consider getting your tanks filled at two different locations, so your usage does not raise suspicions. There's no shame in buying CO2, just tell them you have a home bar set-up, but if your back every month some one will figure you out.

Hope this might help you....or somebody. OH, make sure you read FIRST point.
oldmac

Dodo,

I almost forgot, here is a link to the least expensive meter I have found
for mesuring CO2 in PPMs.

I use the TIM8 in my basement set-up. The PCB one is very interesting.

CO2 Meter - Best-sellers products