CO2 enrichment thread

[Philipm]

Hello everyone
I have just started a controlled co2 enrichment on my phal collection. I would like to share any findings I my have with all of you that are interested. I plan on posting any negative or positive results I have.
So if your interested so kindly post in this thread. If their is enough people interested I will make the effort to post details about setup, culture and negative or positive results.

[AnonYMouse]

Please post at least an outline of your protocol. Otherwise, we don't really know what you're up to.

[Philipm]

I really don't have no set protocol you could say.
What I'm looking for is faster growth, recovery, more blooms etc. My guess would be what anybody would what that grows orchids or plants for that matter.
I'm not a scientist just a hobbyist so I cant tell you the co2 up take or if the stoma is open or closed ect.
I can how ever tell co2 concentration (PPM) day/night,
temperature day/night, relative humidity day/night, light intensity (Fc or lux), photoperiod used, nutrients and supplements used. And I think the best info would be photos of growth and go from their.

[Paul Mc]

I'm not a scientist, but I do wonder if you have more than one you are testing and documenting and if you have another group for comparison in the exact same conditions which you aren't applying the regimen to. Observing a single success/failure without comparison in a group unfortunately doesn't yield accurate results. Based solely upon my perspective from a statistical standpoint, without further testing and observation of other groupings (given your treatment and not given it, among perhaps other factors) it is a singular instance and may not be indicative of reliable results.

Please do not think I am negating your experiment! Quite the contrary! I applaud you for attempting this actually. Your pursuit of knowledge and willingness to test is commendable. Don't be discouraged and keep asking the questions and seeking answers. That is the only way we all learn and grow. My commentary was only meant as constructive criticism.

[Paul Mc]

I just re-read. You did state "collection" so that somewhat answers my question regarding the number of orchids involved in your test. I would still like to know if they are given the exact same conditions and if there is a group not receiving the treatment to test against. Again, I applauded your efforts to try this.

[Philipm]

Hi Paul
Yes it is a group of about 30 phals and no their isn't anything to compare to them. You do make a great point and I did think about, but don't have the room or want to spend the money on a duplicate set up. I do understand what your saying completely but this is all I can do at this time.
I should have mentioned I grow indoors in a grow tent.
Conditions are easily controlled.

[Philipm]

Here's a little about my grow tent and set up.
Grow tent is 48"X24"X84"
I got this one because of the height. The shelving unit I have is 36"X16"X74 and fit in it.
It also has a small window that I liked. 2 windows would have been better.
I only grow on 2 of the shelves. Each shelve has 3 36" sun blaster T5ho.
Co2 controller I went with the titan controls atlas 3. It was the only controller I found that allows Co2 enrichment at night and off during the day.

[Subrosa]

Why would you want to increase CO2 at night when the plants are releasing it themselves? I have no experience with orchids and CO2 enrichment, but considerable experience with planted aquaria and a certain other plant commonly grown indoors. In both instances enrichment occurs in the day portion of the photoperiod while the plants are actively photosynthesizing and is turned off at night.

[Nexogen]

CO2-Enriched-Hydroponic-Growing - Manic Botanix

JAMA Network | JAMA Psychiatry | The Influence of an Illusion of Control on Panic Attacks Induced via Inhalation of 5.5% Carbon Dioxide-Enriched Air

[naoki]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Why would you want to increase CO2 at night when the plants are releasing it themselves? I have no experience with orchids and CO2 enrichment, but considerable experience with planted aquaria and a certain other plant commonly grown indoors. In both instances enrichment occurs in the day portion of the photoperiod while the plants are actively photosynthesizing and is turned off at night.

Phals are CAM plants.

What ppm and how long are you doing the elevation? I have wondered about CO2 injection for CAM. In theory, the benefit of CO2 should be smaller for CAM than to C3.