New Greenhouse Finally and going s/h

[snow]

nice job.
so how do you create that extra co2?
dry ice?

[Bob2741]

From a 60 lb bottle like the use for fountian soft drinks cost abt $18:00 last 2-4 months depending on how much you bump the o2 up in the Greenhouse don't need to go much over 15-1800 not much more advantage plants only take so much.

[Ray]

How do you control it?

[Bob2741]

This easy-to-use and affordable CO2 PPM Monitor/Controller is a tool that any indoor gardener can use to maintain CO2 levels derived from generators as well as bottled systems. The controller accurately measures CO2 levels from 0-5,000 ppm (parts-per-million). Simply plug your CO2 generator into the controller and it automatically maintains your specified level. The CO2 PPM Monitor/Controller works with any 120-volt CO2 generator or valve, and carries a three-year warranty.

[Ray]

No offense, but a couple of pictures don't tell us much. Care to share the brands, specs, etc.?

Out of curiosity, what is the schedule you use?

I know that terrestrial growers enrich during daylight hours only, and that would be fine for most orchids too, but with some orchids - notably phals - the stomata are only open for absorption after dark.

[Bob2741]

Sorry I had to go to work and didnt have time for a full answer.

There are several mfg. I use CAP PPM-3 CO2 Controller / Monitor its a simple CO2 controller and is extremely accurate at measuring levels of Carbon Dioxide from 0 to 5000 ppm ( I useCAP's CO2 Regulator assembly regulator / flow gauge with an industrial solenoid valve). I found mine on E-bay by doing a search using "C02 Monitors".

Monitor was $365,00 Valve $135.00 you Just Plug the o2 "piggyback" cord and it will automatically maintain the CO2 level that you specify. The PPM-3 works with any make of CO2 valve that is 120 volt. This is a great little system that is very easy to setup and operate. If you are looking for a system to digitally monitor and control your CO2 levels, this is the best deal you are going to find. Tanks of C02 are available at most welding supplys there are various sizes since its hard for me to lift the big cylinder I get two the size of softdrink fountain tanks.

I monitor and add co2 as needed from 8:30 Am to 10:30 PM . During Summer the greenhouse usually starts venting heat after that time during winter it usually does not vent and the o2 keeps the Greenhouse at 800 to 1200 ppm for the next several hours. A friend who raises tomatoes does it daylite hours I didnt see much dif between my scheduale and his in growth , but he uses a gas burner whch leaves fumes in the greenhouse which would eventually kill orchids because of some resudiual chemical in unvented gas fumes so this is really the only way to do it.

I distrubute the gas through a small 1/4 hose ( like a fishtank air hose) mounted at the rear of my air circulation tube fan. Ray if you have a large greenhouse you might be able to get a large tank set and they service it like a propane tank I'm really thinking that way maybe a 2 or 300 gal size then I don't have to mess with the tanks. .

I only have 4 Phals but they do react to what I'm doing I never had much luck with them until Co2 Next S/H for them.

[Sandy4453]

Bob, I LOVE your website. I admit though, I spent only seconds in the orchids section; I was taken in by the stories and photos from long ago. I even forgot that I was sitting in front of the computer. A beautiful tribute to your appreciation of life and those who you've been blessed by.

[Bob2741]

Thank You Ive worked very hard on it and my emotion shows through once in awhile I had a great childhood with alot of Aunts and Uncles all farmers who taught me the passions of a rural life while I spent the summers on the farm.

Bob Weis

[BlakeeBoo]

I am so jealous I want a greenhouse so bad. I am saving up for one after Christmas.

[ericst11]

Bob i'd like to know more of the solar is that heat or electric or both.