In terms of dropping the cost of CO2 why not just use propane?

I know those large tanks can cost quite a bit but if you do the math, a tank of propane is cheap. Those little blue cylinders only cost a few dollars, and from a chemistry stand point, every molecule of propane is combining with 5 molecules of oxygen to create 3 molecules of carbon dioxide (and 4 molecules water vapor).
Thats quite a decent amount of carbon dioxide coming from simply burning propane.

Now my idea. Open fire in a grow house may not sound like the best idea, but just hear me out. Those brass torch heads create a very small and contained flamed, the perfect kind of flame to slowly fill a grow house with CO2 overtime without producing much heat build up. I would imagine it would take hours with an open flame. But I'm also considering a different process where the propane mixes with air and burns in a contained cylinder, and the pressure of the gases forces the carbon dioxide through water. As anyone knows CO2 isn't that soluble in water w/out specific conditions (like a pepsi factory lol) the CO2 would pass through, and the water would absord the heat slowly evaporating overtime (increasing humidity most likely too).

I'm still working on the details in my head personally. But when I first thought of it I thought "thats a genius idea!!" and its just a matter of implementing it at this point so its safe. But if I can contain the gases through water, and control it, you are dealing with buying carbon dioxide at the cost of propane no? I mean for the cost it seems actually wayyy more efficient than buying CO2 tanks.

Ideas?

They make CO2 generators that run on natural gas and propane. The only difference is that there is no water involved.

Ok yeh you are right not only are there generators but theres a bunch of DIY projects all over the internet already lol.
For whatever reason I thought it was the most original thought in the world. But I'm happy at least people have done it and claim it does make a significant difference for their plants.

I'm also reading about the concept of mixing yeast with sugar to generate CO2 which is another good one.

There are a few threads on here about mixing yeast and sugar to make little mini co2 generators. looks like it would work good for cabinet grows.

Bojangles69 said:

Ok yeh you are right not only are there generators but theres a bunch of DIY projects all over the internet already lol.
For whatever reason I thought it was the most original thought in the world. But I'm happy at least people have done it and claim it does make a significant difference for their plants.

I'm also reading about the concept of mixing yeast with sugar to generate CO2 which is another good one.

Click to expand...

You cannot reliably control the CO2 levels with the sugar/yeast although you could definitely increase the CO2 level with this technique.

I have used my 7 gallon fermenter that I use for brewing beer (it is glass and easy to clean) with a vapor lock for keeping out the bad stuff and it worked well in my small flowering room.

Here is a link to a photo of my CO2 maker.

https://www.rollitup.org/attachments/newbie-central/105978d1207046623t-cheap-way-make-co2-your-co2-maker.jpg

Yep, commercial co2 generators have been burning propane for years Good info on the chemistry though

CO2 in bottle format is not very expensive if you take a little time and properly seal the room you are growing in.

Edit: I know that makes it sound extremely simple. It takes a bit of work, sealing your walls to the concrete slab with silicon, as well as your ceiling, and properly sealing your door(s) with air-tight seals (Home Depot has some great options for that)