You can buy baking soda at a grocery store or online.
If you need to generate more CO2, you can use more baking soda and water in this bottle. Just make sure to keep the mixture to a 1:1 ratio.
Citric acid will come in a powder form. Citric acid is an ingredient that’s commonly used in pickling and is a component of certain candy. [4] X Research source
If you are trying to generate more CO2 and you’ve increased the amount of baking soda you’re using, make sure to adjust the amount of citric acid that you’re using accordingly. Always keep the citric acid to water ratio at 1:3.
These kits will typically cost anywhere from $10-$25. Read the instructions that come with your specific kit. If you don’t get a CO2 generator kit, you won’t be able to accurately regulate the CO2 going into your tank, which could be dangerous for pets and vegetation.
Connecting the bottles together allows the citric acid to slowly flow into the baking soda bottle which will produce the chemical reaction that will generate CO2.
A bubble counter will help you monitor how much CO2 is actually being generated by your system which will allow you to moderate how much CO2 you are using.
A diffuser will help break up larger bubbles and diffuse the CO2 into the water.
It may take 1-2 minutes for the CO2 bubbles reach your diffuser.
The amount of CO2 that your tank needs depends on the size of your tank and the type and amount of vegetation in it. You can test the CO2 levels in your water with a drop checker, or a glass device that will change Color depending on the level of CO2 in your water.
Replacing the mixtures will ensure that your tank is getting the proper amount of CO2.
