I started my own DIY project last night. I actually started this project over 6 months ago, when I drilled the hole in the cap, but never got the project up and running.
Anyway, last night (around 9:00 pm) I mixed the sugar (2 cups) and yeast (1/2 tsp) with lukewarm water. I placed a check valve about 18 inches from the cap and ran about a 4 foot section of air line to my intake filter. I will probably hook it up to a gang valve soon...maybe not.
Right before midnight (1/1/08) I could hear the impeller chopping the bubbles up. So, it too about three hours for the CO2 to start producing. I hear the chopping sound about every 20-30 seconds.
I checked the pH at 10:00 am the next morning and it remained at 7.6. I will check it again tomorrow and so forth.
As far as placement of the bottle I have it right next to the tank (which is 14gallons,btw). I have no where above the tank to place it. Do you think placing it two feet below would be a bad idea?
Any input or ideas? Suggestions?