Are CO2 propane generators really that expensive?

Hi,
I want a CO2 propane generator and found one from Autopilot 4 burner (https://www.hydrofarm.com/p/APCG4LP). But that piece of thing costs in my country something around 550 dollar. But even the suggested retail price in US for 360 Dollar would be... I don't know.... I mean I could buy it but, I don't want to spend 400 Dollars extra if I could have spend less...

I heard you can use a propane water heater instead? I didn't plan to cool the heater with water, as I want to use the heat for the grow room in winter. Ok cooling might be interesting in summer. So can you use these propane water heaters without water?
Also it seems that these devices are really quick shooting out the co2. I am a bit worried that they generate the co2 somehow that fast, that a co2 controller wouldn't notice the increase quick enough, because the isn't mixed well yet. Or can the quick combustion produce some stuff like ethylene...Is that a legit concern?

What solution do you recommend?

If you are going to do something like that indoors get a Carbon Monoxide detector. I would get a roll of 3/4"hose. Bury it in the ground and connect the ends to input and output of the water heater. Cut the hose and put an in-line water pump connected to a CO2 controller.
When you need CO2 the controller powers up the pump. Which spins the impeller in the water heater, igniting it. The water gets heated and sent to the coil of tubing buried in the ground. This dumps the heat. Sending the cool water back to the heater. When the exhaust from the clean burning heater has created enough CO2 the pump turns off. Repeat.

I want to keep the heat in winter. In summer I will lead the water outdoors....

But I am wondering a bit about something... In the internet I was reading that some people have problems with CO2 generators because of incomplete combustion. Usually it takes a lot of time until they figure out that incomplete combustion is the problem why their grow isn't running.

So how reliabe are propane genenerators which are meant for water heating? Is it good to use them in your grow room? Wanted to buy the Eccotemp Ce L5, but I am a bit undecided...

It is a good question. Without the proper gear to test you just dont know. That is why I recommend a detector to keep you safe. I went with a commercial CO2 gen. It was ~$220 off ebay. Happy with the unit. not water cooled. Also, going to need a CO2 controller.

Jaybodankly said:

It is a good question. Without the proper gear to test you just dont know. That is why I recommend a detector to keep you safe. I went with a commercial CO2 gen. It was ~$220 off ebay. Happy with the unit. not water cooled. Also, going to need a CO2 controller.

Click to expand...

I read in the forums that people also had problems with commercial units.
And in my country the commercial units from autopilot cost almost like 600 Dollar. Nothing good on ebay too....

So far I know that you need to make sure your fittings are screwed properly and that you should check them regularly with soapy water for leaks. Also there is the possibility to use sentinel plants.

I guess I will buy the water heater (less than half the price, cooled and useful for something else), check that there are no leaks and put a sentinel plant in the room.

What brand and model of generator do you use?

Did you decide for a commercial generator because you think they are more reliable than heaters or was it because of the good priced offer?

I use a four burner unit 7 days week all year. it cost 300 bucks and uses 13 dollars monthly to keep my rooms @ 800ppm's at lights on. never fails, doesnt ever set off carbon monoxide, doesnt make flowers mature faster. if your ambient c02 is less than 300 you may want to consider more air exchange instead, its safer, easier and cheaper. my outdoors is around 380ppm. my rooms have zero ventilation though.
best to first get a meter so you know if you even need to augment

Did you decide for a commercial generator because you think they are more reliable than heaters or was it because of the good priced offer?

Both. I wanted a unit designed for indoor use and the price I felt was comparable to what I could or was willing to rig up at the time. Here are the specs:

• 
  Features
  1. Adapts advanced infrared gas analysis technology for high precision and reliable operation.
  
  2. Full automatic control even for electronic ignition module.
  
  3. Will operate automatically after turning on power and gas valve. Handy operation without manual intervention.
  
  4. Best quality components and water/vapor resistant technology patent are applied, accommodates with high humidity greenhouse environment.
  
  5. Safety protection device is applied. Standard toppling preventing device will shut off gas ignition immediately once generator turns over, thus preventing leakage and fire disaster.
  
  6. Compact structure with light material for convenient installation and operation.
  
  7. Advanced detection technology and high quality parts for longer lifespan.
  

Feature

• • Full automatic operation
  • Best quality components
  • Water/vapor resistant technology patent
  • Advanced infrared gas analysis technology
  • Standard toppling preventing device
  • Compact structure with light material
  • Convenient installation and operation
  • Advanced detection technology
  • Suitable for spaces under 3200 cubic feet
  • Significantly improves yields without side effects

Specifications

• • Name: Gas type CO₂ generator
  • Model: 4 burners
  • Type: Liquefied petroleum gas
  • Power Supply: 110V AC
  • Reductor Input Pressure: 25-250PSIG
  • Reductor Flux: 1.5kg/h (BTU/h 11176)
  • Greenhouse Area: ≤3200 cubic feet
  • Fuel Usage Amount (each burner): 0.075kg/h
  • Yield of Each Burner: 3.47 cubic ft/h
  • Precision: @22℃(72℉)±40ppm, plus 3% of reading
  • Signal Refresh Interval: 2 seconds
  • Storage Condition: -40~70℃ (-40~158℉)
  • Working Condition: 0~50℃(32~122℉); 0~95%RH
  • Gross Weight: 9kg (19.8lbs)
    
  • Package Dimensions: 42*30*50cm (17"*12"*20")