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Question about CO2 chamber

Clay Davenport

Clay Davenport

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I finally set up a CO2 chamber. Something that has been long overdue.
I've been testing it this morning and am wondering what is the average time period you guys see from introduction of the CO2 until time of death?
It seems to be taking too long where I have it set at. I put the regulator on 10 psi, and I think I'm going to have to raise it a bit.
It's difficult to determine right now how much CO2 it takes to displace the air. It'll take me a few uses to get the dose right, but I wanted a normal time period so I'll know where I am currently with my settings.
 
are you letting it build up first? this could be a big reason why its not working as quickly as you would like? Im not sure as i dont do this myself, but i was Curious if this might be the case?
 
I use a 20-oz. paint ball CO2 tank with a 31-quart rubbermaid tub or a 15-quart sterilite tub, depending on how many I am gassing at a time. The size of the tub you are using and the amount of CO2 leaving your tank is going to come into play. That's all just a matter of trial and error.

I turn on the gas for about a 8-10 second period when using the 31-quart rubbermaid and roughly 5-6 seconds using the 15-quart, the rats are typically euthanized in roughly 2 minutes.
 
at the petshop i work at we use a 31 qt rubber maid . i'm not sure of the co2 tank size but it stands about 18 inches high . we turn the gas on for about 10 seconds and the rats usually are dead in 2 or 3 minutes .
 
Well, I'm definately not getting enough gas to them. I upped the regulator to 30 PSI.
We'll see how the next batch goes. Now I know what sort of time frame I'm shooting for.
Thanks guys.
 
Something that might help testing by letting you test or calibrate without messing around with too many rats: use a candle. Once deprived of sufficient oxygen, the flame will go out instantly, telling you when the CO2 has become concentrated enough. Using a candle as a guide, you could try a variety of settings without having to waste time messing with rats until you think it's ready.

Henry
 
Mokele said:
Something that might help testing by letting you test or calibrate without messing around with too many rats: use a candle. Once deprived of sufficient oxygen, the flame will go out instantly, telling you when the CO2 has become concentrated enough. Using a candle as a guide, you could try a variety of settings without having to waste time messing with rats until you think it's ready.

Henry
Click to expand...


You wouldnt want to use a candle in a plastic tub though... glass sure, but not plastic. :p
 
A tealight could probably be used safely in a plastic tub, no longer than it would take to extinguish it. I know, it's sad that I actually know what a tealight is, I'll be watching "Beaches" next.

At any rate, I killed rats all day and I think I've got it worked out. I ended up raising the regulator to 50 psi, and it takes approximately 30 seconds to fill the tub with enough CO2 to kill them quickly. I was using a rubbermaid blanket box, I forget the size in quarts.
I'm using 3/8" air line from the tank to the tub and I finally pulled it out to feel what kind of flow I was getting. It's pretty low, which is why it takes 30 seconds.
Can't use it without the regulator though, 3000 psi is a little much.
 
glad to hear you got it worked out . even though they are food , it doesnt mean they should suffer unduely .
 
I agree. I hate killing rats by hand. I've been meaning to set up a CO2 system for a long time and am really glad I've finally got one going.
The worst part about raising the rats is having to kill them. Now I've got the most humane option to use and it will be much easier on them as well as me.
 
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