CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) is one of the crucial compounds for indoor plant growth. If indoor cultivators, hydroponics farmers, and home growers want to achieve a spike in yields, they must maintain an optimal CO2 concentration in their grow space.  
 
Plants convert light energy into sugars and oxygen through photosynthesis. Therefore, to enable efficient photosynthesis for indoor plants CO2 is mandatory.  
 
To do it properly, you need to know how to add CO2 to grow tent. A better-quality CO2 generator and controllers for grow tents can help you achieve optimal CO2 levels.    
 
By consulting with experienced and successful growers, we pick the top 3 CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) generators and 4 grow room controllers that are mostly purchased by indoor gardeners.    
 
This blog will discuss the importance of CO2 in indoor grow tents and guide you in selecting the best CO2 generator and controller for your grow room.  

3 Best CO2 Generators for Grow Tents


CO2 supplementation or CO2 enrichment is the process of adding extra carbon dioxide to the grow space. The CO2 generator will ensure the best CO2 for grow tent by generating enriched levels of carbon dioxide (PPM CO2).  
 
If you have a small garden, then a CO2 bag can produce an optimal amount of carbon dioxide to stimulate healthy plant growth. But for a mid or large-sized indoor garden, you’ll certainly need top-notch carbon dioxide generators that come with high-quality CO2 burners.     
 
Here is a list of top-rated CO2 generators and burners:  

Titan Controls Ares 10 NG CO2 Generator 

Titan Controls Ares 4 Burner CO2 Generator 

Autopilot CO2 Generator 8 Burner NG 

In the following section, we’ll discuss these 3 best CO2 generators for grow tents, their features, pros, and cons, and customers’ opinions about these brands and models. 

 

#1: Titan Controls Ares 10 NG CO2 Generator


Titan Controls is one of the reputed brands that manufacture high-quality CO2 generators for grow space. The Ares 10 Series burners and generators by Titan Controls are clean-burning, cost-effective, and efficient products that ensure your CO2 is maintained at optimal levels in your indoor garden. 
 
The Ares 10 CO2 generators are available in both NG (Natural Gas) and LP (Liquid Propane Gas). The burners of the Ares 10 are built with durable powder-coated chassis that resist environmental factors in your garden. 
 
The brass burners avoid rusting and the dual redundant solenoids control your gas source. It also has a built-in tip-over switch. If your Ares 10 CO2 generator should be tipped over, this switch deactivates the flow from your gas source to help prevent mishaps.  
 
Ares 10 has adjustable 10 burners. Also, it has two switches on the front side of the unit that allow you to have two, six, or all ten burners activated. This unit is specifically designed for 40' x 40' sized grow rooms.  
 
Ares 10 series generator includes an AC power supply, hanging chain, ceiling hook, LP or NG Hose, and CO2 regulator.   

Pros:  

  • Reliable CO2 production  
  • Easy to use  
  • Long-term durability  
  • Adjustable burners (2, 6, or 10)  
  • Can save a lot of money on CO2   
     

Cons:  

  • Proper monitoring and ventilation is necessary for safety concerns 
  • Might not be suitable for growers with a tight budget   

 

Check The Price

 

#2: Titan Controls Ares 4 Burner CO2 Generator

  
This is another Ares Series burner CO2 generator manufactured by Titan Controls. The features and benefits of this best rated CO2 for grow tent are almost similar to the Ares 10 series.  
 
However, it provides 4 burners and is suitable for mid-sized (15' x 15') grow areas. Most of the Ares Series CO2 generators including Ares 4 can help the cultivators to raise the CO2 concentration level to 710 to 1500 PPM (Parts-Per-Million) in the grow room atmosphere.  
 

Basic Feature of Ares Series 4-Burner CO2 Generator:  
 

  • Efficient CO2 enrichment for your grow area 
  • 1.5 Amps/120 Volts/60 Hz 
  • 4 Stroke engine  
  • Corded electric power source 
  • Solenoid Valve  
  • Two Plastic Tank Washers   
  • All you need to do provide is a gas source  
  • 4 burners - LP = 9,052 BTU/hr. and NG = 11,068 BTU/hr. 
  • For use in mid-sized rooms - 15' x 15' 
  • Durable powder-coated chassis for hydroponics environment   

Pros:  

  • Easy to Install 
  • User-friendly Technology 
  • Reliable CO2 production  
  • Long-term durability  

Cons:  

  • Not appropriate for large-sized grow rooms.  
  • The use of propane or natural gas can pose a safety risk if not properly managed.  
  • Need regular maintenance to ensure efficient operations including cleaning, replacing burners, and checking gas connections.  

 

Check The Price

 

#3: Autopilot CO2 Generator 8 Burners


Autopilot brand is another highly reputable brand that manufactures CO2 burners and generators for indoor growing spaces. If you’re running a medium-large sized indoor garden, then 8 burners of Autopilot Carbon Dioxide generator can certainly raise the CO2 concentration of the grow rooms.  
 
The shutdown warning with LED light, a tip-over switch, and brass burners makes it worth buying a generator. Cultivators can achieve remarkable increases in plant growth with the help of this generator.  
Besides, the Autopilot Generators come in various sizes. So, if you’re a commercial grower who has a large gardening area, then you can choose the 10-burner generator of this brand.  

Some noteworthy features of the Autopilot CO2 generator:  

  • Suitable for 28' x 28' and smaller to medium-sized grow rooms 
  • Steel enclosures with powder coating that are resistant to rust, moisture, and discoloration 
  • Safety Tip Over Switch  
  • Shut down warning 

Pros:  

  • Low operating cost  
  • Less expensive compared to using compressed CO2 tanks and regulators 
  • Easy to install in your grow room or greenhouse 
  • Available in both propane and natural gas models  
  • Adjustable burners  
  • Collapsible design for easy transport  

Cons:  

  • Carbon emission  
  • Might not be suitable for growers with a limited budget 

 

Check The Price

 

Best CO2 Controllers for Grow Tents


CO2 controllers are mostly related to CO2 regulators, CO2 meters, are devices used to monitor and regulate carbon dioxide levels within the indoor growing environment.  
 
Generally, CO2 controllers are equipped with CO2 sensors that continuously monitor the CO2 concentration in the grow room air. These CO2 sensors measure the amount of CO2 available for plant photosynthesis.  
 
Growers can set a desired CO2 concentration, known as the setpoint, based on the plant’s needs. For most plants, supplemental carbon dioxide level is kept between 1000 to 1500 PPM. The best CO2 ppm for veg is between 800 to 1000 ppm.  
 
Besides, the flowering stage and late flowering stage need different levels of carbon dioxide for increased plant growth. That’s why, using a grow controller can help the cultivators to maintain the desired level of CO2 in grow spaces.   
 
Now the question is what’s the best CO2 controller for grow tents? Here are our top picks:  
 
1. Titan Controls Atlas 8 Digital CO2 Controller 
2.  Autopilot CO2 Monitor and Controller W/15 Remote Sensor 
3. Titan Controls Spartan Series Co2 Controller/monitor 
4. Grozone Dual Zone Co2 Controller  
 
Let’s discuss the features, pros, and cons of these products below.  
 
 

#1: Titan Controls Atlas 8 CO2 Controller


First on our list is the Titan Controls Atlas 8 grow controller. It is a popular CO2 device in an agricultural area because it is easy to use and strong at controlling CO2 levels for better plant growth.  
 
It's a little bit expensive but great at monitoring, managing, and adjusting CO2 levels. One of the useful features of this grow controller is that it can control CO2 tanks, regulators, or generators.  
 
The price of Atlas 8 can cost you around 687 dollars.  
 
Pros:  

  • Precise CO2 control 
  • Set your own CO2 level 
  • Uses a photocell to give your plants CO2 during the day  
  • Comes with a 15ft remote sensor  

Cons:  

  • Doesn’t have a temperature setting, grow light, or humidity level. 
  • Suitable for smaller-scale growing 

 

Check The Price


#2: Autopilot CO2 Monitor and Controller with CO2 Sensor


Second, on our list is the Autopilot APC8200 CO2 monitor and controller with a remote sensor. It’s a CO2 device that can help indoor farmers keep a record of the carbon dioxide levels in the growing environment.  
 
It's one of the cost-effective CO2 controller machines that allow you to track the level of CO2 in your grow room for a few minutes, several hours, or even up to a whole week. One of the amazing features of this CO2 regulator is the memory feature that lets you store information regarding CO2 levels.  
 
These grow controllers will cost you only 233 dollars.   
 
Pros:  

  • Remote CO2 sensor 
  • Memory feature to store CO2-related data  
  • Affordable compared to its competitors  
  • Easy to use 

Cons:  

  • No features for additional monitoring such as temp, humidity, grow lights 
  • Might be complex for beginners who are new to CO2 management 

 

Check The Price

 
#3: Titan Controls Spartan Series CO2 Controller/Monitor

Titan Controls' Spartan series CO2 controllers and monitors are ranked third on our list. It allows you to check the carbon dioxide levels and temperature and gives you precise control over the ppm levels in your garden. Another advantage of this controller is that it’s quite cheaper than other Titan controls series. You can add it to your indoor garden by spending just 272 dollars.  
 
Pros:  

  • Precise CO2 regulations  
  • Dual-beam NDIR sensor 
  • Integrated temperature monitoring 
  • Built-in photocell 
  • Durable construction 
  • Support for both CO2 regulator and generator   

Cons:  

  • Limited customer reviews  
  • No humidity or LED lighting settings are available 

Check The Price

 

#4: Grozone Dual Zone Co2 Controller


The Grozone Dual Zone CO2 controller is ranked 4th on our list. This CO2 device is used in indoor farming to control the carbon dioxide level in different areas of a grow room. It can be an alternative to adding more CO2 manually.  
 
This grow room controller comes with a built-in light sensor which allows you to adjust CO2 levels based on whether it’s daytime or nighttime. It can also trigger a CO2 regulator to work. 
 
The specialty of this device is that it uses a method called “nondispersive infrared sensing” to measure CO2 levels accurately. However, it can be quite pricey for newbie gardeners and cost around 889 dollars.  
 
Pros: 

  • Suitable for both small and large setups 
  • You can easily calibrate it for fresh air  
  • It keeps a 24-hour record of data 
  • It can automatically reduce CO2 at night 

Cons:  

  • It doesn’t have settings for temperature, humidity level, or light control. 
  • It doesn’t have modes for specific environments like mushroom cultivation, or HVAC systems. 
  • Complex installation  

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing CO2 Generator and Controller


CO2 generators and controllers have distinct purposes in indoor farming. Generators release CO2 into the grow environment. They work by burning natural or propane gas to produce CO2. 
 
In contrast, CO2 controllers are designed to maintain the optimal carbon dioxide level within a grow area. They monitor CO2 concentration and adjust it as needed by controlling other equipment like CO2 tanks, or burners.  
 
Before choosing the best CO2 generators and controllers for grow rooms, you should bear in mind the following factors:  

Grow Tent Size: It’s vital to match the CO2 system’s capacity to your grow area. If you use an appropriate-sized system, it will make sure that CO2 levels are distributed evenly and effectively. For instance, if you have a large grow tent, then you should look for a generator that comes with adjustable 10 burners.   

Cost and Budget: The cost of a CO2 system includes both the initial purchase and ongoing operational costs. Generators have a lower initial cost and can be expensive to operate due to fuel consumption. Oppositely, controllers may have higher initial costs, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run.   

 

Best CO2 PPM for Veg and Flowering Stages


CO2 enrichment can accelerate plant growth rate. But different CO2 ppm level is required for different growth stages of plants. That’s why calculating CO2 levels is obligatory.  
 
Besides, an extra amount of CO2 can become toxic to plants. Most plants can have a maximum photosynthesis rate if the CO2 ppm level is between 1000 to 1500 ppm. 
 
However, above 2000 ppm CO2 can be harmful to some plants. If you notice plants are getting weak, or yellowish, then it’s better to stop using CO2 and figure out what’s going on. This can happen if the CO2 level and temperature aren’t maintained at an appropriate level.    
 
Here are the best ways to add CO2 to the different stages of a plant’s lifecycle.  

  1. Propagation Stage: Some seedlings can grow better in CO2-enriched grow spaces. To achieve optimal germination CO2 ppm level should be between 1000 to 1500 ppm. If the grow room’s CO2 level exceeds 1500 ppm, seedlings may experience CO2 stress, stunt growth, paleness, and die.   
  2. Vegetative Stage: Growers need to add CO2 in the vegetative stage when plants actively grow new leaves and stems. In the vegetative stage, the optimal amount of CO2 ppm level should be kept between 1500 to 2000.  
  3. Flowering Stage: To boost flower production, hydroponic growers should add CO2 during the flowering stage. It’s better to keep the CO2 ppm level between 2000 to 2500 during this stage. Note that any CO2 supplementation above 400 ppm is beneficial for plants.  

 

Best Method to Add CO2 in Grow Rooms

There are a few ways to add CO2 in your grow room. These are:  

  1. CO2 Tanks  
  2. CO2 Bags  
  3. CO2 Pads  
  4. CO2 Generators and Controllers for grow rooms  

A CO2 tank is one of the precise and controllable ways to add CO2 into the grow room. It typically contains compressed CO2 which is released into the grow room through the regulator. CO2 tanks require regular monitoring and refilling when they run out.  

 
CO2 bags also known as CO2 emitters are a more passive method of CO2 supplementation. These bags contain a mycelial mass that produces CO2 as it decomposes organic matter. CO2 bags are cost-effective for small to medium-sized grow spaces compared to generators.  
 
CO2 pads, like CO2 bags, are hung or placed in the grow area and release CO2 slowly over time. They work by impregnating a pad or substrate with a CO2-releasing material. These are suitable for small setups and need little attention.  
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are frequently asked queries related to CO2 controllers and generators.   
 

Why should growers use CO2 controllers?


Growers should use a CO2 controller to maintain precise and consistent carbon dioxide levels in their grow rooms. It will ensure optimal CO2 ppm levels for photosynthesis and maximize plant growth and yield.   
 

Do CO2 burners and generators emit Carbon Monoxide?


The fact that generators and burners, like your automobile or furnace, also produce carbon monoxide when fuel is burned. The plants also absorb carbon monoxide, which may result in off-flavoring. It should be noted that to account for this potentially dangerous gas, the grower utilizing this needs to install a carbon monoxide protection system. 

What precautions should growers take regarding CO2 safety?

The growers should ensure adequate ventilation (e.g., exhaust fans, hydro fans), to prevent CO2 build-up. Besides, regular monitoring, installing CO2 safety alarms, and keeping records of CO2 use should be done by growers as well.  
 
 

Bottom Line

 
Indoor farming methods need a controlled environment to achieve higher yields. As CO2 is one of the major ingredients in grow rooms, growers should look for the best CO2 supplementation method. If you’re growing plants in a medium to large size space, introducing the best CO2 generators for grow tents equipped with CO2 controllers can make a difference in terms of healthy crops and increased production.