CO2Meter Inc., a worldwide leader in gas detection, monitoring, and analytical devices, released its new RAD-0502 - dual sensor CO2 controller for grow rooms this year that can monitor and control carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at two locations from 0 to 3,000ppm (the secret threshold for ultimate growth). The highly anticipated dual sensor CO2 grow controller will provide both indoor growers and mushroom farmers the ability to control consistent CO2 levels throughout their grow space all from a central display panel.
As most growers know, carbon dioxide monitors and controllers for greenhouses regulate the amount of carbon dioxide available to plants to maximize growth and are essential tools in modern indoor agriculture. In addition, these CO2 controllers also add benefit by not only monitoring CO2 levels, but controlling ventilation, light (LUX not PAR), temperature and humidity.
"Our original RAD-0501 Controller is considered the gold standard for home growers and mushroom farmers. When we studied the market, we clearly saw a gap between our original RAD-0501 and the larger commercial controllers in the market. The RAD-0502 now provides indoor growers around the globe with a simple and affordable way to understand and adjust CO2 levels to optimize their growing processes.", noted Melyssia Santiago, CO2Meter's VP of Sales.
Additionally, each sensor triggers individual relays allowing the end-user to control each sensor's precise location in the facility. Whether you are looking to control grow room lighting, HVAC systems, exhaust fans, CO2 generators, or CO2 cylinders the RAD-0502 can control and monitor multiple locations at any given time. The RAD-0502 settings are user configurable, enabling the customer to apply their preferred settings for their application. And, for those looking to use the device globally, it also features a universal power supply allowing our international customers ease of use without having to use adapters.
CO2 Controllers in Greenhouses
The optimal amount of CO2 required to boost the yield of plants depends on several factors, including the intensity of the light and the size of the greenhouse. In an indoor space with normal ventilation the normal concentration of CO2 is about 400 ppm, equal to the normal ambient outside air. This normal concentration will lead to growth rates equal to what you can expect if you are growing your vegetables outdoors. However, in a sealed greenhouse with a large number of plants, the CO2 level can be lower.
Growers have achieved the best success with CO2 levels between 1,200 ppm and 1,500 ppm. However, you cannot simply increase the CO2 level unless your plants can use it.
Carbon Dioxide and Light in Greenhouses
If plants are grown under low light (around 12,000 Lux), additional CO2 will not increase photosynthesis. For additional growth you will need to increase the intensity of your grow lights. Increasing the light intensity to somewhere around 49,000 Lux allows you to increase the CO2 levels to 600 ppm. More CO2 will not increase growth. If you can increase the light intensity to 59,000 lux plants can and use CO2 levels between 1,200 ppm and 1300 ppm.
If you increase the CO2 level to 1,500 ppm and light to 80,000 Lux, with the proper water and nutrients you can achieve up to a 100% increase in the plant's growth rate.
CO2 Monitors and Controllers for Greenhouses
A carbon dioxide monitor and controller does what the name implies: it maintains a steady level of CO2 in the grow space.
A CO2 monitor and controller contain 2 parts: a CO2 sensor that monitors the current CO2 level, and a relay that turns power on and off to activate a regulator that turns on or off a supply of CO2 from a tank or cylinder.
Why use a CO2 controller?
- Ease of use - A controller can be up and running in minutes. Simply connect an electronic regulator to a CO2 tank, plug it into the controller, and plug the controller into a wall outlet.
- Savings - Since the CO2 level is set by the user, a CO2 controller can double the amount of time a CO2 tank will last.
- Convenience - Plants only use CO2 during the daylight. A CO2 controller with a light sensor will automatically add CO2 during the day (light cycle) but not at night.
An example of a CO2 monitor and controller for greenhouses is the RAD-0502 CO2 Monitor & Controller for Greenhouses and Grow Rooms.
Additionally, each sensor triggers individual relays allowing the end-user to control each sensor's precise location in the facility. Whether you are looking to control grow room lighting, HVAC systems, exhaust fans, CO2 generators, or CO2 cylinders the RAD-0502 can control and monitor multiple locations at any given time.
The RAD-0502 settings are user configurable, enabling the customer to apply their preferred settings for their application. And, for those looking to use the device globally, it also features a universal power supply allowing our international customers ease of use without having to use adapters.
- NDIR CO2 sensor technology
- Easy-to-use, simple, and clean installation
- Ability to monitor (2) zones or grow spaces
- Fully customizable CO2 levels
- LED identification lights
- Automatic control of CO2 generators or compressed CO2 tanks
- Built-in photo sensor to turn off relays in darkness
- User configurable modes for both grow room or mushroom applications
- Universal power supply
- Enclosure resists dust, rust, and moisture
Learn more about CO2 monitors and controllers for greenhouses here.
For more information on the RAD-0502, please email us at Sales@CO2Meter.com.
About CO2Meter: CO2Meter, is an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of gas detection and monitoring solutions. Our mission is to provide best-in-class CO2 monitoring and analysis solutions, while ensuring the safety, education, and long-term business of our partners worldwide. CO2Meter works diligently to utilize the latest, proven gas sensing technologies to solve the urgent needs of our customers. By providing unique, high-quality, gas detection devices we strive each day and in each customer interaction to provide education about the importance of carbon dioxide and to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public.