Mycelium WorksCultivation tools & knowledge
StageInoculationColonizationFruitingHarvestingProcessing
Fruiting Environment

CO₂ Monitor

Tracks carbon dioxide so you can tune fresh air exchange properly.

Illustration of a co₂ monitor
Typical specifications
Range400 – 5000 ppm
Accuracy± 50 ppm + 5%
NDIR sensorRecommended over eCO₂
Fruiting target600 – 1000 ppm
Alarm thresholdConfigurable, 1200 ppm+
LoggingOptional USB export
Fruiting EnvironmentSmall to large batches

Overview

A CO₂ monitor measures the carbon dioxide that mycelium and mushrooms produce as they respire. High CO₂ causes long stems and tiny caps because the mushroom is stretching toward the nearest fresh air. Measuring it turns fresh air exchange from a guess into a dial you can adjust.

Primary stage: Fruiting

Where it fits in the grow

Used throughout fruiting to tune vent cycle frequency.

Safety & handling

A CO₂ monitor is not a life-safety device. Do not use a hobby unit in a space where people sleep or where combustion appliances run.

Practical advice

Above roughly 1000 ppm, expect stretching; below 600 ppm the chamber is probably drying out. Aim for the middle and adjust fan timing, not humidity output.

Educational only. Mycelium Works does not sell this or any other product, and we receive no payment for listing it. Specifications vary by manufacturer — always follow the maker’s instructions and local regulations.
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