Why isnt it working?

[Stratocaster5292]

I am building an electrolyzer for a school project but its not working and Im hoping you guys can trouble shoot for me.

My design closely resembles this one: http://www.geocities.com/hydrogenpower1 ... lyzer.html

My variation though has the anode and cathode on opposite ends of the E shape, and the left and right stalk are at 45 degree angles going outward. I have brass screws screwed in for the terminals with steel wool bolted to each one. I filled it with water and Draino (for the sodium hydroxide) and I have a valve at the end of the O2 and H2 chimneys with a balloon.

When I hook up a 12v trickle charger nothing happens, nor when I attach a car battery with jumper cables. The system is airtight because if i so much as touch one balloon the other reacts, but when I put the battery or the charger to it, nothing happens.

Does anyone know what I may be doing wrong, or would this design just act so slowly that I cant notice?

[Chris]

[Stratocaster5292]

[jerblaster23]