Co2

[MTB_Devil]

co2 injecter ? i heard you need one for planted tanks why and what do they do??? and iv just brought hardy plants to start off!

[GoGuppy]

co2 injecter ? i heard you need one for planted tanks why and what do they do??? and iv just brought hardy plants to start off![/b]

G'day MTBD
Plants need carbon for growth, that's why you need to inject CO2 ..IF.. you want a densely planted tank, ..BUT.. to enable plants to photosythisize properly they will then need high lighting levels, .. AND THEN.. they will need heaps of fertilisers, ...ETC ETC.. :wacko:
The alternative is to use just a few plants in yr tank that will be happy using the normal levels of CO2 in a tank, which BTW is about 3ppm. Just make sure you select plants suitable for lower lighting levels (there have been a few posts on these plants on the forum not so long ago) and you'll be right :biggrin:
Cheers

[matt_Frontosa]

Hi Mtb I don't think you really need the extra co2 if you are doing things correct all you need is good lighting and good soil like laterite on the bottom of the tank adn you will be fine but extra co2 can't hurt
just make sure there are no bubbles in the tank as the plants dislike the extra oxygen

[wombat1100]

Hi Mtb I don't think you really need the extra co2 if you are doing things correct all you need is good lighting and good soil like laterite on the bottom of the tank adn you will be fine but extra co2 can't hurt
just make sure there are no bubbles in the tank as the plants dislike the extra oxygen[/b]


So are you saying that having a tank with lots of air circulating through the water will hinder the growth of plants?
I would like to know other ppls views on this as i have a planted tank with nearly no air bubbles doing great and another tank that has lots of bubbles in it and i cant get alot to grow in it at all.
interesting

[joz]

So are you saying that having a tank with lots of air circulating through the water will hinder the growth of plants?
I would like to know other ppls views on this as i have a planted tank with nearly no air bubbles doing great and another tank that has lots of bubbles in it and i cant get alot to grow in it at all.
interesting[/b]


I suppose with plenty of airation any dissolved CO2 is quickly dissapated.With plants receiving none.

As when I ran a trickle filter,the fish thrived but the plants suffered.

Atm I have no bubbles in my planted tank,it has only very slight agitation from a cannister outlet.No CO2 atm either just ferts,all plants and fish seem to be doing quite well.

Tho IMO if plants are your thing I'd go the CO2,lighting and ferts route.

[Woodsy]

I suppose with plenty of airation any dissolved CO2 is quickly dissapated.With plants receiving none.[/b]


It's true, the more you agitate your water, the less CO2 that is able to remain dissolved therein (think of shaking a beer, or a bottle of softdrink). Therefore, you are quite right in assuming also, that a trickle system will cause much of the dissolved CO2 in your tank to dissapate. In this case (assuming you really are interesting in having a fully planted trickle tank), it is more important to provide your plants with lots of fresh water (ie regular small water changes) and a fertiliser containing carbonates that your plants can thus use as a carbon source during photosynthesis. I have had experience with many trickle system tanks that have quite happily sustained dense planting, so it's just a matter of using the right equipment for the right application.
In regards to using "heaps" or fertilizer: I tend not to agree with that statement, as high levels of nutrients can in fact inhibit the growth of some plants and thus encourage the growth of algae and cyanobacteria (if you're unlucky enough). The best advice I can give on this is to read up about the plants you want to use, and condition your tank accordingly. A little bit of forethought can go a long way! This can also be said about the use of CO2 in your tank - If the plants you've selected do not grow particularly fast (some anubias and crypt. species spring to mind), then your use of CO2 may have dire consequences on the regulation of your pH.
My advice on using a CO2 system: Plan ahead, know what you're going to be growing, and how it's going to affect your water chemistry.

[aquafarian]

Adding CO2 is useful if you have met all the other requirements for lush plant growth. It will make the water more acidic so keep that in mind. If starting off I would just try the DIY method which uses yeast, sugar and water to make the co2. If you like what you see and want something with less maintenance and smell then consider the commercial co2 injectors.

http://www.e-aquarium.com.au/aquarium-plant-carbon-dioxide.htm
http://www.e-aquarium.com.au/buy/plants/carbon-dioxide