I was just doing some research online about aquarium plants, and I was wondering if anyone can share with me whether they use CO2, and how/what method they use (it). I'll put a pic of my tank on to show you how heavily my tank is planted. Since this pic i have added 4 tall plants and two short ones (i can't recall the names offhand). I know I will probably need CO2 once they are larger, but I was wondering if it something I should start right away to keep them healthy. I am thinking of trying the fizz tablets and getting something to monitor the level in the aquarium...
Also, if it helps, I have 11 tiger barbs, and 5 cherry barb, and 1 female betta, and 1 chinese algae eater in the (32 gal) tank (the barbs aren't full grown yet.. i may have to take some back, i know it's a lot of fish)
Thanks for any advice/experience/imput!
PS I know i can find a lot of this info online, i just was hoping to get some more personal/specific advice from people with experience!
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CO2
Replies (4)
Well the only experience I have is the knowledge I got from Plant physiology and biology. Plants use CO2 for photosynthesis (6CO2 6 H2O --> C6H12O6 6 H2O 6 O2), therefore it is important to provide them with it. It also plays an important role in respiration. From what I know about plants, I would say that the fish you have will provide enough CO2 (by exhaling) until you can get the proper equipment.
I hope this helps a little.
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Phishie
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Thanks it does! I'm goign to get a kit to test for CO2, and maybe keep a log. Some of my plants are well, but my rosaefolia (not sure the spelling sorry) seem a little on the week side. I'll try and post whatever info i get (#fish/gal vs CO2 concentration, how much to show improvement vs crazy growth, etc). Hopefully it will be able to help some other people... I definately don't want to go right to the CO2 canister if I don't need to. I'm goign to try the fizz tabs and see where to go from there.
Thanks again for your imput! 
Lindsay
Glad I could help. And thanks for offering to help other out.
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Phishie
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Adding CO2 generally really helps plants out a lot. Currently i use the DIY route (yeast and sugar). I am saving to switch to pressurized though as I hate having to replace the yeast and sugar mix every 3 weeks.
Here is an article on using CO2 in aquariums: http://www.aquariphiles.com/planted/weblog/104.html
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Melissa
Aquariphiles.com - where I blog about aquarium stuff
