CO2

[FreshwaterTropical]

O you have to use Co2 in a planted tank. Is there any way you can get around it? Any plants that don't need it?

 

[PHP]

You don't have to use C02 in a planted tank.

It really depends on what kind of tank you have.

Most high light tanks, you will need a balance of c02, fertz and wattage so no algae will grow

 

[FreshwaterTropical]

I have 2 25w bulbs in a 10 gallon tank. Is that too much light. I know my LFS sells 15 w bulbs?

 

[mfdrookie516]

If you replace those with the u shaped cfl's from walmarts pet section, they're perfect for a 10g. 25w would be incandescent? And plants do require co2 to live... but your tank already has about 7-10ppm of co2... so injecting is only needed when the lighting and ferts cause the plants to grow so quickly, that co2 already in the tank isn't enough

 

[FreshwaterTropical]

Ok so is it safe to stick with the 2 25 w bulbs?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Incandescents use more energy and get hotter than fluorescent... and it's debatable whether they do much for plants. I'd switch them out with CFL's.

 

[FreshwaterTropical]

What does CFL mean?

 

[mfdrookie516]

compact fluorescent... the little curly light bulbs that are usually 13w that say 60w equivalent

 

[FreshwaterTropical]

Oh ok. So should I change the bulbs so I don't have to use co2?

 

[abrahamavelar]

Or if u want to u could diy

 

[aqua_chem]

Depends what kind you get. 2x10w CFLs in a 10g wont need CO2. 2x15 may need something. You should be able to get by with excel, but honestly, I would add it in either case because of how useful it is.

 

[abrahamavelar]

Depends what kind you get. 2x10w CFLs in a 10g wont need CO2. 2x15 may need something. You should be able to get by with excel, but honestly, I would add it in either case because of how useful it is.

it is and i have seen the difference of when using co2 or not