CO2 Tablets Anyone?

[Master503]

Does anyone have ever use CO2 Tablets? Does that really work?

 

[LyndaB]

I've never heard of these. I'll tag along and see what kind of response you get.

 

[aqua_chem]

I see several issues with these tablets.

1) Low CO2 levels
2) Inconsistency
3) Leftover residue used to bind the pill together.

They look basically like alka-seltzer tabs to me. They're probably just snakeoil sold to people looking for cheap alternatives to CO2.

 

[Master503]

Thanks both.

Does 2x10W CF bulbs light will work for 10Gallons tank without using the CO2? Or the light is still consider low light? I am looking for something in medium light. Any suggestions?

 

[aqua_chem]

That would be medium light, assuming the lights aren't some 'colormax' type bulb.

 

[TheCrazyFishLady]

I've never heard of these. Are these aquarium-specific? The only thing I could find on Google was for marijuana growing. Do you have a link?

 

[aqua_chem]

I've seen them in pet stores before. They look very gimmicky.

 

[Master503]

Thanks Aqua_chem. I found a bulbs online from PetSmart (if I use 2 bulbs) .. do you think is works best for medium light in 10Gal tank. Do I still have to use CO2 for 10Gal .. or just use the product from Searchem (ex: Excell and Flourish) ..

Aqueon® Mini Compact 50/50 Fluorescent Lamp - Lighting & Hoods - Fish - PetSmart

The colormax is not the right type to use as a light for plants in 10Gal correct?

As for the CO2 tablets, I saw on ebay .. that's why I'm curious about it.

 

[aqua_chem]

You want to avoid the 50/50 bulbs as well.

Two 10w cfls in a 10g wont need excel or co2, but the tank would greatly benefit from either.

 

[Master503]

What about these two kind of brand light?

http://www.petco.com/product/111943... Sun Daylight Compact Fluorescent Bulb-111943

14-Watt (60W) Daylight CFL Light Bulbs (4-Pack) (E)*-ES5M814450K at The Home Depot

 

[aqua_chem]

I've used the petco bulb before. Works fine, throws light like a champ. The HD one should also work fine. Little wary of 5000K, but that's more of a personal issue than a detriment to a planted tank.

 

[skywhitney]

The API "CO2 Booster" worked really well for my 10 gal.

News - NEW product in the API family CO Booster - API

 

[Master503]

So around 6,000k for a bulb should be good to use for 10Gal?

Thanks Sky, for pointing out that suggestion CO2

 

[aqua_chem]

API's CO2 Boost is the same as Excel but a different concentration. There are other glut products on the market as well.

The color temp, once you have the right range, is a personal choice. I like the 6700K color myself.

 

[skywhitney]

API's CO2 Boost is the same as Excel but a different concentration.

That's good to know. I don't use Excel so I'm glad that this is roughly the same.

 

[aqua_chem]

Yea, one's like 2.4% Glut and the other's like 1.8% Glut, although Seachem adamantly denies that their product contains glutaraldehyde.