Bubbler in planted tank?

[Rampion]

I am a new aquarist with a 10 gallon tank, and have been trying to establish a planted tank for a little while. I somehow didn't read about CO2 until now (yes I've had a terrible time keeping plants alive), and am about to set up the DIY CO2 injector recommended on this forum. I read that increased surface mixing can disrupt the CO2 dissolving. I currently have a bubbler in the tank, and am wondering if I should remove it for this reason.

 

[BBradbury]

Your Tank

I am a new aquarist with a 10 gallon tank, and have been trying to establish a planted tank for a little while. I somehow didn't read about CO2 until now (yes I've had a terrible time keeping plants alive), and am about to set up the DIY CO2 injector recommended on this forum. I read that increased surface mixing can disrupt the CO2 dissolving. I currently have a bubbler in the tank, and am wondering if I should remove it for this reason.

Hello Ram...

You don't need an air stone (bubbler). An air stone will create movement on the surface and mix oxygen into the tank water and this allows carbon dioxide to escape. The process is called "gas exchange". Carbon dioxide is a plant nutrient, so you don't want to drive off this nutrient by further agitating the water with an air stone. Your tank will get enough oxygen from the surrounding air and the filtering system will do the job of gas exchange.

B

 

[flitabout]

Definitely no bubbler. Don't forget about getting a drop checker. I had no problems keeping them in the green.

 

[Rampion]

I removed the airstone, thanks!