CO2 injection

[V31]

So I’ve had my 55 gallon tank for 3 yrs but my plants aren’t doing as well as I’d like. I’m thinking of setting up CO2. Is there a guide for idiots and recommendations on best brands?

 

[BBradbury]

Hello. I'm surprised no one responded. CO2 isn't necessary if you keep the plants that do best in low to medium lighting. To me, CO2 is tricky to set up and monitor and again, isn't necessary if you keep the right plants and there are enough of them to easily fill a 55 gallon tank. If you're still checking in on this site from time to time, I can give you a list of those plants.

B

 

[V31]

Hello. I'm surprised no one responded. CO2 isn't necessary if you keep the plants that do best in low to medium lighting. To me, CO2 is tricky to set up and monitor and again, isn't necessary if you keep the right plants and there are enough of them to easily fill a 55 gallon tank. If you're still checking in on this site from time to time, I can give you a list of those plants.

B

Yeah! I’d love the list of plants. Thanks!!

 

[BBradbury]

Very good. I use shop lighting from the local hardware store. Typically, 5500-6500 K, roughly 32-40 watts per bulb. Two to four bulb strips are fine. You don't need extra fertilizers, just feed the fish a little variety daily and they'll take care of fertilizing. You will need to change out most of tank water every week to maintain good water nutrients. The fish and plants are constantly using up these nutrients to maintain their health. I'll start this list with the plants I've found easy to keep. Various types of Anubias to start. I just set these on the bottom and put a good sized rock right on top of the plant. The roots grow into the bottom material and keep the plant in place. Java fern is good and you can plant it the same as Anubias. Anacharis is likely the best floating plant. Just drop sprigs into the water and you're done. It floats close to the light and grows very fast. Pennywort is another good floating plant. It works the same as Anacharis. Dwarf Water Lettuce is also a nice floating plant. Just drop them into the water. Once you get each of these started, you won't have room for much else.

B