View Full Version : Is a Co2 system a MUST if you have live plants?
xack9797
10-11-2007, 1:02 PM
I am thinking of integrating live plants into my existing 55G and a new 30G im building. Is it an absolute must to have a Co2 sytem to sustain the live plants? I have several live plants in my 55G without a Co2 sytem and they are doing just fine. what amount of live plants would represent a need for a Co2 sytem? Thanks for your help.
J double R
10-11-2007, 1:17 PM
absolutely not.
BUT, in some systems it may seem rather hard to raise a large amount of plants without it..
and it certainly benefits 99% of planted setups.. but no, it is not required, by any means.
Squawkbert
10-11-2007, 1:30 PM
Read up on NPT at APC (http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/index.php?referrerid=15164) for more info.
Nolapete
10-11-2007, 1:31 PM
Only if you have high light. It's not necessary for low-med light.
gimincorp
10-11-2007, 2:17 PM
No it is not necessary. I do have life plants in my 45G with dual light-strip and aerator going on at nights. Plants are growing well and fast. I have plenty of java moss - can't stop that. Hygro is also doing good.
shaggbark
10-11-2007, 2:28 PM
I have a heavily planted low light tank with no co2 and the plants are doing great 8) Michelle
beviking
10-11-2007, 2:58 PM
No
It depends on the plant species, your light level, and your objectives.
Some species require intense light with 3wpg or more. Thus, the more light you have the more CO2 you need in the water. And if you want your plants to grow fast, red, and compact, CO2 will help you establish this.
I also have a 55 gal with plants without CO2 and 2.36 wpg. From my experience, you can grow a lot of healthy plants with this kind of light. I dose some fertilizer each week and that's it.
If you can afford CO2, it will benefit your plants greatly.
It depends on the plant species, your light level, and your objectives.
Some species require intense light with 3wpg or more. Thus, the more light you have the more CO2 you need in the water. And if you want your plants to grow fast, red, and compact, CO2 will help you establish this.
I also have a 55 gal with plants without CO2 and 2.36 wpg. From my experience, you can grow a lot of healthy plants with this kind of light. I dose some fertilizer each week and that's it.
If you can afford CO2, it will benefit your plants greatly.
No, it's not a MUST.