CO2 needed?

[CaitxSith]

Would I need to add CO2 if I have micro sword, anubias nana, java fern, cryptocorne, water sprite, anachris, and cabomba all in a 10 gallon tank?

I was thinking about Excel, but then I found out that anachris can melt from it.

It seemed like a lot of plants for just 10 gallons, so I thought I might need a CO2 supplement that isn't Excel (even though Excel technically isn't Co2... just carbon. Helps, though).

[Bk828]

Whats your lighting?

For low light plants co2 is not needed

[Cory Keeper]

excel would probably wind up melting anachris.

[DAVIDFBT]

I remember putting excel with a tank half full of anacharis... You don't need CO2 if your light levels are high enough.

[Fordtrannyman]

Whats your lighting?

For low light plants co2 is not needed

In addition another thing to consider is bio load.

[CaitxSith]

2.6 wpg...

This is a plan, I don't actually have the plants yet.

Bioload - 8 neons, 1 betta. I might add 5 amano shrimp. Might.

[Fordtrannyman]

2.6 wpg...
What type and wattage? >wpg does not work on 10gal tank<

[jmhart]

You don't need CO2 if your light levels are high enough.


Might want to reread that.

[CaitxSith]

What type and wattage? >wpg does not work on 10gal tank<

Compact Fluorescent, 26 watts (strange number... o.o).

[jmhart]

6500k bulb?

[CaitxSith]

If I recall correctly... yes, it's 6,500k.

...or it could just be a 4000k bulb.

I hate how my memory sucks...

[gmh]

The bulb may have the K rating stamped on it.
Not sure how the micro sword and Cabomba will do but the other plants should be fine in your setup with no CO2.

[DAVIDFBT]

You don't need CO2 if your light levels are high enough.

Might want to reread that.

Whoops, I meant low enough. 6500 K would be perfect for a planted tank.

[CaitxSith]

The bulb may have the K rating stamped on it.
Not sure how the micro sword and Cabomba will do but the other plants should be fine in your setup with no CO2.

Well...

Seems like my bulb's old or something - I can't find the darned stamp. Just says 26 watts and something about warnings and higher wattage or something...

HOWEVER, I KNOW the K range is between 4,000 and 6,500... I just don't know specifically.

Thanks for the info.

*EDIT*
Whaddaya know...
I check out the website for the bulb and I get a Kelvin of 5100 to 5300.

[CaitxSith]

bump.


I'm guessing I'm going to need a bit of CO2 with:
26 watts
5100~5300 Kelvins
10 gallons

hmm...

[jmhart]

First, you'll want to upgrade that bulb. 5500k is really the minimum that will grow plants, where something like 6500k should be used. Generally, if the bulb doesn't reveal it's kelvin rating, it shouldn't be used for growing plants.

With 26w of good 6500k light over a 10g, I would recommend co2.