Plant growing systems

WinterWind

WinterWind

Mad pianist
Feb 11, 2005
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I have a 10 gal aquarium, and it has been going for about 3 years or so, and now I have started adding more plants. I now have 2 big and healthy swords which I have kept for over 2 years, and 2 java ferns and an annubias.

My question is about the CO2 system for plants. I'm not sure what it is, but is it possible to install into an established aquarium without too much trouble?

And also, I heard putting stuff like peat moss into the substrate is good for plants. I only have gravel. Is there any way of putting growing substances into the gravel if the aquarium is already going, or do I have to strip everything down to add the CO2 thing and plant stuff?
 
The CO2 can be added any time. I would suggest a DIY CO2 reactor. There are lots of links on this board on how to make one.

Most plants will grow in regular gravel. You only need special substrates for specialized plants. So pick what you want to grow and if you need a special substrate then you can add one.

Adding a substrate to a running tank is risky. It will generate lots of particles in the water. I would think that it may be able to be done by adding very small amounts at a time. Maybe someone has done this and can provide further advice. It wouldn't be so bad if it were gravel, but many other substrates have fine particles that can get into the fish's gills.
 
"According to known practice, when light levels exceed two watts per gallon, supplementary CO2 is required for most aquariums."

Do I still need a CO2 system if my aquarium is only 1.5 watts per gallon? It says that if the light levels excced two watts per gallon, then the photosynthesis will require more Co2. If mine is less than 2.0, will the CO2 supplement actually be neccessary?
 
jonathan03 said:
Adding a substrate to a running tank is risky. It will generate lots of particles in the water. I would think that it may be able to be done by adding very small amounts at a time. Maybe someone has done this and can provide further advice. It wouldn't be so bad if it were gravel, but many other substrates have fine particles that can get into the fish's gills.
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my tank was all gravel but as I add plants I put them in flourite, so I'm removeing 2 handfuls of gravel and adding about 4 of flourite, done this twice so far. the water clears up very quickly, the first time I hardly noticed any dust and the second (just a few hours ago), well it only took about 2 hours for the water to be totaly clear, and it never got too cloudy to begin with. the fish seem fine and I gave them a snack and they had a big apetite. but I can keep you posted (as long as I remember which thread this is)
 
WinterWind said:
"According to known practice, when light levels exceed two watts per gallon, supplementary CO2 is required for most aquariums."

Do I still need a CO2 system if my aquarium is only 1.5 watts per gallon? It says that if the light levels excced two watts per gallon, then the photosynthesis will require more Co2. If mine is less than 2.0, will the CO2 supplement actually be neccessary?
Click to expand...

probably not. you said your plants are doing good already. if you want more CO2 you could reduce surface agitation or airation, or add more fish, which generate CO2. Just don't go to any extream that will not leave enough O2 :eek:
 
What if I scaled back on the CO2 reactor?

Will it help my plants?

And I'm still not sure how to do the CO2 reactor. how would I transfer the CO2 to the tank?
 
If you don't see your plants pearling off O2 right now, I really wouldn't suggest it. I had a similar setup of 1.5 wpg on my 10 gallon tank and it only helped the algae in the aquarium. But if you plan to increase your light, it'd be a great idea. :)
 
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