I've had mixed results with my planted aquariums. These are fish tanks with nice plants, not plant tanks with some fish. I want to get my plants growing a little better. I've learned that I was way, way underlit. Probably why I had good results with Anubias, and mixed results with other plants (good growth for a month or 2, then steady decline). I got more light into the tank (around 2 WPG). Tank is 55G. Filters (2) are old penguins with Biowheels (around 600gph total). My CO2 is low (under 5ppm), pH 7.5, kh 4. I tested in the middle of a daylight cycle. I've read that the Biowheels will outgas the CO2, should I yank the wheels and retest before I worry about injecting CO2? Tank is moderately stocked.
Biowheels, should I yank them?
- Thread starter manowar669
- Start date
Are you currently injecting CO2? If not it doesn't make a bit of difference. And your CO2 levels are actually closer to 3 ppm if you are not injecting CO2 but your test results are within the error margins.
You can use Bio-Wheels on planted tanks with CO2. You just use a bit more CO2. And you would need a pressurized system on a 55 with dual Bio-Wheels other wise you would almost never be able to get decent CO2 levels.
You can use Bio-Wheels on planted tanks with CO2. You just use a bit more CO2. And you would need a pressurized system on a 55 with dual Bio-Wheels other wise you would almost never be able to get decent CO2 levels.
Not currently.
Do you think I could get by with DIY CO2? I think I would build a 4ft tall diffuser behind the tank with current opposing bubble flow (like a protein skimmer).
if your going to add gas i would take them off. make sure the tank is always as full as it can go. you will need a couple bottles of diy co2 to even bother. when you start to get into bigger tanks diy co2 just doesnt work well.
If you remove the Bio-Wheels and want to rotate about 6-8 liters of DIY mix you might be able to get decent CO2 levels. But you don't need a 4' tall diffuser.
But remember that constantly fluctuating levels of CO2 can be an algae magnet.
But remember that constantly fluctuating levels of CO2 can be an algae magnet.