Co2 questions... help

[wisp12343]

Alright, i have a five gallon betta tank that is desperate for some plants.

I know that plants need co2 and light to grow. The tank has enough light, but i'm not sure about the co2.

The tank is not being filtered because the hob filter i have is to violent for my betta. So here are some of the options i have come up with.

Just add plants, But i'm not sure if the betta gives off enough co2.

If i need more co2, get more fish, but that would require a different filter.

I'm not really sure what to do. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

 

[John N.]

For a tank that small, simply get Seachem Excel and dose that on a weekly basis. I'm willing to be the lighting for your tank isn't high enough to merit the tank as a high-light tank, so your dependency on CO2 will be nill.

Depending on your plant selection, you even may be able to go without any C02. Stick to anubias and cryptocorynes and you'll be fine without. Also, there seems to be a misconception that you can rely on fish C02 to fill your C02 requirement (if any). The CO2 fish produce should not be considered a source since the levels are virtually undetectable.

-John N.

 

[bradlgt21]

CO2 is nice to have but it isn't a requirement. I don't do CO2 in my 29 planted and it is fine. I would like to use CO2 as plants usually are healthier and grow better. But if you can afford it then you can't afford it.

 

[Riiz]

There are plenty of plants that do not require next to nothing in terms of need. Some java ferns or a couple of anubias would do a 5 gallon wonders and as long as the tank gets a little light, they'll survive for a long time in not indefinitely.

 

[ferrettim]

i've found co2 injection makes a pretty big difference in a planted tank regardless of size. You can make your own with a little ingenuity and $10-20 in supplies. In a tank that small it would be a good idea to add some plants to get rid of some of the betta's waste. I would definitely put the betta in something a little bigger (like a 10g).

 

[Jspigs]

this is off topic but try getting a smaller filter for your Betta, ALL fish need filtration.

 

[coach_z]

is the filtration really too much?

no co2 is necessary, no fertilizers are necessary, just make sure you have one bulb that is good for growing plants. co2 is exchanged at the surface of the water (with the help of a filter)