CO2 Systems

[DJDrZ]

I currently have 2x2L DIY CO2 on my tank, it is doing great, my Madagascar Lace is growing like a weed, as my other fish are. However, I seem to be having trouble with BGA and BBA. So, I am thinking about going to a pressurized system. I was thinking of the Red Sea system and adding a electonic solenoid. This is NOT a planted tank, but fish tank with some plants.
I am looking for suggestions as to what sort of system to put together?

 

[jetajockey]

a fish tank with some plants is still a planted tank. If it has low demand plants in it then don't bother with co2 at all and just dose excel. You can get glutaraldehyde, the active ingredient in excel, by the gallon for cheap, it's called metricide.


The best method overall though is to get a proper co2 system, or stick with low demand plants.

I wouldn't be throwing all kinds of money at it if you aren't planning on having a lush planted tank, it just makes no sense to do so. There are other methods to battle algae, getting rid of the fluctuating DIY co2 is the first step.

 

[DJDrZ]

a fish tank with some plants is still a planted tank. If it has low demand plants in it then don't bother with co2 at all and just dose excel. You can get glutaraldehyde, the active ingredient in excel, by the gallon for cheap, it's called metricide.


The best method overall though is to get a proper co2 system, or stick with low demand plants.

I wouldn't be throwing all kinds of money at it if you aren't planning on having a lush planted tank, it just makes no sense to do so. There are other methods to battle algae, getting rid of the fluctuating DIY co2 is the first step.

I have madgascar Lace, Amazon Swords, Cryps...I don't think those are considered low demand plants are they? What would you suggest to get rid of the fluctuating CO2? Just ditch the DIY and let nature take it's course?

 

[jetajockey]

I have never kept madagascar lace, but I have swords and crypts in several tanks, ranging from .75 wpg up to 2wpg without a problem. They thrive with higher light/ferts/co2, but they do fine without them, just grow slower.

So it really depends on your intended goal with the tank. Another potential issue with a high tech tank is that you likely to be trimming it back more often, so if you aren't up for that then definitely hold off on what you can.