DIY CO2 for 10 gal

[Radek]

I've been reading through the different posts, and i've seen people with different opinions about injecting CO2 into a 10 gal. I have a 10 gal tank with 2.8 wpg, and I am still not sure if I should go along with CO2 or not. Any thoughts/idea much appreciated

 

[Blinky]

I've got a DIY setup on my 10g (30W PC spirals), I don't see why you shouldn't try it out if you want to, but it's probably not essential - I'd say 2.8WPG over a 10g is medium or even medium-low lighting. My plants seem to appreciate it, I get good growth and lots of pearling, and the fast growth rate helps keep algae at bay

 

[Mako]

I'd do it. IME 2.8 watts is fine. I co2'd a 15 gallon with 20 watts and grew swords and val just fine (just a tad slower, which was fine with me).

 

[Quartermain]

I have wavered with CO2 in my 10 Gal. The more you read the more you'll realize there isn't one way that works for everybody. Too many variations in tap water supply, plant uptake, substrate combinations, fish load etc...

... so anyway I'm back to CO2 now.

The bottom line is it may not help, but it cannot hurt. So long as you keep tabs on the concentration. I found that difficult with the DIY-style Hagen canister. I'm thinking about investing in a small power reactor (or perhaps making one my own) so I can control CO2 out of the DIY canister on a timer.

 

[Radek]

I think I'll go along with CO2 injection, but should i change the amount of ingredients for the DIY formula to account for 10 gallons?

 

[anonapersona]

not a 2 liter!

Yes, you need to use a smaller container and reduce the volumes to fit. Like, a 1 liter bottle, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon yeast, water to within 3 inches of the top.