Do I need CO2?

KRUNNCH540

KRUNNCH540

AC Members
Jun 7, 2007
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Tarpon Springs, Florida
I am the process of planning out my new 75G and need to know what to do with the CO2 question that keeps arising. I'm going to be running anywhere from 210W to 260W of light in the aquarium and have a medium amount of plants dispersed. I'll more than likely be using Eco-complete substrate and was wondering what else is required (Co2? Tablets? Peat Moss?)? Help please.

Thanks,
Kris
 
Rex Grigg said:
Yes you do need CO2. Pressurized is the only way to go.

A thin layer of peat moss under the Eco-Complete and if you can get it some mulm from an established tank.
Click to expand...

DIY is of course possible, but I agree with Rex - for a tank of that size, you are better off with pressurized.

Rex - will peat moss really make a difference with the "specialized" substrates such as Eco or Fluorite? Both claim that they are already rich in iron.
 
If you can afford pressurised Co2, go for it!

I use iron based liquid fertiliser too.
 
Maybe and don't quote me on this, but right now a CO2 system may be a little out of my range. Down the road a few months...probably not. For the current situation, would a couple (meaning 4-5) of those CO2 Hagen Natural Plant Systems suffice in the short run?
 
You buy 5 of those and you are half way to a pressurized system. Think about that. You can set up a manual pressurized system for around $150 if you are willing to do a bit of work.

If you are going to go DIY then don't waste money on commercial solutions. Just use juice or Gatorade bottles and build your own system.

And yes I have found that a bit of peat under the Eco helps kick start the substrate.
 
I use 2 x 2L DIY CO2 with coke bottles. And my plants are growing like weeds.

Until I get a job, then I will go pressurised. And I'm in no hurry to get a job. A permanant job at least.
 
For a 75g w/ that much light, I would also go pressurized.
Since Rex didn't do so himself, I will mention that he is an excellent source for dry ferts (a lot cheaper than prepared liquid formulations) and quality regulators etc. for pressurized systems.

His site: http://www.rexgrigg.com/index.html (as seen in his sig).

Also worth a look: APC
 
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