Need to add Co2?

[DarkDH]

I probably have asked this question before, but is it necessary to add CO2 to a 20 gallon tank (long) with 2.4 wpg?

Plants I have in there are Vals (Straight) and Java moss. I plan to make the Java moss carpet parts of the tank, so Java moss will be the major thing in the tank.

Seeing how I just bought a T-5 Light system, I might as well ask if I need to add CO2. It's either DIY or Flourish Excel for me.

I don't really plan to grow anything else in there except those, other then maybe a few more mosses. Another concern for me is Algae.

So is it necessary to add CO2 or Flourish to my tank when I hook up my light system?

P.S Any ideas on how to make the Java moss grow crazy?

 

[calivivarium1]

I would be careful of using excel, some people have reported that it can cause problems with vals. In my tank(10gal with 27watts) my original plan was to use DIY CO2. APparently I am an idiot and cannot get DIY CO2 to work and thus I am currently using excel in the tank. So far, I have seen good growth in my plants (crypts, java moss, limnophila, rotala, and wisteria) and few algae problems.

 

[beviking]

I doubt it. If you're using moss for the most part, it isn't a big nutrient sponge (a.k.a. fast grower) so adding CO2/Excel likely won't help soak up excess nutrients much quicker. If you start having problems with algae, try Excel every other day or 1/2 dose to start and don't leave the lighting on for more than 10hrs...could probably cut it back to 9, then 8hrs and see if that helps. Just a note on Excel, I've heard it can (NOT will) be harmful to Vals. I haven't had problems at recommended dosage with corkscrew vals but others have when treating at higher dosages for algae.

To make any plant grow like crazy, give it enough light and nutrients Moss isn't a plant that grows like crazy though...relative to other plants.

 

[DarkDH]

So all the thing's I have heard about Java moss overrunning tanks is highly unlikely?

 

[Riiz]

So all the thing's I have heard about Java moss overrunning tanks is highly unlikely?

Only if you let it, its a slow grower for sure.

 

[Squawkbert]

My HM and Stargrass both outpace my Java Moss.

 

[DarkDH]

So my tank will basically lose against algae in the war with nutrients? How are Vals in growing speed? The ones in my tank with .85 wpg grow reaaally slowly.