newbie Co2 help

[tolkienapostle]

I have had my tank set up for about 6 months now and have decided to try my hand at some live plants. I feel i have the proper lighting set up. I have been reading about the benefits of Co2. My question is, is it really necessary, other than that it promotes more growth. Also, what is the most economical way to get a Co2 system started, really the price tag is the only thing holding me back, i like all this "fish tech".

 

[phanmc]

It depends on your lighting and plant choice whether CO2 is a bonus or necessity. A low light tank will not require CO2 (although it will still benefit from it) but a high light tank will drive growth and CO2 becomes a necessity.

Small tanks can make do with DIY yeast method, which is basically mixing yeast and sugar in 2L soda bottle and running a airline through the cap into the tank. The CO2 sticky has some recipes on more elaborate mixes.

For larger setups, say 40g and up, you will need a pressurized CO2 setup that are quite costly, around $200. Pressurized is the best method of injecting CO2, allows you to keep a constant level which is almost as important as having CO2 at all.

 

[---MR.CLEAN---]

here is another site for homemade Co2
http://www.widmer.org/aquarium/ber_anl_bioco2_1e.html

 

[Fishy_Fun]

i would say there is a real benefit to using C02 because i have seen a spike in my plant growth.plus if you want really green thick plants i recommend it

 

[Mgamer20o0]

excel is another option its liquid co2 not as good as the gas but can work.