When to use a CO2 setup?

F

flipsta

AC Members
Mar 27, 2010
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Hello Y'all

I love live plants in my tanks and I want to introduce more kinds... I know this means better lights, but I've also been reading (on this forum) that CO2 can benefit plant growth. When do I need it? And how do I use it properly? Does it stay on only when the lights are on? Any info would be great!! Thanks. :)
 
It's a matter of "bottlenecks". As you introduce:
1) More light
2) More fertilizer
3) More C02

Each results in an increased ability to utilize the other two. When all three are satisfied will you see 4) More healthy growth. This balance can result in a "high tech" tank, but as you probably know there are a lot of plants that work in low light/fert/c02 as well.

A lot of people use CO2 injection in time with the lights, which makes a lot of sense. Some others use a controller to manage levels 24/7.
 
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both geekboy and coach are absolutely correct.

as well there are folks that set theirs on timers to go on/off an hour before the lights. the theory is it gives co2 time to build up before the plants wake up and need it and enough time to off gas in the evenings before the plants stop producing o2 and start respiring co2 themselves.
 
coach_z said:
There is no "i am at a certain point with my lights and ferts so now it must be co2 time" time.

Plants will always benefit from having co2.
does not matter how much light or how little light you have.
does not matter if you fertilize or not.
Click to expand...



:iagree:

I say go throught the planted forum and you will FIND A WHOLE bunch of post saying the same thing.

Co2 ANYTIME you want to start getting serious
 
:iagree:
lol

I think the reason that people think that co2 comes at a certain point is because new or misguided plant enthusiasts go out and buy expensive bright lights, then they get a bunch of algae. Then they buy ferts, then they get bba and a variety of other problems. Then all their problems are fixed because they get co2. co2 should really be a first step
 
geekboy said:
It's a matter of "bottlenecks". As you introduce:
1) More light
2) More fertilizer
3) More C02

Each results in an increased ability to utilize the other two. When all three are satisfied will you see 4) More healthy growth. This balance can result in a "high tech" tank, but as you probably know there are a lot of plants that work in low light/fert/c02 as well.

A lot of people use CO2 injection in time with the lights, which makes a lot of sense. Some others use a controller to manage levels 24/7.
Click to expand...

Actually, IMHO, the first bottleneck you hit (but no one realizes it) is co2. Not light and not fertilizer.
 
What type of setup do you have currently? A DIY Co2 might work well if you have a nano tank.

I'm planning to get into pressurized CO2 in the near future.. if I can afford it. Gotta start saving!
 
coach_z said:
Actually, IMHO, the first bottleneck you hit (but no one realizes it) is co2. Not light and not fertilizer.
Click to expand...
I didn't mean to set a particular order. Increasing any of the parameters without a suitable boost in the others will result in a bottleneck in growth.

You certainly have my agreement that looking after CO2 first is a good suggestion.
 
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