When it comes to water chemistry, pH, ammonia, and nitrates/nitrites are my usual main concerns, and I really do not pay much attention to the other chemical aspects of a freshwater tank. However, there is another chemical that needs to be monitored in planted tanks: CO2. To achieve a lush, planted aquarium, CO2 injection is a must.
What is all this nonsense about CO2 in planted tanks and why do you need it? What does it have to do with my water chemistry? CO2 injection may sound confusing but hopefully I can shed some light on CO2 injection for the hesitant hobbyist.
Why do plants need CO2?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a waste product of respiration and every living animal that breathes oxygen produces CO2. Plant, though, require CO2 for photosynthesis and respire oxygen as their waste product. This is one way that water is oxygenated in ponds, rivers and oceans (the other being water movement). The addition of CO2 increases the amount the oxygen production by the plants, benefiting the tank's inhabitants. CO2 also helps increase plant growth, for that natural, lush look.
In what aquariums should I use CO2?
Many find it difficult to decide if their particular aquarium should have CO2 added, but the answer is easy! If more than 20% of your aquarium is planted, then CO2 should be added!
Next week I will go over the affects of CO2 on water chemistry and the different methods to administrate the CO2 into the planted tank.
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