I want to know about co2

Co2 is carbon dioxide. With low light plants you really don't need it. Unless you do DIY co2 it's expensive and in your case it'd be a waste of money.

 

CO2 is carbon dioxide. It helps plant grow because they use it for food (like how trees turn co2 in oxegen)so it also oxgenises(dont no if thats a real word)your water for the fishes. Its not that complicated but very expensive and people who use it also uses ferts etc. i was about to get one but was to late ='[. I have a DIY one but i dont use because it lasts for like 1 week you have to turn off at night and run a air stone and cant run one during the day or else you will have ph swings so its a lot more work

 

Are you planning on purchasing a new lighting fixture that will put out more than 3 watts per gallon ? If not then again co2 is not necessary. Co2 and lighting go hand and hand.

 

yup true 2

 

A standard hood only provides a single florescent bulb which will only produce about 1 watt per gallon.

 

lol im gonna get one some day i saw a hella good deal on one but the guy who was gonn abuy my fishes flaked i didnt have the $ and they sold even though i told them i will buy it no metter what i will hunt that guy down.....

 

First off...don't be intimidated by it. It's really not that hard to do.

As you know, all plants need CO2 in some form or other to grow. It does not matter if you are running low light or not. However, as a general rule, any time you approach 2+ wpg, you should consider it. At 3+, you definately need it!

With that said, in a low light set up, you don't need it so to speak. But, the plants would definately benefit from it. Some would say to dose Flourish Excel as your carbon source. This would be fine except that it will melt sensitive plants like Vals.

In response to Seven, the only time you would have to turn off CO2 production would be if you are using a pressurized system. DIY CO2 doesn't produce enough to overdose your tank. Unless of course you are using several bottles connected together on a small tank.

Presurized systems do get costly. However, when you're dealing with larger tanks, DIY is simply not an option. They will also pay off in the long run as they will last a lot longer. Just a bigger layout up front.

DIY is all inexpensive to establish. More than likely you already have most of the requirements at home.

I'll be glad to assist you further if you want more info.

 

lol i dont know why ph went crazy it droped to 5.5...

 

Co2 will affect PH. This is also where you need to check your GH and KH. You may have to look at adding a booster.

There are several ways you can boost your GH.

I use crushed coral. This helps buffer your PH. I have well water and the PH is extremely low out of the tap. I have (1) cup of cc in every jug I use.

Another method is Baking Soda. I don't particularily like this method.

Also, the place where I buy my ferts from sells a GH booster mix.