To CO2 or not to CO2, that is the question...

FenderOffset238 · 07-08-2012, 04:37 PM

So I have recently started up a new planted tank with the goal of raising a shrimp colony. But I'm a little weary of dosing CO2 into the aquarium... my last tank had a pH drop resulting in mass shrimp death.

What I wanted to know, with my plant list is it even worth dosing CO2? And if it is, how can I get it under control?! I use Kent RO right to add GH, but its the KH that effects the pH right? Im just looking to have a stable pH and healthy plants.

My plant list yet far is:
Crypt Parva
Crypt willisii
Mini Rose moss
Fissidens fontanus

P.S. if anyone has tips on maintaining proper hardness levels with RO water... feel free to spew some knowledge.

DishyFishy · 07-08-2012, 04:44 PM

Any plants will appreciate CO2. I have a low tech low light tank that I run DIY CO2 on, and the Swords love it! However, I think CO2 reduces the chances of shrimp breeding considerably, I'm not an expert though so someone chime in if I'm incorrect.

FenderOffset238 · 07-08-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DishyFishy

Any plants will appreciate CO2. I have a low tech low light tank that I run DIY CO2 on, and the Swords love it! However, I think CO2 reduces the chances of shrimp breeding considerably, I'm not an expert though so someone chime in if I'm incorrect.

I think the biggest problem with CO2 and breeding is the pH... which is curently the crux of my tank, its currently running pretty low (6.2), and I'm afraid without the right kh (I'm slightly ignorant on the topic) the ph swing cause hell to break loose...

I do have a regulator/solenoid on a timer but I'm still shell shocked from my last CO2 + Shrimp experience.....

I just wana make sure none of the plants in my tank NEED the CO2, Ive dealt with most others but im particularly concerned about the Mini Rose Moss

DishyFishy · 07-08-2012, 05:42 PM

Oh ok, sorry I misunderstood. No neither of your mosses nor your Crypts need CO2 to grow nice and healthy.

**mistergreen** · 07-08-2012, 05:49 PM

Keep your lights low and provide some nutrients. The plants will get what they need without the extra CO2. Of course, they will grow extremely slow.

07-08-2012, 04:37 PM	#1
FenderOffset238 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 130	To CO2 or not to CO2, that is the question... So I have recently started up a new planted tank with the goal of raising a shrimp colony. But I'm a little weary of dosing CO2 into the aquarium... my last tank had a pH drop resulting in mass shrimp death. What I wanted to know, with my plant list is it even worth dosing CO2? And if it is, how can I get it under control?! I use Kent RO right to add GH, but its the KH that effects the pH right? Im just looking to have a stable pH and healthy plants. My plant list yet far is: Crypt Parva Crypt willisii Mini Rose moss Fissidens fontanus P.S. if anyone has tips on maintaining proper hardness levels with RO water... feel free to spew some knowledge.

07-08-2012, 05:49 PM	#5
mistergreen Bow ties are cool (View User Tanks) PTrader: (12/100%) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 12,899	Keep your lights low and provide some nutrients. The plants will get what they need without the extra CO2. Of course, they will grow extremely slow. __________________ DIY High Tech Tank forum http://aquatictechtank.net A forum dedicated to design and program aquatic tanks

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07-08-2012, 04:44 PM	#2
DishyFishy Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SC Posts: 471	Any plants will appreciate CO2. I have a low tech low light tank that I run DIY CO2 on, and the Swords love it! However, I think CO2 reduces the chances of shrimp breeding considerably, I'm not an expert though so someone chime in if I'm incorrect.

07-08-2012, 05:42 PM	#4
DishyFishy Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SC Posts: 471	Oh ok, sorry I misunderstood. No neither of your mosses nor your Crypts need CO2 to grow nice and healthy.