MichaelJ
Member
Hello,
I am looking for ideas to optimize the CO2 levels in my non-injecting tanks.
In both my ~150L (40 US Gallon) tanks I am striving for the lush wild overgrown look - I have no algae to speak of and good plant health and growth overall - for a low-energy tank at least… I already trimmed down and cut back on the plant mass a bit (and will probably do more) - I think this may be the most significant thing I can do anyway, but I am always curious to what people are recommending in addition.
I am going to increase surface agitation a bit (without stressing the fish and frogbit) to get that slight extra bit of CO2 uptake. Maxing CO2 in Low Techs
Since I started the tanks about 10 months ago I’ve run them almost constantly at about 26-27C (79-81F) and thinking of gradually lowering temps to about 24-25C (76-77F). My understanding is that as water temperature goes down the CO2 uptake from the air and the bio-availability of CO2 goes up? Lowering the temperature will also slow the plants metabolism causing slower growth and lessen the plants uptake of CO2 as well, so that all sounds like a win-win theory - albeit fairly marginal I assume?
My light levels have always been quite low - long hours (11) but low intensity and lots of remarkably thriving frogbit to provide additional coverage. I am wary about changing my light setup as I have reached a very good compromise on that part, but I suppose cutting back an hour or so would somewhat increase the CO2 production from the plants themselves.
Other tweaks I can make?
Cheers,
Michael
I am looking for ideas to optimize the CO2 levels in my non-injecting tanks.
In both my ~150L (40 US Gallon) tanks I am striving for the lush wild overgrown look - I have no algae to speak of and good plant health and growth overall - for a low-energy tank at least… I already trimmed down and cut back on the plant mass a bit (and will probably do more) - I think this may be the most significant thing I can do anyway, but I am always curious to what people are recommending in addition.
I am going to increase surface agitation a bit (without stressing the fish and frogbit) to get that slight extra bit of CO2 uptake. Maxing CO2 in Low Techs
Since I started the tanks about 10 months ago I’ve run them almost constantly at about 26-27C (79-81F) and thinking of gradually lowering temps to about 24-25C (76-77F). My understanding is that as water temperature goes down the CO2 uptake from the air and the bio-availability of CO2 goes up? Lowering the temperature will also slow the plants metabolism causing slower growth and lessen the plants uptake of CO2 as well, so that all sounds like a win-win theory - albeit fairly marginal I assume?
My light levels have always been quite low - long hours (11) but low intensity and lots of remarkably thriving frogbit to provide additional coverage. I am wary about changing my light setup as I have reached a very good compromise on that part, but I suppose cutting back an hour or so would somewhat increase the CO2 production from the plants themselves.
Other tweaks I can make?
Cheers,
Michael
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