Starting a tank with CO2, then turning low tech?

[NathanB]

What’s everyone’s thoughts on this, good way to get plants established? Or is it better to start the tank as non Co2 from the beginning?

I ordered a Chihiros WRGBii 60cm for my 80cm tank and I’ll suspend it above. I’ll be able to adjust the intensity if I don’t use co2 so this won’t be an issue. My end goal is to have a long term super low maintenance tank so that it’ll be okay whenever I travel (with the help of someone to feed the fish and dose), except I really miss using co2 and experiencing that crazy lush growth, so im wondering if it’s possible to start the tank with co2 to get it grown in and established a little, then maybe over the course of a couple weeks transition to a non co2 tank, to give the plants time to adjust gradually. Or is this going to give me problems?

 

[PARAGUAY]

I am fortunate that when l used CO2 my son an aquarist could call up to sort things out if l was away. It's a choice of course but setting up a new aqurium l would go low tech with easy plants ,you can always go CO2 when established and add plants. Most plants will grow healthy in a low tech ,

 

[NathanB]

Mainly thinking Rotala bushes, Blyxa japonica and wood covered with Fissidens moss, and a hair grass carpet (I know this makes it a little more maintenance). I've seen blyxa grown in low tech setups, just needs a lot of time to get established. Im going to go with rotala blood red and try to eventually experiment with the lighting to see how bright I can go without added algae issues, I'll try find the balance to get as much red as I can from the rotala

 

[RickyV]

That is what I did on my tank. Used CO2 to quickly fill in the scape and shut it off for a lower maintenance tank. I just removed it cold turkey. I only have easy plants, but I haven't noticed any difference after removing CO2 other than slower growth rate which is great for me. This is the tank.

 

[NathanB]

Wow that tank is incredible! Amazing work, can i ask what that amazon sword is just left of the middle at the top, with the lines running through the leaves?

 

[RickyV]

Wow that tank is incredible! Amazing work, can i ask what that amazon sword is just left of the middle at the top, with the lines running through the leaves?

Thanks! Hmm I am not sure I remember, I think it is echinodorus osiris.