kinda off topic but... FRESHWATER PLANTED TANK HEEEEELP

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

and how do u know how to do co2 dosing with yeast and citric acid? when do I do it? how much? and blah...
its a 10 gal, with 4 full grown guppies and 6 babies... I have duckweed( YES, I LIKE IT, LEAVE ME BE) a light(duuuh) elodea, sagittaria and thats all, im gonna get some Monte Carlo and dwarf hair grass

Have you reviewed discussions like this on determining if it is needed?

Signs of Low CO2 in Planted Aquarium

For the passionate aquascaper, understanding each element within the enclosed aquatic ecosystem is paramount. An often overlooked, yet crucial element in this balancing act is carbon dioxide or CO2. Recognizing the signs of low CO2 in planted aquarium settings can be the defining factor between...

www.co2art.us

 

[stewy14]

OK planted tank person here. You have a bunch of beginner, low light, low tech plants. One of which I consider a pest and would not allow it near my tank. They will not need CO2. Or anything better than an LED desk lamp. What substrate did you use to make your water muddy? Are you reminerlizing or using tap?

What are your goals. If you are going to use CO2 do not cheap out. Get a good dual stage regulator and buy a cheap 5lb tank.

If this was asked in the planted tank forum you would be flagged as a troll instantly.

No duckweed will die submerged. About the carpet.

lol, I know about the duckweed, if was just a cool experimental type thing, but for the co2, I can make it myself right? and if I can't, I can just buy aqueon co2, how would I dose that in though?

 

[TehBrainz]

lol, I know about the duckweed, if was just a cool experimental type thing, but for the co2, I can make it myself right? and if I can't, I can just buy aqueon co2, how would I dose that in though?

I don't understand your question. The aqueon kit comes with everything needed by the looks of it. You just dial down the flow to your specific needs.

You can certainly make your own CO2 generator. About a million videos pop up on how to do it if you google it. It's pretty straightforward. Probably easier to just buy a kit or make your own with a tank of CO2 and some gauges to tell you fill level and flow rate. Not sure how your parents would feel having a tank of CO2 in your room though.

It all boils down to the initial question of determine if you truly NEED it or just think you need it. As others have stated it's probably not necessary and it can certainly be added after the fact.

Have you heard of the K.I.S.S. method? It works in reef tanks and planted

 

[stewy14]

I don't understand your question. The aqueon kit comes with everything needed by the looks of it. You just dial down the flow to your specific needs.

You can certainly make your own CO2 generator. About a million videos pop up on how to do it if you google it. It's pretty straightforward. Probably easier to just buy a kit or make your own with a tank of CO2 and some gauges to tell you fill level and flow rate. Not sure how your parents would feel having a tank of CO2 in your room though.

It all boils down to the initial question of determine if you truly NEED it or just think you need it. As others have stated it's probably not necessary and it can certainly be added after the fact.

Have you heard of the K.I.S.S. method? It works in reef tanks and planted

could I just use liquid co2 instead?

 

[TehBrainz]

I believe the small cartridges are liquid. Refillable tanks may start as liquid if filled at the factory, but when you are getting them filled for repeated use is most likely in gas phase. The physical state of the CO2 in the cylinders/cartridges is a moot point. When dosing into the tank, it is always in gas phase.

CO2 is a gas at atmospheric pressures.

 

[Reign1]

so I ordered stratum yesterday(it was same day) and got some plants and guppies today(maybe gonna add a betta and shrimp in the future. but, here are my questions:
1: I just got some elodea Nutella(hehehehehe, nuttallii) at my lfs, AND I HAVE IDEA
Could I cut it up and use it as a carpet plant? will the little trimming be able to regrow? or not?
hope u can help!

2: When should I dose co2 into my 10 gallon tank? once a day? 3 times a week? blah... when and how?
really hope u can help
and do I need Fert? or does fishy poop work well enough?

3: AAAAAAAAHHHHH stratum blew up, my tank is muddy, not that muddy, I am running my sponge filter rn and its doing something, should I just keep that running?

4: can I make a carpet with duckweed?

thanks,
stewy

SOOOO planted person here.
1. IDK that it will carpet .. Most of the nicer (no all) carpeting plants like CO2 or higher light.
2. CO2 is best used continously. I would recommend finding out which plants you want to keep and make decision based on this. For example my CO2 tank ran out on one setup my Golden Nessea is not happy and looking crappy. hopefully it will bouce back. Running CO2 intermittingly not best idea. ALSO LIQUID C02 products dont work and not a thing most are anti algaecides.
3. Stratum is very dirty it will take some time. You many want to take some water out but yeah it is dirty.
4. duckweed floats and no matter how much you put it in substrate will likely release and float. Also it is a nuisance sooo you may want to rethink putting it in a tank on purpose. It is a pain to get rid of once in a tank.

 

[Reign1]

could I just use liquid co2 instead?

NO such thing as liquid CO2 better using a good light and AIO fert. instead of misleading product.

 

[Reign1]

I believe the small cartridges are liquid. Refillable tanks may start as liquid if filled at the factory, but when you are getting them filled for repeated use is most likely in gas phase. The physical state of the CO2 in the cylinders/cartridges is a moot point. When dosing into the tank, it is always in gas phase.

CO2 is a gas at atmospheric pressures.

I think poster is referring to products that advertise as C02 in a bottle which they arent.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

NO such thing as liquid CO2 better using a good light and AIO fert. instead of misleading product.

I presumed he just meant a cylinder filled with liquid CO2. Obviously it is released as gas.

 

[TehBrainz]

I think poster is referring to products that advertise as C02 in a bottle which they arent.

Had no idea there were such things. Amazing how marketing teams try to change the laws of nature haha

 

[iannarelli]

OK let's begin.

• Elodea Nutella (hehehehe, nuttallii): Ah, the magical plant that grows in jars of chocolate spread! Unfortunately, elodea isn't much for carpets—it prefers standing tall in the background, showing off. If you chop it up, it'll regrow, but think more "vertical forest" than "green shag rug."
• CO2 Dosing: CO2 is the morning coffee for your plants. In your 10-gallon tank, think of it as a daily espresso shot rather than a weekly binge. A little every day keeps them perky. And while fishy poop adds some nutrients, a good fertilizer is like a balanced diet—your plants will thank you for it.
• Muddy Tank: Ah, the dreaded substrate explosion—your tank’s version of a bad hair day. Keep that sponge filter running like it’s cleaning up after a party. Some water changes will help too. Just give it time; it’ll clear up faster than your last bad decision.
• Duckweed Carpet: Duckweed as a carpet? That’s like trying to use confetti as a blanket. It floats on the surface, so for a nice green carpet, go for dwarf hairgrass or Monte Carlo. Duckweed is more of a party crasher that won’t leave, so handle with care.

And remember, folks: if your tank starts looking like a swamp monster's lair, you’re probably having more fun than the rest of us. Happy fish-keeping, and may your aquatic plants grow faster than the BS on this forum!

Emphasizing the party crasher analogy!! Avoid duckweed like the plague. I have removed the floating plants in my aquarium 4 or 5 times and individual rinsed them and put them back in, only to somehow get duckweed a couple of weeks later. You will never get rid of it once it's in your tank, unless you plan on keeping goldfish/koi (they'll eat it).

 

[stewy14]

I think poster is referring to products that advertise as C02 in a bottle which they arent.

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiymMvn3NGGAxUUYkcBHQNqBUkYABAJGgJxdQ&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwyJqzBhBaEiwAWDRJVNRD9qOXct2g_HA6m0drpUrWYOHlUGQxoX8T2OgfJLA89XUV3seZMRoCP14QAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2r4BJQSqRmGpObC2rHe9wp6Wej2wWPbj1kZigVgr7YkmMY4tCfuwF48xuN8Xg_FJ7HdvsLrQs_e1UhhTtzbJvGe0C4KwLS8QMuFKevpPfMX2zF9U&sig=AOD64_0peh7luwFv1lcldFLDcmUshAKaJg&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjSr8Tn3NGGAxW-v4kEHTqlIcoQ9aACKAB6BAgHEA8&adurl=

wrong

and for liquid: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3wEHYhIQkZJmBlH7ltq4au

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Don't be misled by names, which is the point made above.

Both of those products are mostly going to be organic carbon dosing, just like we do in a reef tank. The organic is metabolized in situ to CO2. If you want just CO2 in water, buy (or make) soda water.

 

[twentyleagues]

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiymMvn3NGGAxUUYkcBHQNqBUkYABAJGgJxdQ&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwyJqzBhBaEiwAWDRJVNRD9qOXct2g_HA6m0drpUrWYOHlUGQxoX8T2OgfJLA89XUV3seZMRoCP14QAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2r4BJQSqRmGpObC2rHe9wp6Wej2wWPbj1kZigVgr7YkmMY4tCfuwF48xuN8Xg_FJ7HdvsLrQs_e1UhhTtzbJvGe0C4KwLS8QMuFKevpPfMX2zF9U&sig=AOD64_0peh7luwFv1lcldFLDcmUshAKaJg&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjSr8Tn3NGGAxW-v4kEHTqlIcoQ9aACKAB6BAgHEA8&adurl=

wrong

and for liquid: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3wEHYhIQkZJmBlH7ltq4au

Like said multiple times SNAKE OIL. I have planted tanks and lots of freshwater tanks all that stuff listed as liquid cO2 is junk it can help rid you of algae and your plants if you are not careful though. Nothing beats actual CO2 but it is usually not needed unless you are going very heavy plants. It take time and understanding to use it properly.

 

[Reign1]

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiymMvn3NGGAxUUYkcBHQNqBUkYABAJGgJxdQ&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwyJqzBhBaEiwAWDRJVNRD9qOXct2g_HA6m0drpUrWYOHlUGQxoX8T2OgfJLA89XUV3seZMRoCP14QAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2r4BJQSqRmGpObC2rHe9wp6Wej2wWPbj1kZigVgr7YkmMY4tCfuwF48xuN8Xg_FJ7HdvsLrQs_e1UhhTtzbJvGe0C4KwLS8QMuFKevpPfMX2zF9U&sig=AOD64_0peh7luwFv1lcldFLDcmUshAKaJg&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjSr8Tn3NGGAxW-v4kEHTqlIcoQ9aACKAB6BAgHEA8&adurl=

wrong

and for liquid: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3wEHYhIQkZJmBlH7ltq4au

HMMM neither one is liquid CO2 dude.

 

[Reign1]

Like said multiple times SNAKE OIL. I have planted tanks and lots of freshwater tanks all that stuff listed as liquid cO2 is junk it can help rid you of algae and your plants if you are not careful though. Nothing beats actual CO2 but it is usually not needed unless you are going very heavy plants. It take time and understanding to use it properly.

This

 

[Reign1]

Don't be misled by names, which is the point made above.

Both of those products are mostly going to be organic carbon dosing, just like we do in a reef tank. The organic is metabolized in situ to CO2. If you want just CO2 in water, buy (or make) soda water.

Or get a CO2 setup. Really easy once on. I pretty much have mine all on timers/solenoid so I dont have to do anything. Had an ATO on my tank and dont touch it really.

 

[Reign1]

Emphasizing the party crasher analogy!! Avoid duckweed like the plague. I have removed the floating plants in my aquarium 4 or 5 times and individual rinsed them and put them back in, only to somehow get duckweed a couple of weeks later. You will never get rid of it once it's in your tank, unless you plan on keeping goldfish/koi (they'll eat it).

Same I had some come in on a plant (should have dipped it) took me a while to get it out of tank.

 

[Reign1]

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiymMvn3NGGAxUUYkcBHQNqBUkYABAJGgJxdQ&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwyJqzBhBaEiwAWDRJVNRD9qOXct2g_HA6m0drpUrWYOHlUGQxoX8T2OgfJLA89XUV3seZMRoCP14QAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2r4BJQSqRmGpObC2rHe9wp6Wej2wWPbj1kZigVgr7YkmMY4tCfuwF48xuN8Xg_FJ7HdvsLrQs_e1UhhTtzbJvGe0C4KwLS8QMuFKevpPfMX2zF9U&sig=AOD64_0peh7luwFv1lcldFLDcmUshAKaJg&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjSr8Tn3NGGAxW-v4kEHTqlIcoQ9aACKAB6BAgHEA8&adurl=

wrong

and for liquid: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3wEHYhIQkZJmBlH7ltq4au

What do I know though right (have to take 15-20 pots to LFS every 3-4 weeks ) lol

 

[Devisissy]

could I just use liquid co2 instead?

There is no such thing. Excel is carbon source. Period. If you "make" your own Co2 set up dialing it in is the hard part. Each tank is different. However a good starting point is 1.0-1.5 ph drop from lights on to lights off. That's a starting point. Consistency is key or your tank will be over taken with algae. Then what are you going to dose? Tap, EI, all in one? It's a balance. If you add CO2 you want to up the lights. I use Kessils with T5 because kessil is garbage on it's own. Yeah I said it.

Soda water...I mean I guess, but really? LOL!

Anyway low tech is a lie. Good luck in what ever you do. Planted tanks are much harder to get right than reef. Nevermind I fail at reef tanks. Here is the 45 JBJ. Debaffeled using canister filtration. SB REEF planted on like 35%.