CO2 injection

[JIM]

Hi all,
On a whime i`ve just ordered a Co2 injection system for my 40 gall freshwater tropical setup.
I`v had a few setups in the past that I have tried to grow natural plants in without much success and am now determined to do it right.
I know that there is more to growing plants than just co2 but have tried to get most of the other things right and was wondering if anyone has had a major success with Co2 injection.
Tank is fairly recent (two months) setup, minimul stock levels at the moment, two times 30 watt lighting (12 hours), UG and power filtered.
Any tips?

 

[Kryten]

Your undergravel filter is part of the problem. These are not recommended for a tank with live plants, as they are constantly sucking away the goodness found in the water, fish waste and leftover food which will help the plant grow. This type of filter is best for smaller tanks and people who only want artificial plants

This is my opinion of course, but most books will advise to steer clear of UG filters if you want the best success with real plants. The CO2 system will help though. I use a liquid product called Safe Guard 12, which adds iron and sulphates to the water. I use this every fortnight and I get some great results from my plants. You might consider adding some of this to your tank to get the best results possible

You might als be wise to add fertilizer tablets to the base of the plant roots. Each tablet will last for a month approximately and will give a chemical additive to the plants, that will help against the flow of the UG filter

 

[LesGerber]

Well it has been my experience that all of the waste in my tank doesnt go through the UGF as the plants are sucking it up fairly fast. I stir the gravel everyday or so in different spots and nothing ever seems in the gravel. I Took a flashlight to see if it was all at the bottom and what I found was a surprise. I have roots growing there and there is very little waste down there so I guess the plants are getting it first.
There are alot of people that use ferts, I for one dont and my plants grow pretty good. Now let me add this has been things that I have experienced and not everyone is going to have the same results


Les

 

[JIM]

Thanks a lot for the advice chaps, I`ll let you know how I get on.