Co2 Possiblity?

[goin_all_out]

I'm looking for some thoughts on this idea. i have a 2.5 gallon with a lone Betta in it, it has no heater, filter or lights. planted with an Anubis Nana, and java fern. i don't dose any ferts at the moment but i have them if it were needed. the tank is situated so that it doesn't get direct sunlight, but the large window allows enough light in that the plants are growing. i have an extra nutrafin co2 system bottle, and some regular air hose. would i be able to do up a mix in the bottle and use an air stone as a diffuser for some added co2? would this be safe for my Betta (i know they have the ability to breathe regular air but I'm being cautious)? I'm on a heavy budget right now and can't afford fancy things. any thoughts would be great.

 

[aaronnorth]

it is ok to use an airstone, just not as effecient as a bubble ladder IMO

 

[goin_all_out]

the only issue i have with using a ladder is that its bigger then the hight of my tank. for refference sakes its the same size as llj 2.5, infact im sure its the same tank.

its there something i could put over top the air stone to catch the bubbles when they come off the stone?

 

[aaronnorth]

you could put it under your filter intake or get a pollen diffuser over the top of the airstone to help but these aren't the best of things

 

[dpcamp]

i thought both plants he is referring to are low light plants which also means they do not require co2?

 

[aaronnorth]

they dont need it but adding it wont do any harm, just quicker growth.

 

[RadaR]

i thought both plants he is referring to are low light plants which also means they do not require co2?

Well noticed.
Bottom line is, you don't need CO2 for low light plants. You mention they are growing and no mention of algae, in which case IMO, why complicate things?
However, if you did really want to do CO2 just to experience it, then yes DIY is the best way to go. 2 fermentation cannisters to ensure constant output. I'd try maybe 1/6 of a teaspoon of yeast.
As for diffusing, you can use a ceramic air stone, or ones they use for marine (in skimmers I think...) which create very fine bubbles. Ceramic glass diffusers are also an option, the nano ones should work.
I wouldn't personally use a ladder because it would take up so much space in a 2.5gal.
llj's input would be good, seeing as how her 2.5gal is great and she has had a good success with it.

 

[lljdma06]

i thought both plants he is referring to are low light plants which also means they do not require co2?

Well noticed.
Bottom line is, you don't need CO2 for low light plants. You mention they are growing and no mention of algae, in which case IMO, why complicate things?
However, if you did really want to do CO2 just to experience it, then yes DIY is the best way to go. 2 fermentation cannisters to ensure constant output. I'd try maybe 1/6 of a teaspoon of yeast.
As for diffusing, you can use a ceramic air stone, or ones they use for marine (in skimmers I think...) which create very fine bubbles. Ceramic glass diffusers are also an option, the nano ones should work.
I wouldn't personally use a ladder because it would take up so much space in a 2.5gal.
llj's input would be good, seeing as how her 2.5gal is great and she has had a good success with it.

I don't inject CO2 into my 2.5g, but I also have pretty strong filtration, which allows for good water circulation, essential in tanks. I have more stock than you do as well, lots of little dwarf catfish. I think if the plants are growing well, I don't see the point having a DIY CO2 system in your situation. I would if I had more light, but then I'd opt for filtration among other things (including CO2 and a good diffusor), and then it's really not a low-tech tank anymore. I have a betta in a bowl that is growing moss and Pothos (I know a non-aquatic, but I place cuttings in the bowl to establish root systems before planting). The moss grows slowly, but my water is very hard. I had some success with a small anubia, but only during the winter months. The sun is too bright in my neck of the woods during the summer. I agree with RadaR, I wouldn't rock the boat, especially since things are going well.

llj