Co2 Question

[PrettyDiscus]

I have been looking for a co2 kit but didnt realise how expensive they were. I was planning on having two one for each of my planted tanks. Is there a cheaper way of making my plants look greener and healthier?
Is fertilizer as good and effective as co2?

 

[PaulasPets]

You can make a simple DIY CO2 system out of coke bottles

Paula

 

[PrettyDiscus]

Is it as good though? How do i set it up? What about a diffuser?

 

[George Farmer]

CO2 injection is essential if you intend to run the higher lighting levels (typically over 2 watts per gal.) associated with lush, green, heavily planted tanks.

It is entirely possible to run a successful planted tank without higher lighting levels and non-CO2 injection - you are just limited to keeping low light tolerant plants.

DIY CO2 can be effective but it is harder to acheive stable and appropriate levels in larger tanks. Type in "DIY CO2" in google and you'll find plenty of hits.

I recommend reading the pinned threads on lighting and CO2 to gain a better understanding of these two important subjects.