CO2 tank

[Dorkhedeos]

i just thought of something, if you make a tank thats loaded with plants, and you put a co2 system in there with lots of fertilizer, wont this make the plants grow really fast? like double within a month?

 

[guppygirl]

yep....
Don't forget the high intensity lighting though!

 

[jimbooo]

you've just described a planted tank, not sure whats new here but yes your right. the fish dont detract from that they actually add more co2 and fertiliser to the water.

however if you over do the fertaliser the algae will overtake the plants.

 

[George Farmer]

i just thought of something, if you make a tank thats loaded with plants, and you put a co2 system in there with lots of fertilizer, wont this make the plants grow really fast? like double within a month?

Basically yes. In practice not quite so simple. A balance must be acheived between light, CO2, nutrient input (fertilisers inc. substrate, fish waste, fish food, tap water) and nutrient up-take (the plants using up light, CO2, fertiliser etc.)

If the system is out of balance i.e. nutrient input exceeds nutrient up-take then algae will dominate. The aim is to balance the system and this can only be done with trial and error in my experience.