Do I Need Co2?

[blur411]

I have a 55g planted tank. 32 watt 48 inch t8 lights. My star grass and a few other plants are not doing well, leaves are coming off, or getting clear. Also, I have a small amount of staghorn algae. Should I dose Co2? So far, I am just using tetra floura pride. If I do use Co2, do I have to have that mess of ugly canisters? Can I use the tablets? Or has anyone used this :

Plant Gro CO2 System
http/www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquarium-Plant-Care/I/Plant-Gro-CO2-System.aspx?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=comparison&utm_term=15517690&utm_campaign=shopzilla

Thanks for the help!

 

[TrainRek77]

You can build something like that very easy. It's called a co2 yeast generator. If the plants have been recently planted they may be going through a melt cycle. I've never had staghorn algae before but I understand it can be caused by lack of nutrients. I'm not sure if you have enough light to require co2 yet. You may want to buy an iron test kit and check to make sure you have suitable levels. This is a neat link about one guys problem with staghorn. http/www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?h=staghornalgae
Google diy yeast generator and there are many plans of how to build one very easily and cheaply, that will probably be more effective.

 

[blur411]

Thanks for the help, honestly the site on staghorn didn't make much sense to me as their values were in numbers I dont recognize.
The plants have been in for about two weeks now, does the melt process take longer than that?

 

[TrainRek77]

Yeah, it can take some time. I think it was a month before my plants really look all the way alive. What can happen is the habitat in your aquarium may be different than the one you bought them from. Your water may be harder. The PH may be different or just something about chemistry isn't similar. If that's the case the plant will have to adapt. First, it will shed it's leaves. When it does this they turn clear and fall off. New leaves will start to sprout after that.
I have a hard time following some of the hobbyists that are really involved too.

 

[blur411]

Thanks. I bought some Flourish Excel. I'm giving that a try for the next two weeks, then I will see if I need anything more. Thanks!