How much co2

[kevfiz]

Hi can someone tell me how much co2 I need to an 145 litre tank?

 

[utahfish]

Hi can someone tell me how much co2 I need to an 145 litre tank?

General rule of thumb is between 15-30 ppm
Anything higher is dangerous for fish. Id suggest staying on the low end of that as excess co2 can cause algae, fish death, and deoxygenation.

 

[kevfiz]

Is there a way to test how much is in the water?

 

[utahfish]

Is there a way to test how much is in the water?

I think they have a dropper test kit one can buy that tests Co2

 

[Byron]

Hi can someone tell me how much co2 I need to an 145 litre tank?

This is not easy to answer without knowing the whole picture. I've read through a couple of your earlier threads, and those issues relate here. CO2 is just one of 17 nutrients aquatic plants require, but all of these must be in balance with the light intensity (spectrum also factors in).

Is the queston related to diffused CO2? Or to an aquarium in general? What plant species and how many; different growing speeds mean very different light and nutrient requirements, as was noted in your thread about algae on Anubias for example.

There is considerably more CO2 occurring naturally (primarily from the breakdown of organics in the substrate) than many realize, and adding it can cause serious issues for fish, long-term if not immediate.

Years ago I had a CO2 test, but I could never make anything of it. My plants have always thrived (with no added CO2 in any form) so I stopped worrying about it.

 

[utahfish]

This is not easy to answer without knowing the whole picture. I've read through a couple of your earlier threads, and those issues relate here. CO2 is just one of 17 nutrients aquatic plants require, but all of these must be in balance with the light intensity (spectrum also factors in).

Is the queston related to diffused CO2? Or to an aquarium in general? What plant species and how many; different growing speeds mean very different light and nutrient requirements, as was noted in your thread about algae on Anubias for example.

There is considerably more CO2 occurring naturally (primarily from the breakdown of organics in the substrate) than many realize, and adding it can cause serious issues for fish, long-term if not immediate.

Years ago I had a CO2 test, but I could never make anything of it. My plants have always thrived (with no added CO2 in any form) so I stopped worrying about it.

Yeah i agree with byron, CO2 is a complicated thing, i used to use it as well and never could figure out tests and the amount in ones water is dependant on a bunch of other factors like changing ph and plant up take and light that it was more trouble than it was worth. Most plants wont need the extra co2 to grow, theres enough naturally available but if one wants fast quick growth and has red plants than CO2 can get you there provided you also provide the plants with the matching increase in light intensity and increase in nutrients, high nitrates and phosphates and potassium all which can be harmful to fish.
Most the high tech show tanks one sees online or videos arent suitable for fish theyre suitable for growing plants and the fish are secondary. Theres substantial evidence to suggest that injected/diffused CO2 in a contained aquarium can be harmful to fish so buyer beware. If one is looking to have a grow out show tank then CO2 is a must if one wants a fish tank with some plants co2 is more trouble than its worth.